Proposal Development Specialist

Proposal Development Specialist

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I. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Proposal Development Specialist plays a critical role in supporting WWF-Indonesia’s conservation mission by leading the development of high-quality, competitive funding proposals. This role ensures that strategic conservation programs are effectively translated into well-structured proposals that meet the requirements of various donors, including governments, foundations, multilaterals, and corporate partners.

 

The Proposal Development Specialist plays a key role in supporting the development of program/project designs and proposals for WWF-Indonesia and reports directly to the Program Design and Development Manager. The position is responsible for supporting the development of program/project designs and proposals in accordance with WWF Project and Program Standards.

 

This role has a key function in supporting the organization to achieve WWF Global Conservation Goals and WWF-Indonesia’s Strategic Plan by combining strategic thinking, effective communication, and project management skills when working with donors, partners, and internal stakeholders.

 

II. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Strategy & Planning

  • Support the Strategy & Design Team in developing work plans and strategies, ensuring that WWF’s global and country-level strategic priorities, including the WWF 2030 Global Roadmap and WWF-Indonesia’s 2030 Strategic Plan, are effectively reflected in program and project designs and can be appropriately monitored and verified.
  • Under the guidance of the Program Design and Development Manager, support the development of proposals in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), unsolicited proposals, and other funding opportunities, including conducting initial due diligence to assess donor requirements, eligibility criteria, compliance requirements, and general terms and conditions.
  • Support the development of concept notes, idea notes, and full proposals by referring to relevant strategic planning documents, conservation plans, and landscape- and seascape-level priorities.
  • Conduct and support relevant background research, including literature reviews and desktop research, to inform strategy and program design and strengthen the evidence base for proposals.
  • Review relevant program and project modalities, experiences, and lessons learned to inform proposed strategies and interventions, while identifying opportunities to add value and innovation toward achieving conservation targets.

B. Partnerships & Communication

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including PSP focal points, Partnership & Fundraising teams, and Program teams, to gather relevant information and inputs required for proposal development and identify potential collaboration opportunities.
  • Support the establishment and development of partnerships and engagement with WWF network offices, donor organizations, embassy representatives, multilateral development banks (MDBs), development finance institutions (DFIs), and other relevant stakeholders to foster potential collaboration in conservation and related programs.
  • Maintain effective communication and coordination among relevant teams under the leadership of the Program Design and Development Manager to facilitate timely information exchange, alignment, and implementation of agreed changes and improvements.
  • Support the preparation of materials and information required for donor consultations, partnership discussions, and other external engagement activities.

C. Knowledge & Database Management

  • In close coordination with the Knowledge Management Coordinator, support the proper documentation, organization, and management of project proposals, concept notes, and funding pipeline information to track progress and inform timely follow-up actions.
  • In close coordination with PMEL representatives, identify, document, and synthesize relevant program and project modalities, experiences, results, and lessons learned to strengthen WWF-Indonesia’s organizational knowledge and demonstrate its qualifications and track record for proposal development and donor engagement.
  • In close coordination with the Program Design and Development Manager, Program teams, and PMEL representatives, support the development of presentations and other communication materials required for donor engagement, consultations, and partnership building.

D. Reporting & Coordination

  • Report directly to the Program Design and Development Manager.
  • Coordinate closely with relevant teams within the Program Design and Development Directorate and other directorates across WWF-Indonesia to facilitate effective program design, proposal development, information sharing, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Provide regular updates on proposal development activities, funding opportunities, pipeline status, and other relevant assignments to the Program Design and Development Manager.

E. Reporting Authority & Working Relationships

Internal Working Relationships:

  • Program Design and Development Directorate
  • PMEL and Data Management
  • Conservation and Thematic Program Teams (Landscape/Seascape Team, Practice Team, and Program Advisors)
  • People & Culture
  • Finance and Grants

External Working Relationships:

  • WWF Network Offices
  • Donor Organizations
  • Government Partners
  • CSO Partners
  • Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)
  • Private Sector Partners

 

III. REQUIREMENTS

To be successful in delivering the above-mentioned responsibilities and contributing to the organization’s goals, the successful candidate must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Conservation Management, Climate Change, or a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in conservation, natural resource management, environmental management, climate change, program/project development, proposal development, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing concept notes, funding proposals, and/or donor submissions, preferably for international organizations, development partners, or conservation programs.
  • Demonstrated experience in program/project design, including the ability to translate strategic priorities, evidence, and conservation needs into practical interventions and compelling funding proposals.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying environmental and social safeguarding policies and principles, including gender equality and social inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and participatory approaches to project management.
  • Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships and stakeholder engagement with international organizations, government institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), universities, private-sector organizations, and other relevant stakeholders in conservation and related fields.
  • Experience in working with PMEL, knowledge management, lessons learned, and evidence-based program development is an advantage.
  • Good understanding of inclusive conservation principles and rights-based approaches to natural resource management.
  • Strong understanding of Indonesia’s development context, particularly in relation to conservation and sustainable development.
  • Good understanding of donor requirements, compliance considerations, and funding mechanisms, with the ability to assess and respond to different donor priorities and requirements.
  • Strong research, analytical, writing, and information-synthesis skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear and compelling proposals and communication materials.
  • Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment where strategies, priorities, operations, and donor expectations may continuously evolve.
  • Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen actively, build trust, and work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and functions.
  • Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, learning, and continuous improvement.
  • Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively across teams.
  • Strong commitment to WWF’s conservation mission, values, and principles, including sustainability, integrity, inclusiveness, and respect for people and nature.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant digital tools for project design, collaboration, visualization, and project management, such as Mural, Miro, Padlet, AI-assisted tools such as ChatGPT, and project management software.
  • Proven communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills, particularly in a multilateral or multi-stakeholder context.
  • Excellent written and spoken English and Bahasa Indonesia.
  • Demonstrated ability to listen actively, build trust, and foster collaboration and mutual respect across teams and with external partners.

 

At Yayasan WWF Indonesia we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community, and we offer a range of benefits to encourage a work life balance.

 

Please submit your application by clicking the Apply button below or sending your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to vacancy@wwf.id with the subject “Position Title – Name” no later than September 4th, 2026.

 

We encourage early applications, as this vacancy may close prior to the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.

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