Bid Writer (Volunteer)

Join Quilombo UK as a Bid Writer Assistant, helping develop funding bids that foster community cohesion, unite diverse cultures, challenge racial bias and promote inclusion. Develop your writing and research skills whilst contributing to meaningful community change.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking a motivated Bid Writer Assistant to help develop funding proposals that support Quilombo UK's work to build community cohesion and promote unity, inclusion and understanding.

Quilombo UK is a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise that uses creative thinking to bring different cultures together. We work with local organisations to deliver training, workshops and events that promote unity and tolerance, while also conducting research and delivering workplace workshops that challenge racial bias, stereotyping and unconscious bias.

As a Bid Writer Assistant, you will support the manager in turning ideas, research and information into clear and compelling funding applications. You will help develop bid ideas, organise supporting information, write and edit applications, maintain bid plans and work with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to produce strong bid responses and reports. You will also have opportunities to contribute ideas to our wider development strategy and support the team with related administrative tasks.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain practical Third Sector experience, strengthen their writing and research skills, and contribute to work that aims to make a positive difference in communities. The role offers flexibility, autonomy and training to support your development.

What are we looking for?

Main Responsibilities

• Support the manager in preparing funding proposals that help Quilombo UK develop and establish its work, turning ideas and information into clear and compelling bid applications.
• Develop ideas for funding bids in line with the organisation's established strategy.
• Research, collect and organise the information required for funding applications.
• Write funding applications for a range of projects and objectives.
• Review and edit previously written content where required.
• Maintain a bid plan and help ensure applications are reviewed, approved and submitted by the required deadlines.
• Collaborate with team members, partners and stakeholders to produce strong bid responses and reports.
• Develop compelling content, clear key messages and relevant win themes.
• Assist with establishing development strategies and contribute ideas that support the organisation's wider objectives.
• Organise meetings and appointments and provide wider administrative support to the team.
• Support the organisation of events and conferences.
• Manage databases and help implement and maintain administrative systems and procedures.
• Liaise with staff and contribute views, ideas and suggestions during staff and internal meetings.
• Carry out other tasks that support the team and its objectives.
• Commit to the 16-week unpaid Professional Development Programme, with a minimum of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Work with flexibility and autonomy, undertaking specific training where required to support your development.

Desired Skills

• Excellent writing skills and a strong understanding of narrative.
• Good research skills and some understanding of research processes.
• Strong organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Professional approach and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel is desirable; support will be provided where necessary.
• A commitment to working with the community and a passion for helping others.
• Ability to work collaboratively while taking initiative and contributing ideas.
• Willingness to learn, develop skills and make a positive contribution to Quilombo UK.Please note that you must be based in the UK, have access to a computer with a strong, stable internet connect, and be able to commit to 12 hours a week for the 16 week programme.

What difference will you make?

Your contribution as a Bid Writer Assistant will directly support Quilombo UK's efforts to develop funding proposals and secure opportunities that help the organisation further establish and develop its work. By researching, organising information and producing clear and compelling bid content, you will help strengthen the quality and effectiveness of funding applications.

Quilombo UK is a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise focused on building community cohesion through creative thinking. The organisation works with local organisations to deliver training programmes, workshops and events that promote unity and tolerance. It also conducts research to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping and delivers workplace workshops on unconscious bias.

Your work will therefore contribute to an organisation focused on bringing different cultures together, sharing learning and promoting more inclusive communities. Stronger bids can help Quilombo UK communicate its ideas clearly, demonstrate the value of its work and support the development of future projects and programmes.

The role also provides additional capacity within the team by supporting bid planning, research, administration, reporting and collaboration with staff, partners and stakeholders. This helps the organisation keep information organised, meet submission deadlines and maintain a structured approach to developing proposals.

By volunteering in this role, you will be contributing your writing, research, organisation and communication skills to work that aims to promote community cohesion, unity, tolerance and greater understanding. At the same time, the role offers you the opportunity to gain practical Third Sector experience and develop your professional skills through real responsibilities, flexibility and training.