Holocene is seeking an experienced, proven grant writer to unlock non-dilutive funding opportunities for our portfolio of African climate tech startups as well as Holocene. Working alongside our post-investment support team, you'll be responsible for identifying relevant grant opportunities, crafting compelling applications, and building relationships with grant-giving organizations across the climate tech ecosystem.As our outsourced Grant Writer, you'll be the funding catalyst for our portfolio companies. You'll work directly with founders to understand their businesses, translate technical innovation into compelling narratives, and navigate the complex world of grant funding. You'll create immense value for startups by securing critical non-dilutive capital that accelerates their growth and impact. You'll build and maintain relationships with foundations, development finance institutions, government agencies, and climate funds to ensure our portfolio companies have access to the best funding opportunities. Best of all - you'll be focused on accelerating the growth and impact of African climate tech.You'll have an opportunity to work alongside a world-class team of post-investment professionals supporting some of Africa's most promising climate tech companies. This is a rare chance to create scalable climate impact while leveraging your writing and relationship-building skills to unlock millions in grant funding.The ideal candidate will have proven experience writing successful grant applications for African startups, with a track record of securing funding. Experience in climate tech, clean energy, or sustainability sectors is highly valued but not required. You'll thrive on translating complex technical concepts into compelling stories, managing multiple applications simultaneously, and building authentic relationships with funders. Exceptional writing skills, attention to detail, and project management abilities are essential. A deep curiosity about climate tech and passion for supporting entrepreneurs are par for the course. The outcome will be substantial funding secured for portfolio companies and direct climate impact.If you're keen to put your writing and relationship-building skills to use as part of a fun, outdoor-loving, mission-driven startup team, then this is the role for you.<h2>Position details</h2>Position: Grant Writer (Contractor)Hours: 12-month consulting contract with 3 month probationary period, flexible work hoursReporting: Reports to Head of PortfolioCompensation: $500 - 1,000 monthly retainer + performance-based success feesLocation: Remote with ability to work across African time zones preferred&nbsp;Start date: 1 February 2026 or earlier<h2>Responsibilities</h2><h3>Grant opportunity identification and research</h3>Continuously research and identify relevant grant opportunities from foundations, development finance institutions, government agencies, climate funds, and international donors. Build and maintain a comprehensive database of funding opportunities tailored to our portfolio companies' sectors and stages. Stay informed on new funding programs and application cycles.<h3>Grant writing and application management</h3>Craft compelling, high-quality grant applications that articulate portfolio companies' vision, impact, and funding needs. Work directly with founders to gather necessary information, financials, and supporting documentation. Manage the complete application process from initial research through submission, including budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements. Ensure all applications meet funder requirements and deadlines.<h3>Relationship building and stakeholder engagement</h3>Build and nurture relationships with program officers, foundation representatives, and decision-makers at grant-giving organizations. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, and networking events to expand funder relationships. Facilitate introductions between portfolio companies and funding organizations. Maintain ongoing communication with funders to understand their priorities and requirements.<h3>Portfolio support and coordination</h3>Coordinate with multiple portfolio companies simultaneously to understand their funding needs and priorities. Develop compelling narratives that highlight each company's unique value proposition and climate impact. Track application status, follow up on submissions, and report outcomes to the Holocene team. Share best practices and learnings across the portfolio.<h3>Grant pipeline management</h3>Maintain a robust pipeline of grant opportunities for each portfolio company. Track application deadlines, requirements, and success rates. Provide regular updates to the Holocene team on funding pipeline and secured grants. Optimize grant strategy based on success rates and portfolio company needs.<h2>Qualifications and experience</h2><ul><li>Passion or curiosity about climate, entrepreneurship and startups in Africa.</li><li>Proven track record writing successful grant applications for African startups, with demonstrable results (funding secured).</li><li>3+ years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, or development roles.</li><li>Experience in climate tech, clean energy, sustainability, or related sectors is highly valued but not required.</li><li>Strong understanding of the African startup ecosystem and funding landscape.</li><li>Familiarity with major climate funders, development finance institutions, and grant-giving organizations.</li><li>Experience working with early-stage companies and translating technical concepts into accessible narratives.</li></ul><h2>Skills</h2><ul><li>Exceptional writing skills with ability to craft compelling, clear, and persuasive narratives.</li><li>Strong research abilities and attention to detail in identifying relevant opportunities and meeting application requirements.</li><li>Excellent project management skills including ability to manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously.</li><li>Relationship-building skills with ability to establish credibility and trust with funders and portfolio companies.</li><li>Self-starter who works independently with minimal supervision in a remote environment.</li><li>Highly organized with a systematic approach to tracking opportunities, deadlines, and outcomes.</li><li>Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with founders and technical teams.</li><li>Results-oriented mindset with focus on securing funding outcomes.</li></ul>

Holocene is Southern Africa's leading early stage climate tech investor located in Cape Town, South Africa and investing across the African continent.

Grant Writer

About the Job

About the Company

Holocene Ventures

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