Institutional programme development manager volunteer roles

What will you be doing?

Candela is a volunteer-run nonprofit. We're growing our funding base in 2026, and this role is about making that happen. Working alongside our directors, you will have the opportunity to:

Sponsorship and funding:

• Identify and approach potential sponsors, starting with companies whose values or sector align with our mission: we teach physics through VR experiences including solar energy and fusion, so there's a natural fit with energy, renewables, and sustainability companies
• Research and apply for relevant grants, particularly in education, STEM access, and social impact
• Help develop and refine our sponsorship packages and pitches for different audiences
• Develop and manage a funding pipeline

Partnerships and relationships:

• Develop relationships with companies who could support us through funding, equipment donations, or employee volunteering
• Explore partnerships with organisations in the energy and sustainability sector who may have CSR budgets or outreach programmes aligned with what we do
• Help us build credibility and visibility with potential supporters

Note: As we're a small team, you'll have real ownership over this area. You can shape the approach based on your own experience and networks.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in fundraising, business development, partnerships, sponsorship, or grant writing - whether professional or through voluntary/community work
• Confidence approaching organisations and building relationships, particularly at a corporate or institutional level
• Strong written communication since you'll be drafting proposals, emails, and applications
• Someone who can commit roughly 3–7 hours per week, with flexibility around your schedule
• Passion for education, equity in STEM, or making technology accessible to young people

Nice to have: a background in energy, renewables, or sustainability, but this isn't essential. What matters most is your ability to build relationships and secure support.

What difference will you make?

By leading on this, you'll be directly contributing to our goals to:

• Educate students aged 14–18 on the real-world applications of physics using VR
• Increase equitable access to super-curricular STEM activities in disadvantaged communities
• Show young people that physics can lead to exciting careers beyond academia

Boys Champions

We equip boys and men with healthier masculinity to prevent gender-based violence and mental health crises.

Senior Grant Writer & Proposal Development Specialist

We are seeking a high-level Grant Writer to support the development of compelling, funder-ready proposals for institutional and global funding opportunities.

What You Will Do

• Lead the drafting and refinement of grant proposals, concept notes, and LOIs
• Translate program ideas into fundable, structured proposals
• Align proposals with specific funder priorities and requirements
• Work closely with leadership to shape narrative, positioning, and evidence
• Ensure clarity, coherence, and competitiveness across all submissions
• Support the development of proposal templates and reusable content

What We Are Looking For

• Proven track record of writing successful grant proposals (this is critical)
• Strong ability to structure ideas into clear, compelling narratives
• Deep understanding of what funders look for
• Ability to work independently with minimal hand-holding
• High attention to detail and deadlines

What We Are Looking For

• Proven track record of writing successful grant proposals (this is critical)
• Strong ability to structure ideas into clear, compelling narratives
• Deep understanding of what funders look for
• Ability to work independently with minimal hand-holding
• High attention to detail and deadlines

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Boys Champions

We equip boys and men with healthier masculinity to prevent gender-based violence and mental health crises.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Specialist

We are looking for a Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist to strengthen how Boys Champions measures, tracks, and communicates its impact.
This role is essential to positioning the organization for large-scale funding and institutional partnerships.

What You Will Do

• Design and refine monitoring and evaluation frameworks across programs
• Develop clear indicators aligned with outcomes (e.g., behavior change, attitude shifts, help-seeking)
• Support data collection systems and tools across program sites
• Analyze program data and generate insights for internal learning and external reporting
• Support the development of impact reports for funders and partners
• Align measurement systems with recognized frameworks

What We Are Looking For

• Experience in monitoring & evaluation, research, or impact measurement
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
• Ability to design practical, field-friendly data systems
• Experience working with nonprofits or social impact programs
• Attention to detail and structured thinking

What Success Looks Like

• Clear, credible, and consistent impact data
• Stronger reporting to funders and stakeholders
• Improved ability to demonstrate outcomes (not just outputs)
• Data-driven program improvements

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.

Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.

The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:

1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda

2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples

3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change

The role of trustees is:

1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.

2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.

3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.

4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.

5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.

6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.

7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).

8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.

Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.

Trustee Responsibilities:

1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.

2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.

3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.

4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.

5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.

Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise

To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership
   Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income.
2. Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
   Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:
   • Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
   • Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
   • Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
   • Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities

This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.

1. Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
   Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches.
2. Committee Leadership & Support
   Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team.
3. Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
   Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:
   • Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
   • Advising on donor strategy and positioning
   • Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
4. Visibility & Advocacy
   Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner.
5. Governance & Accountability
   Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.

Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.

 Senior Fundraising Experience

• A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.

• Sector-Relevant Knowledge
  Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:
  • WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
  • Climate and environmental sustainability
  • Menstrual health and gender equality
  • Rural enterprise and livelihoods
  • International development

Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.

• Network & Influence
  An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.

• Strategic & Commercial Acumen
  The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.