Grant Writer (Institutional Fundraising) (gn)

Berlin, Köln, Sassenberg / hybrid

urgewald e.V.

urgewald is a German NGO which provides global data infrastructure for climate-aligned finance and fights against the money flows that fund the destruction of nature, people, and planet. We believe that information is power which is why we run open access databases on the key culprits behind the climate crisis. Used by hundreds of organizations around the world – from financial institutions to civil society organizations – our databases on coal, oil, and gas companies help stop financial flows for new fossil fuel projects. Our campaign teams create iconic campaigns and work with civil society partners worldwide to prompt financial institutions to divest from harmful companies. Founded in 1992, urgewald now employs more than 70 people in its offices in Sassenberg, Cologne and Berlin.

The environmental and human rights NGO urgewald is looking for a talented

Grant writer (gn)

to join its Institutional Fundraising team. Success in this role requires native-level English proficiency, excellent writing skills, experience in crafting successful grant proposals, and a gift for translating technical expertise into engaging, easy-to-understand written pieces.

Basic conditions

• Working hours: 30–38.5 hours/week
• Place of work: Negotiable, ideally based in Germany (Berlin, Cologne, Sassenberg)
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Contract type: One-year fixed-term contract initially, with the intention of making the position permanent.

Main responsibilities

urgewald’s Institutional Fundraising is a small but mighty team of three people raising a substantial proportion of urgewald’s USD 7m annual budget by developing and maintaining funding partnerships with international climate foundations. Your main responsibility is the creation of compelling proposals and reporting to foundations that highlight urgewald’s impact, successes, and potential. Working closely with urgewald’s experts, you will make their expertise truly shine in written outputs. You will also work with different teams to turn their best ideas into fundable proposals. By regularly updating and networking with foundation staff, you build warm relationships with funding partners and translate their strategic interests and funding priorities into impactful projects that change the world.

We are looking for people

• With native-level English proficiency
• With excellent writing skills and a discerning eye for good writing
• Who have some experience in writing winning grant proposals
• Who can translate complex, technical expertise and sometimes dry topics into engaging writing that is easy to understand (e.g. science communication)
• Who can write in a wide variety of styles – from engaging and accessible to more technical and polished
• Who are very proactive, work independently and successfully manage their own tasks and workload
• Who are kind and collaborate closely with individuals and teams
• Who can organize and coordinate complex writing projects across teams
• Who stay calm under pressure when working towards high-stakes deadlines
• Who flexibly adapt to fluctuating workloads
• Who build strong connections with others and are comfortable with the occasional cold outreach
• Who give and incorporate constructive feedback to improve shared work and achieve the best possible results
• Who are dedicated to the mission of urgewald

Bonus skills

• Topics: Climate, finance, policy, human rights, international development, data, advocacy/campaigning, or biodiversity
• Fundraising: Institutional fundraising, major giving, or legacy giving
• Project design: Conceptualizing, structuring and packaging projects
• Measurement, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): Measuring, validating and communicating qualitative and/or quantitative impact
• Graphic design: Creating infographics and presentation slides
• Event management: Dissemination, organization, participant management
• Writing for social media, especially LinkedIn

What urgewald offers

• An impactful contribution to global climate action
• A friendly and supportive work environment in a highly dedicated team
• Flexible working hours and the option to work remotely
• If based in Germany: Corporate benefits like a contribution to the public transport ticket and Urban Sports Club

Your application

Please include:

• Cover letter and CV
• One writing sample that you are proud of – 100% your own writing, not AI
• Employers’ references and degree certificate(s) (if applicable)
• Attaching a photo is not necessary.

As we hire on a rolling basis, chances are higher for early applicants. We plan to conduct most interviews in November 2026.

We value diversity and equal opportunities, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or social/religious background.
If you do not fulfill all criteria mentioned above, we still encourage you to apply.

Contact
Anne Beckmann (HR), Nora Kroeger (Institutional Fundraising), Heffa Schücking (Managing Director)
E-Mail: bewerbung@urgewald.org
Subject: Grant Writer 2026
https://urgewald.org

• Anstellungsart: Befristetes Arbeitsverhältnis
• Arbeitszeit: Flexibel, 30 h/Woche