Position Summary

The Programme Development Intern will support the National Director and Programme

Development function in identifying new funding opportunities, strengthening donor

engagement processes, coordinating business development administration, and supporting

project start-up and pre-mobilisation activities.

This internship offers an excellent opportunity for young professionals and students seeking

practical experience in programme development within the international development sector.

While prior proposal writing experience is desirable, it is not mandatory. Successful

candidates should demonstrate strong writing and analytical skills, attention to detail, curiosity,

and a willingness to learn. TDS-SL is committed to investing in the intern's professional

development through structured mentoring and exposure to programme design, donor

engagement, proposal development, and grants management processes.

Applications are welcome from candidates based in Sierra Leone as well as International

Students studying abroad or have completed studies and who are available to work remotely.

Purpose of the Internship

The internship aims to strengthen TDS-SL's programme development capacity by supporting

business development planning, donor intelligence, funding opportunity tracking, proposalcoordination, and pre-award processes while providing practical learning opportunities for

aspiring development professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Funding Opportunity Tracking

• Conduct continuous scanning and tracking of funding opportunities from bilateral,

multilateral, philanthropic, corporate, and private foundations.

• Monitor donor websites, procurement portals, grant platforms, and development

networks for relevant opportunities.

• Analyse funding calls and summarize eligibility requirements, deadlines, and strategic

considerations.

• Prepare weekly funding opportunity updates for management.

Business Development Administration

• Serve as the administrative focal point for programme development and business

development processes.

• Maintain programme development calendars and proposal trackers.

• Organise proposal files, donor documents, templates, and supporting resources.

• Coordinate internal proposal timelines and follow up on agreed actions.

Capture Planning

• Maintain and regularly update the TDS-SL Capture Planning Tool.

• Track pipeline opportunities from identification through submission and award stages.

• Support opportunity prioritisation discussions.

• Ensure accurate recording of donor engagement activities and proposal status.

Donor Engagement Support

• Prepare donor briefing notes and organisational profiles for meetings.

• Develop background research and intelligence on prospective donors.

• Draft positioning emails and introductory correspondence.

• Support scheduling and coordination of donor meetings.

• Maintain records of donor engagements and follow-up actions.

• Track responses and support relationship management activities.

Programme Development Support

• Support proposal preparation through research, document compilation, editing,

formatting, referencing, and quality assurance.

• Assist with literature reviews, context analysis, and background research.

• Contribute to organisational capability statements and project summaries.

• Support development of concept notes and proposal annexes.

Project Pre-Mobilisation and Start up

• Support the Executive Director during project start-up and mobilisation processes.

• Assist in preparing project start-up documentation.

• Coordinate collection of project documentation and compliance requirements.• Support inception planning and project launch activities.

Knowledge Management

• Maintain updated organisational programme information.

• Archive completed proposals and donor submissions.

• Document lessons learned and good practices from proposal development processes.

• Support development of institutional knowledge products.

Learning and Professional Development

Throughout the internship, the successful candidate will receive mentoring and practical

exposure in:

• Programme design

• Proposal development

• Donor mapping

• Capture planning

• Grant management

• Partnership development

• Business development strategy

• Peacebuilding programming

Minimum Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree (completed or in progress) in International Development, Political

Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Public Administration,

Communications, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, or

another relevant discipline.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Strong research and analytical skills.

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated interest in international development, peacebuilding, governance, media,

or humanitarian programming.

Desirable

• Previous internship or volunteer experience with an NGO, Peacebuilding organisation,

or research institution.

• Experience conducting desk research.

• Familiarity with donor-funded programmes.

• Experience using project management or collaboration tools.

• Knowledge of proposal development processes.

• Experience supporting grants administration.Note: Previous proposal writing experience is not required. Candidates must demonstrate a

strong willingness to learn and develop programme development competencies.

Personal Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent organisational skills

• Strong analytical thinking

• Initiative and creativity

• Curiosity and willingness to learn

• Professionalism and integrity

• Ability to work under tight deadlines

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Strong written communication

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Teamwork and collaboration

What TDS-SL Offers

This internship provides structured professional development through direct mentoring by

senior leadership and exposure to the full programme development cycle. Interns will gain

practical experience in:

• Donor intelligence and funding landscape analysis

• Programme design and proposal development

• Donor engagement and relationship management

• Capture planning and pipeline management

• Project start-up and mobilisation

• Grants administration

• Business development strategy

• International NGO programme management

Note: Outstanding interns may be considered for future consultancy or employment

opportunities subject to organisational needs and funding availability.

Location and Working Arrangements

This position is open to applicants residing in Sierra Leone and to Sierra Leonean students or

International Students studying/completed studies abroad who can work remotely. Flexible

hybrid working arrangements may be considered based on the successful candidate's location

and availability.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit:

1. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).

2. A one-page cover letter outlining their interest in programme development, relevant

experience, availability, and motivation for joining TDS-SL.

3. A brief writing sample (maximum two pages), such as a research brief, analytical

paper, or other original written work in English.

4. Submit applications to: talkingdrumstudio@tds-sierraleone.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.