About Onja
Onja trains underprivileged youth into world-class software developers. Our organisation is unified by a common mission: give life-changing work through sustainable social enterprise.
We are recognised for our innovative model that finds exceptional talent where opportunity is scarce, invests in its development, and connects it directly to the global tech economy. Through an intensive two-and-a-half-year program, we co-create pathways to long-term social and economic stability that prioritise self-reliance.
We operate as one integrated organisation, where education, hiring, and partner collaboration work together to deliver high-performing tech talent with lasting social impact. Onja developers invest in their own futures and in their nation’s development, while ensuring Onja remains self-funding and scalable, paying forward opportunities to the next generation.
Onja is located in Toamasina, a lively city with beautiful beaches, nice restaurants, and with plenty to do and see. Toamasina is Madagascar’s second largest city (population 300,000) yet is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty, and even has a national park nearby.
About the Role
Fundraising is a top priority at Onja this year. With a fully self-funded software development pathway, we are looking to secure growth capital to scale this model and extend the life-changing opportunities it creates to more underprivileged Malagasy youth.
Your mission as Grant Writer will be to identify funding opportunities and develop compelling grant applications to help secure this funding.
You'll be part of a small team working on meaningful, high-impact initiatives. At Onja, we hire for skills, attitude, and cultural fit over specific qualifications, so a willingness to learn and grow is what matters most. As fundraising is a relatively new function at Onja, the team currently sits within Communications. However, you'll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Enterprise, Finance, and Leadership teams, to gather insights and develop strong grant applications.
We believe in hiring based on potential, attitude and cultural fit rather than specific qualifications.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Study and understand Onja's model and its impact
- Research and qualify grant opportunities
- Assist the Fundraising team in developing and submitting grant proposals
- Participate in a Rotary International grant application
- Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities
- Undertake other tasks as assigned by the supervisor
Requirements:
- English level C1 minimum
- Strong writing skills
- Attention to detail
- Good communicator and professional
- Ability to understand and articulate Onja's model and impact
- Some experience with social entrepreneurship, social work, or volunteering
- Grant writing experience preferred, though willingness to learn is most important
A writing sample or proposal sample may be required from the candidates at any stage of the hiring process.
Candidates can anticipate that reference checks will be conducted as part of our thorough evaluation process.
Why work with us:
- Do impactful work: Working with Onja gives you the ability to make a real tangible difference with your work, and have a deep sense of purpose in your every-day. Our mission is to nurture talented, underprivileged youth to lead impactful careers in tech, unlock opportunities for others and accelerate Madagascar's development.
- Grow your skills fast: As a young fast-growing startup we are all in “over our head” and this is a great place to grow. You will be challenged but you’ll also be part of a very supportive team and caring environment. Our social model is innovative with exciting potential to scale, so there is a great opportunity for you to grow your career along with us.
- Work with very talented individuals who are very socially inclined: At Onja you’ll join a community of talented and passionate people from around Madagascar and the world.
How Onja Works:
Onja is a social enterprise with a sustainable model:
- Search for brilliant minds who would otherwise be limited to low-paid, unfulfilling careers.
- Students receive two years of English and software development instruction. Meet a developer here: https://onja.org/blog
- Graduates earn (and continue learning) at our outsourcing enterprise.
- All profits are used to train the next wave of students and the cycle begins again.
Skills Required
- Twelve month commitment
- English level C1 minimum
- Strong writing skills
- Attention to detail
- Good communicator and professional
- Ability to understand and articulate Onja's model and impact
- Some experience with social entrepreneurship, social work, or volunteering
- Grant writing experience
- Willingness to learn and grow in the role
What We Do
We train talented, underprivileged youth into world-class software developers. Pronounced Oon-za, Onja means ‘waves’ in the Malagasy language
