Help us train underprivileged youth to become world-class software developers in Madagascar, Africa.

About Onja

Onja is a non-profit social enterprise that trains underprivileged youth into world-class software developers.

When our first cohort began in January 2019, students could barely speak English nor use a computer. After three years most are now advanced English speakers and working remotely as software developers in European tech teams.

Instead of low paid menial work, students are beginning exciting careers to support themselves, their families while contributing to the development of their nation (see ‘How Onja Works’ below).

Onja is located in Mahanoro, a peaceful beach town on Madagascar's East Coast. The campus has the feel of a nature retreat: on the outskirts of town, on the beach, and surrounded by beautiful forest, while the town has several nice restaurants and everything you need to be comfortable.

About the Grant Writer Role

Our first cohort contains 19 developers and we plan to train hundreds of students in the coming years. In order to do this, we must attract financial support. We need your help to secure some of this support in the form of grants.

Your responsibilities include:

• Studying and understanding Onja’s model and its impact
• Research grant opportunities
• Develop grant proposals and supporting documents
• Submit proposals to grant coordinators for approval
• Responding to queries on grant applications
• Maintain positive relationships with funding entities and other stakeholders.
• Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities.
• Leading a Rotary international grant application

This is a pivotal role for Onja at this exciting time. We are poised to grow fast and our dream is to train thousands of new students each year. You will be setting the foundations not just for this first cohort but the waves of youth that will follow in future years.

Requirements

• A twelve-month commitment is preferred
• Excellent English communication skills
• Decent writing ability

Benefits

• You’ll join our tight-knit, committed team in Mahanoro, Madagascar.
• We know it’s a big move so we will look after you and make sure you are secure and settled.
• We’ll provide secure, comfortable, beachfront accommodation and food.
• We are able to offer a good monthly stipend – enough to live comfortably and have plenty left over for holidays travels.
• Two weeks holiday every three months.
• You will enjoy a truly Malagasy experience. Mahanoro is far from the tourist trail and our team is predominantly Malagasy. We’ll provide optional weekly lessons to bring you up to speed with the language.
• Your visa will be sponsored.
• Sponsored flights depending on commitment duration.

Start date

We are ready for you now, however often people like time to prepare so we try to allow for three months from the time the contract is signed.

How Onja Works

Onja is a non-profit social enterprise with a sustainable model:

1. Search for brilliant minds who would otherwise be limited to low-paid, unfulfilling careers.

2. Students receive two years of English and software development instruction. Meet a developer here: https://onja.org/student/manjaka/

3. Graduates earn (and continue learning) at our outsourcing enterprise.

4. All profits are used to train the next wave of students and the cycle begins again.

If you like what we are doing, but don’t think you are suitable for this position, please reach out to us nonetheless - we may just have something for you.

Your team: