CAWST is a Canadian charity and licensed engineering firm. We address the global need for safe drinking water and sanitation by building local knowledge and skills on household solutions people can implement themselves.

At the heart of everything we do is our belief that when people have their basic water and sanitation needs met, they have the opportunity to succeed. This is what drives our dedicated team to work with a global network of more than 1,500 clients and partners. Together, we have reached over 50 million people since our inception in 2001.

Collectively, we are making a difference at a scale beyond what any of us could do individually. But our job isn't done yet and we need you to help us expand our reach.

CAWST is looking for a Business Development Advisor to help secure and manage the funding partnerships that drive our mission forward. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role where you will be responsible for the full cycle of revenue generation and management, from crafting persuasive proposals to managing grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with precision and care.

You will work closely with the Manager, Global Partnerships and collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality, on-time submissions and reporting, while ensuring compliance with both funder and organizational requirements. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and committed to delivering accurate, polished work within deadlines. If you thrive on building strong relationships and are motivated by clear, professional execution, this is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible global impact.

Location: CAWST is based in Calgary, Alberta

Employment Type: Full-time, permanent

Reports to: Manager, Global Partnerships

Applicants must have valid Canadian work authorization to be considered for this role (e.g. open work permit, permanent residency, or citizenship). If you are not located in Canada, please specify your Canadian work authorization type in your cover letter.

Specific Areas of Responsibility:

1. Business Development, Grant Applications and Proposal Development:

   • Develop high value proposals to renew and grow existing projects and build new opportunities

   • Support the Manager, Global Partnerships, and other departments to draft and submit high-quality grant proposals.

   • Coordinate cross-functional teams to assemble the required documents and reports for grant submissions.

   • Provide data and support for the development of concept notes and proposals.

2. Funder Relationship Management:

   • Build and maintain relationships with grant officers and funder representatives to foster long-term partnerships.

   • Serve as the primary point of contact for funders regarding grant reporting and financial oversight.

   • Address funder inquiries and requests, ensuring clear, timely, and professional communication.

3. Grant Management and Compliance:

   • Meet reporting deadlines, renewal dates, and compliance requirements for all active grants.

   • Ensure timely submission of all required reports, working closely with finance, program, and partnerships teams.

   • Monitor grant spending to ensure compliance with funder requirements and organizational policies.

   • Keep abreast of changes in funder regulations and communicate necessary adjustments to the team.

   • Steward existing grants and supporting development of new business.

4. Internal Collaboration:

   • Work closely with the finance team to ensure that grant budgets are being accurately tracked and reported.

   • Provide training and guidance to internal teams on grant compliance, reporting, and funder expectations.

   • Assist in the development of processes and systems to improve grant management efficiency within CAWST.

Any other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Manager, Global Partnerships

What You'll Need to Succeed (Must-Haves):

• Undergraduate degree in economics, business, or related field

• 3+ years of business development and/or project management experience
  Strong interest or experience in international development

• Passion for working in nonprofit or NGO environments

Bonus Points If You Have (Nice-to-Haves):

• Experience writing grants and proposals (3+ years)

• Experience managing large institutional grants

• Familiarity with institutional funders like Global Affairs Canada or International Financial Institutions

Languages

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; written and verbal fluency in Spanish or French would be an asset

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Strong proficiency in MS Office and CRM Systems

• Organized, self-directed, and able to work independently

• Service-oriented; consistently seeks to provide a high level of professional service to clients and colleagues

• Easily and quickly establishes credibility with clients and other stakeholders

• Professional and diplomatic approach; works well independently, within teams, and across teams

• Able to manage cross-cultural and cross-lingual relationships and situations

Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment: In-office (Monday - Wednesday) & Remote (Thursday - Friday, when possible), with flexibility for in-person meetings and events. Please note that this role may require more than three days per week in-office on a regular basis, so remote days are not guaranteed.

Benefits of Working at CAWST

• A meaningful role, making a difference every day for people living without basic water and sanitation.

• A workplace culture where collaboration and innovation are fostered.

• Rich on-the-job experiences and professional development opportunities.

• Strong promotion of work-life balance and flexible work environment.

When applying, please include:

• A cover letter that tells us more about you past what we can see on your resume, and why you are excited to work with CAWST. We will not consider your application unless this is included.

  • Please note: We would rather read a note from YOU than a formal letter from ChatGPT!

• Your resume.

CAWST values equitable opportunities, sustainable solutions, and collaborative and inclusive processes. CAWST recognizes and accepts differences in cultural, religious, and political processes and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.