Sample cover letter for Full Time position at WaterAid

I have recently graduated with a Master’s degree in African Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Loughborough University. I also have basic written and spoken French language proficiency.

I have impressive English oral and written skills demonstrated by over three years of local and international experience acquired in advocacy, campaigns and administration roles for EveryChild, Christian Aid (London) and Thrive Africa (UK & Ghana). These experiences have allowed me to communicate with various people through written communication, meetings, social media, and organising events and campaigns. As a result, I am able to adapt my writing style to suit the intended audience. At EveryChild, I wrote and presented progress reports from M&E findings for donors. I also maintained a thanking process to supporters and key donors and produced briefing notes. In addition, at Christian Aid, I hosted fundraising events and produced written content for the website and intranet. These experiences have required coherent oral and meticulous writing skills, devoid of errors.

At EveryChild, I assisted with campaign development by writing and producing briefing notes. The notes updated other staff members on important matters and decisions for campaigns and supporter communication. It was requisite that the drafts were clear, coherent and concise, identifying key issues and proposing logical solutions.

Whilst studying, I learnt of the factors hindering sustainability within the WASH sector. Firstly, the limitations faced by communities, local government, institutions and service providers to manage systems efficiently and sustainably. Secondly, the lack of financial revenue required to establish infrastructure and proper maintenance. Lastly, the implementation and delivery of WASH services repeating previous mistakes.

My previous experiences are indicative of my passion and commitment to social justice and development issues. I have engaged and influenced a wide range of people in the UK and overseas, raising awareness of development issues seeking to evoke positive and sustainable social change.

Working with Thrive Africa in Ghana, I supported advocacy programmes in schools, developing activities for HIV & AIDS awareness. I worked with youth ambassadors and local community health partners advocating for policy change, hosting events and uplifting youth leadership through local media. This helped to strengthen my facilitation skills through the training and supporting of youth delegates to engage in policy forums. My academic choices also reflect my commitment to social justice. My Master’s dissertation provided a critical review of Rwanda’s rural development and guiding policies, suggesting ways in which Rwandan development could be more inclusive and ‘pro-poor’.

At EveryChild I conducted campaigns analysis. For this, I had to break down complex campaigns data into comprehensible sections. In addition, I used Microsoft Excel to create visual diagrams highlighting response rates, average gift donation, actual income, variance, net income, and return on investment.

At EveryChild I oversaw the banking procedure and processed monetary donations to support the regular payment transmission processes of up to £3,500,000. I also processed invoices and produced weekly reports monitoring campaign income and expenditure. This required first class numerical and analytical skills.

I am able and willing to travel to country programmes as required. I have previous experience visiting country programmes working with Thrive Africa.

I am able to work with minimum supervision whilst keeping to short deadlines. In doing so, I have learnt how to be pro-active and manage tasks independently and efficiently. I am capable of making informed decisions, identifying opportunities to further develop group projects. I have been commended previously on my ability in knowing when to do so successfully.

I have noble time management skills and am able to prioritise multiple, competing tasks. At EveryChild, I assisted the Fundraising and Supporter Care team simultaneously, supporting the demands of twelve colleagues. This required good prioritisation and organisation of tasks to ensure they were all completed. In addition, whilst studying, managing time and prioritising equally-important competing tasks was imperative for adhering to deadlines.

Accountability – I am always looking for ways to improve efficiency in my work through e.g. taking short personal development courses.

Respect – I am able to treat colleagues and supporters with respect irrespective of their background, religion, sexuality, disability or gender.

Courage – My courage enables me to face setbacks with enthusiasm and resilience. It also empowers me in public speaking and adapting to new circumstances.

Collaboration – I am able to work amicably with other colleagues to reach goals.

Innovation – I am always thinking of new ways to do things and improve my quality of work.

Integrity – Wherever I have worked, I have sought to uphold my own and the organisation’s moral principles in my work and interactions.