Consultant - Short-Term Proposal Writing - Africa. at Mercy Corps

Purpose / Project Description:

Short-term consultants will provide surge support on key business development initiatives. Short-term consultants are sought for a range of humanitarian and development focused opportunities.

The Consultant will be tasked with working closely with Mercy Corps Country offices and Headquarters teams to design and develop a competitive proposal based on field research, consultations with key internal and external stakeholders, input from technical and business development experts, and a thorough design process.

Consultant Activities/Deliverables:

Responsibilities will include a range of activities related to pre-positioning, leading design workshops, development of strategy and lead writing. Specific responsibilities and deliverables will be tailored to individual business development opportunities and in-country needs.

Timeframe / Schedule: 

Contingent on specific proposal opportunities.

Required Experience & Skills:

• 5-10 years experience in program design and proposal development in a wide variety of sectors and geographic locations.
• At least 2-3 years experience in field-based program and staff management, with regional knowledge of ESA, WCNA regions.
• Preferable experience with emergency as well as development proposal writing
• Masters degree preferred; International Development or Business Science preferred.
• Proven ability to work productively with a wide variety of stakeholders to run both participatory process and also meet tight deadlines with an emphasis on producing quality products.
• Experience with a wide range of donors including USAID and European institutional donors. Familiarity with other donors, including corporate donors, a plus.
• Experience developing and strong understanding of budget and cost proposal submissions, and personnel and staffing requirements for USAID, OFDA, EU (ECHO and DEVCO) and other institutional donor proposals.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience developing multiple-partnership arrangements for proposal development.
• Ability to lead teams, handle negotiations and facilitate planning processes.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and in sparse working environments.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills an absolute must.
• Native-level spoken and written English or Native-level spoken and written French