Proposal Writer

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to humanitarian crises and support development efforts, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to helping people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. With a mission to empower individuals and communities, Mercy Corps has a diverse workforce and collaborates with various partners to implement impactful solutions in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The Proposal Writer will be an integral part of the Mercy Corps LAC (Latin America and Caribbean) region team, which is focused on humanitarian and development programming across multiple countries and islands in the region. The role is crucial for enhancing the organization's business development efforts by assisting country teams in crafting high-quality proposals in response to funding opportunities from institutional, multilateral, and private donors. The Proposal Writer will lead the writing of concept notes, full proposals, and cost modification proposals, ensuring that they are competitive and aligned with the needs of the communities served. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including country offices, technical experts, and business development teams, to create proposals that are informed by field research and stakeholder consultations. The Proposal Writer will also be responsible for developing initial log frames and participating in technical design sessions, contributing to the overall success of the proposals submitted.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Proposal Writer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: collaborating with country and regional teams to develop strong technical designs; creating initial log frames and results frameworks; participating in technical design sessions; working closely with the proposal Team Lead to set deadlines and ensure accountability among team members; drafting key technical sections of proposals; responding to feedback and producing quality final drafts for submission; and potentially traveling to country offices and field locations for design sessions and information gathering activities. The role demands a proactive approach to managing proposal development timelines and ensuring the production of high-quality deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a robust set of qualifications, including 5-10 years of experience in program design and proposal development across various sectors and geographic locations, with a particular emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean. A minimum of 2-3 years of field-based program and staff management experience is required, along with proven success in developing winning proposals for US and European institutional donors, multilateral agencies, and private philanthropy. Strong negotiation skills and experience in developing consortia and partnership arrangements for proposal development are essential. The ability to lead teams, manage negotiations, and facilitate planning processes is crucial, as is the capacity to work effectively under tight deadlines and in challenging environments. Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills are mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant degree in international development, public policy, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in proposal writing and program design. A strong understanding of the humanitarian and development sectors, as well as familiarity with the funding landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean, will be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a significant level of experience, specifically 5-10 years in program design and proposal development. This experience should encompass a variety of sectors and geographic locations, with a strong focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. Candidates should also have at least 2-3 years of experience in field-based program management, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex environments and manage diverse teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Professional proficiency in French is preferred, as it may enhance communication with stakeholders in certain regions and broaden the candidate's effectiveness in proposal development.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to last up to 90 days at a time, with the schedule informed by the launches of Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) beginning in January 202

• The Consultant will report to the Deputy Regional Director for the LAC Region and will work closely with various team members, including the LAC Technical Director and global Institutional Donor Engagement team members. The role emphasizes collaboration and engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, and candidates should be prepared to submit a cover letter and CV, detailing their past proposal experiences, including donor information and proposal values.