Search for Common Ground
Title: Associate, Program Development Africa Reports to: Sr Manager, Program Development Africa Department: Global Affairs and Partnerships Team: Africa Program Development Hub
Position Summary
Search for Common Ground is seeking a motivated professional to join its Africa Program Development Hub, a high-performing, diverse and dynamic team based across West, Central and East Africa, as well as Washington D.C., and which leads program development efforts for a diverse portfolio that covers the conflict geographies of the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Great Lakes, the Horn of Africa and the Sudans in over fifteen countries.
Program development commences with scoping and pre-positioning for opportunities and completes with the signing of an award. This involves building program development strategies for conflict geographies, capture planning, proposal writing, and engaging with institutional donors and partners.
The Associate will support project design and the development of program ideas into competitive bids and proposals to secure funding for the region. The Associate will work closely with in-country staff and other Search departments to develop programming that directly responds to the most pressing conflict issues and peacebuilding needs. The Associate will have a particular focus on the Horn of Africa / Swahili Coast but will support other geographies in the portfolio as required.
This position can be based in Washington, D.C., or Brussels
Key Responsibilities
- Supports the creation and implementation of program development strategies.
- Supports the “capture” process (developing partnerships, capture planning).
- Supports the development of winning bids, drafting proposals, and concept notes.
- Supports the team’s knowledge management.
Contributions
- Strategy development: Carries out background research, and record-keeping. Supports strategy processes.
- Business intelligence: Researches and monitors donors. Analyzes funding opportunities. Ensures internal record-keeping.
- Positioning and donor relations: Represents Search in line with positioning efforts. Produces marketing materials.
- Partnerships: Supports partnership discussions. Conducts partner analysis. Ensures knowledge management.
- Go/No-Go decisions: Conducts background research, including competitor analysis.
- Capture planning: Conducts desk reviews. Assembles pre-proposal material. Supports delivery of capture strategy.
- Program design: Provides input and support. Develops background material.
- Proposal development: Drafts specific sections of proposals or concepts. Lead writes supporting material development.
- Proposal reviews: Participates in review teams.
- Knowledge management and training: Ensures proper record-keeping, including in the Grants Management System. Tracks key program development data and prepare reports as requested.
- Other duties that are broadly in line with the above key contributions as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum BA or BS in peace and conflict studies, international relations, African studies, international development, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of professional experience if holding a BA/BS or 1 year if holding a Master’s degree, preferably in international or cross-cultural environments.
- Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in English.
- Working proficiency in French is not required but is a strong asset. Knowledge of other languages (Somali, Swahili, Portuguese) is an asset.
- Interest and knowledge in the field of peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
- Familiarity with the Africa region.
- Familiarity with program design, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Ability to maintain professionalism, creativity, and enthusiasm while working in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment with minimal supervision is key.
- Self-starter, able to work independently, and willing to take on tasks small and large.
- Well-organized, and resourceful with time management and technology to prioritize tasks.
This is a full-time position based in Brussels or Washington D.C. Ability to travel internationally up to 10% of their time, as required.
Type and Nature of Contacts Interacts with others and handles problem situations with tact. Periodic external engagement as requested.
Education and Experience Typically BS/BA with a minimum 3 years experience.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements Usual office environment conditions; ability to travel internationally at least 20%.
Supervisory and Budget Responsibility None