CALL FOR CVs: Consultants – Proposal Writers and Program Development Specialists – Myanmar

  • Contractor
  • Myanmar
  • TBD USD / Year
  • Mercy Corps profile




  • Job applications may no longer being accepted for this opportunity.


Mercy Corps

*** Selected consultants will be part of Mercy Corps’ retainer and will not be guaranteed a job. Consultants who have applied to previous calls are encouraged to resubmit their application.

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps began working in Myanmar in 2008 to help communities recover from the devastating damage of Cyclone Nargis. Our overarching goal is to enable communities to determine their future through inclusive and equitable access to opportunities, leading to peace and prosperity. We approach our work through a resilience lens, to ensure households and communities are able to manage a myriad of shocks and stresses that threaten these outcomes.

General Summary

Mercy Corps has a continual need to increase capacity to respond and proactively prepare for program development opportunities. This is particularly true for complex or otherwise highly strategic submissions to major institutional donors. As such, Mercy Corps is looking to build a roster of seasoned proposal development specialists and proposal writers who can work closely with the Myanmar Country team and their partners to produce high-quality proposals and concept notes. Successful candidates will be placed on a time-bound retainer. MCM will be using this roster for a total period of 12 months, after which it will be renewed. MCM will engage consultants on an as-needed basis to develop concepts/proposals.

Given the nature of MCM’s existing portfolio, program development specialists and proposal writers with a strong background in the following technical sectors are especially encouraged to submit their CVs: humanitarian response (especially cash & voucher assistance), agriculture, market systems development, energy, peacebuilding, and climate change resilience.

A two-step process will be used to make a selection: review of a short letter of interest / CV; and interview.

Consultant Activities

Consultancies for specific funding opportunities may involve changes to the details listed below, however in general Mercy Corps seeks candidates who can perform well at a range of program development and proposal writing activities, such as:

OPPORTUNITY SCOPING

  • Work with Mercy Corps teams to review and evaluate funding opportunities, specific calls for proposal and other solicitations;
  • Review all available information on donor strategy to ensure a match with country and/or regional objectives and programmatic priorities;
  • Identify key donor requirements and regulations, necessary outcomes and limitations of possible funding.

RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENTS

  • Desk review of existing literature and external research on key topic areas, including any prior analysis by Mercy Corps or descriptions of previous relevant programs;
  • Identify and evaluate relevant methodologies, best practices and lessons from a diverse range of stakeholders, organizations, and technical experts;
  • Meet with Mercy Corps staff and partners to understand context and strategy, and conduct interviews with key stakeholders as needed and identified by Mercy Corps teams;
  • In coordination with the country team, design relevant rapid field assessments to gather essential design data using qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies as appropriate;
  • Identify and map potential program partners or other collaborators to connect Mercy Corps with the appropriate ideas and resources;
  • Summarize or condense findings to provide a clear basis for proposed interventions and context.

PROGRAM DESIGN

  • Facilitate or participate in planning or design workshops to define program objectives and leverage the insight, experience and knowledge of Mercy Corps teams;
  • Identify and raise relevant preconditions, risks and assumptions;
  • Contribute to the development of a theory of change, logical framework, M&E plan, potential programmatic activities, and management and operational structures;
  • Identify opportunities to incorporate cross-cutting issues and added-value elements into the program design;
  • Collate design ideas into a concrete design that addresses donor objectives and requirements, and develop outlines for full proposal(s) or concept note(s).

PROPOSAL WRITING

  • Lead a proposal development team and/or function as lead writer, potentially working with inputs from team members in various locations and from multiple organizations;
  • Assemble a proposal development work plan and calendar for submissions that allows for appropriate review by Mercy Corps technical or management staff;
  • Work with M&E staff to finalize logical framework and indicators, and where applicable data collection tools and strategy, personnel and workplan;
  • Building on any approved concept notes, draft a full proposal narrative in line with donor guidelines;
  • Work with relevant staff to edit and finalize a quality submission that maximize chances for success, including graphics and tables where required;
  • Participate in the recruitment of key Mercy Corps team members and provide inputs for financial/cost proposal and budget narrative, as needed;
  • Champion adherence to Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures, and apply Mercy Corps best practices in proposal development efforts.

Required Skills and Experience

  • 5-10 years of relevant technical experience.
  • MA/S or equivalent in international development, social science, business administration or other relevant fields.
  • Demonstrable experience in the design of programs or proposal writing, and demonstrable experience of successful grant applications in contexts that are fast changing and fragile, with a focus on the above-outlined sectors.
  • Preference will be given to Myanmar-based consultants or those living in nearby time zones
  • Experience working in the Myanmar context will be valued highly.
  • Experience developing logical frameworks and costed proposal submissions for BHA/USAID, LIFT, FCDO, European Union and/or other institutional donors. Familiarity with other donors, including corporations or foundations, is a plus.
  • Ability to work as part of diverse teams and facilitate planning processes.
  • Excellent English writing and communication skills, and the ability to present information logically and concisely. Ability to speak Myanmar language is a great asset.
  • Ability to work under pressure and deliver quality products under tight deadlines and in sparse working environments.
  • Strong preference given to candidates with prior field experience and demonstrated understanding of the critical development issues in Myanmar.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

How to apply

To apply: http://app.jobvite.com/m?3wbQsmwQ


Job Notifications
Subscribe to receive notifications for the latest job vacancies.