Consultant – Central African Republic BHA Proposal Development – Remote / Bangui

Background:

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.

Mercy Corps Central African Republic (CAR) team is developing a new two-year multi sectoral program with funding from the Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA). The intent is for the funding to span Food Security, WASH and maybe Protection for a total of between $10-15 million. The CAR team anticipates the Concept Note to be submitted by the end of February/early March and that a full proposal will be developed from end April following feedback and formal request from BHA. May is the anticipated period for an Issues Letter.

Purpose / Project Description:

The consultant will support the MC CAR team throughout the concept and proposal development process by facilitating program design sessions with key team members, supporting the team to plan necessary inputs for a robust and competitive proposal (eg appropriate secondary data reviews and new needs assessment as required), and to act as lead writer for the concept and proposal. The consultant will also be a key coordination focal point for sharing information between the CAR team, TSU, RPT, regional team, etc.

Consultant Activities & Deliverables:

The Consultant will:

• Deliver a high-quality concept note
• Deliver a high-quality proposal
• Support inputs as needed on Issues Letter response
• Assist the DoP in the coordination of developing the CN, and Proposal.

Timeframe / Schedule:

• January:
  • Initial engagement with key CAR team members on background and planning
  • Develop a design and develop a concrete ‘proposal’ including conducting assessments in preparation of the BHA meeting.
• February:
  • Travel to Bangui for direct work with team (1 week) to support program design and concept development
  • Develop concept note for submission by end of month
• March:
  • Frame requirements for full proposal
  • Support team as needed with needs assessment planning and/or any other inputs anticipated for the full proposal
• April:
  • Develop full proposal for submission by end of April / beginning of May
• May
  • Support Issues Letter response, as needed

The Consultant will report to:

Director of Programs

The Consultant will work closely with:

CAR Team Members

Required Experience & Skills:

• 5-10 years of experience in multi-sectoral humanitarian response in fragile contexts
• Demonstrated success with BHA proposal development
• Strong knowledge of BHA proposal development requirements
• Strong knowledge of BHA strategic interests
• Experience in CAR
• French language skill

APPLICANTS

Please respond by submitting a CV and Cover Letter. Cover Letter should briefly describe your experience and it relates to fulfilling the Scope of Work.

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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.