Proposal Writing Specialist – MENA

Background

Terre des hommes-Lausanne (Tdh) seeks to build a pool of proposal writing specialists to support the development of grant applications for its operations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Tdh is welcoming applications from interested candidates in order to pre-qualify consultants for assignments that will be carried out in January-December 2023.

Tdh is the leading Swiss organisation for children’s aid. Since 1960, Tdh has helped build a better future for children and youth, especially those most exposed to risks, making an impact with innovative and sustainable solutions. Active in more than 30 countries, Tdh works with its own teams and/or local and international partners to develop and implement field projects. In 2021, we supported 2 million children and members of their communities with a focus on mother and child health, migration and access to justice for children. We trained people who in turn supported a further 3.1 million children and members of their communities. This engagement is financed by support from private individuals and public institutions, with administrative costs kept to a minimum.

Purpose of the consultancy

Working with programme and operations manager(s), advisor(s) and other relevant staff from country, regional and HQ offices, the consultant will take the lead in developing compelling, evidence-based concept notes and proposals in accordance with the guidelines and timeframe of specific calls for proposals.

The consultant will bring to the project design process previous experience from developing and writing successful integrated, multi-sectoral proposals involving several stakeholders for institutional and private donors. It is desirable that the consultant also brings a good understanding of issues relating to child protection, migration, access to justice, health, and/or WASH.

Scope of work

The scope of work of the consultant, as well as the timeline and the exact number of working days, will vary according to the requirements of the call for proposals and the available capacities within Tdh’s teams at the time of application.

The consultant is expected to be able to carry any of the following tasks:

• Carefully review call for proposals and ensure the final submission product complies with the call guidelines and donor requirements
• Review relevant secondary literature and, if gaps have been identified, provide guidance for the finalization of primary data collection tools and methodologies
• Conduct field visits to consult with relevant internal and external stakeholders, through Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and Workshops
• Conduct problem analysis and validation workshops with relevant staff and stakeholders
• Draft Theory of Change for the whole project and/or draft overall result management framework, with clear expected outcomes and SMART indicators of progress for the entire project
• Draft proposal narrative as per identified donor requirements
• Draft other proposal-related documents when required

The consultant may work remotely or be invited to travel to the country(ies) relevant to the assigned tasks.

Experience and skills required

• A degree in humanities, journalism, international relations or a related field. Certification or continuing education in grant writing, proposal development and/or fundraising a strong plus
• At least five years of professional experience in grant writing/fundraising
• Demonstrated record of developing successful grant proposals to both governmental agencies and private foundations
• Excellent understanding of the issues and players in the fields of child protection, migration, access to justice, health, and/or WASH
• Excellent oral and written English/French/Arabic language skills
• Ability to work autonomously and to prioritize tasks within tight deadlines
• Great attention to details and excellent coordination skills
• Excellent communication skills – timely, articulate, unambiguous and error free
• Working experience in MENA would be an advantage
• Project management experience/certification a plus