Business Development Senior Technical Proposal Writer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Business Development Senior Technical Proposal Writer will be responsible for writing and editing technical proposals and documents, participating in technical meetings, conducting research, and supporting the design of well-organized and compliant proposals. With a primary focus on Business Development, the person in this position will also use their experience and expertise to provide training and mentoring to build the capacity of staff in technical writing. He/she will also be responsible for updating program summaries and capacity statements highlighting the qualifications of NCBA CLUSA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Proposal Writing & Design (60%)

• Serves as lead technical writer and copyeditor, with the support of subject matter experts and partners, on capture and full technical proposal efforts for USAID, USDA, and other donors for 8-12 bids/year.

• Studies requests for proposals and agreements (RFPs and RFAs); leads and participates in developing technical strategy and design, including facilitating or participating in design sessions and technical meetings; and synthesizes input to develop proposal content at HQ and in country.

• Writes winning proposals with clear executive summaries; objectives, outcomes, and deliverables; theories of change; activities, approaches, and methods for program implementation; timetables and workplans; management and staffing plans; and organizational capacity sections of proposals.

• Manages and works with subject matter experts and partners, collects technical inputs and information; integrates content into proposals and submissions that are compliant, competitive, and responsive to donor requirements.

• Works on proposal capture and leads design meetings either at headquarters or in the field to develop design outlines, conceptual frameworks, and other sections that will feed into proposals.

• Develops diagrams, flowcharts, and illustrations to enhance understanding of complex technical interventions and processes.

• Obtains approvals by reviewing proposal with key providers and project managers.

• Harmonize or one-voice drafts written by multiple writers as needed. Revise drafts in response to feedback and comments in collaboration with the proposal team.

• Review proposals during color teams or conduct compliance reviews of bids when required.

• Travel to conduct reconnaissance for proposals as needed. 

Maintain Subject Matter Expertise (20%)

• Conducts desk research and interviews/work with technical experts (including locals and home office and project staff) in one or more technical areas (e.g. agriculture, markets, and finance) in support of proposal development and ensures that proposals use up-to-date citations and evidence, where appropriate. 

• When not writing proposals, responsibilities will be developing result-oriented program profiles, organizational capacity statements, success stories and other communication materials to support business development activities.

Process & Systems Strengthening (20%)

• Improves proposal-writing results by evaluating and re-designing processes, improving coordination, and using boilerplates including the development of proposal writing style guides and other tools to improve technical writing.

• Maintains quality results by using templates; following proposal-writing standards including readability, consistency, and tone; and maintains proposal support databases. 

• Performs other proposal support tasks such as graphic design and production. Works with Proposal Managers to coordinate final proposal production, packaging, submission or delivery. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, international development or related field

• 10 years of experience in writing proposals for USAID and/or USDA

• Demonstrated track record serving as the lead writer for at least 3 years for successful USAID and/or USDA proposals with budgets of $10 million or more.

• Experience with Microsoft Word, including Styling, Formatting, Layout, and Accessibility Checks, and other MS Office applications; knowledgeable in using/adhering to AP style manual

• Fluency in written and spoken English required.

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to listen and incorporate feedback.

• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment under critical deadline pressures.

• Strong organizational skills that demonstrate an elevated level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to travel internationally (25%). 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in journalism, English, international development or related field.

• Experience working in agriculture, market development, economic growth, and governance in developing countries.

• Experience managing projects or similar high-level engagement on donor-funded projects

• 3 years of supervisory experience, preferred (may be included in the 10 years of experience)

• French or other additional language skills.

 Salary Range: $103,751.00 to $155,627.00 annually

Important note about the Salary Range for this position.

NCBA CLUSA conducts a salary analysis for each job it advertises to ensure fair compensation. The salary offered is based on their experience and qualifications, and it is aligned with the pay equity of current employees holding similarly graded positions. This ensures that salary offers are both equitable and consistent across the organization.