The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is dedicated to addressing water-related challenges in agriculture, climate change, and resilience through innovative research. In our commitment to enhancing water and climate resilience, IWMI is establishing a pool of external bid writers to support the organization in responding to an increasing number of research-for-development funding opportunities that align with its mission of providing water solutions for sustainable, climate-resilient development.
ABOUT THE ROLE:We are seeking expressions of interest from qualified bid writing specialists to join our panel of external consultants. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a proven track record in developing successful proposals and bids for international development projects. You will play a crucial role in securing funding for our strategic research programs that are making a tangible impact on the communities we serve across Asia and Africa across numerous action areas.
As part of your role, you will collaborate with IWMI's Business Development Unit (BDU), Strategic Program Directors (SPDs), Research Group Leaders (RGLs), and in-country teams. You will be responsible for drafting concept notes, expressions of interest, proposals, and other tender documents that are relevant to the funding opportunities pursued, ensuring they are finalized for submission by the agreed-upon deadlines.
This is an internationally/globally hired consultancy; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities from diverse locations around the world are encouraged to apply.The work arrangement for this consultancy is remote.
SCOPE OF WORK:- Support SPDs, RGLs, and in-country teams with project conceptualization.
- Lead or contribute to the development of key bid documents in close collaboration with BDU, SPDs, RGLs, and in-country teams.
- Work with SPDs, RGLs, and in-country teams to gather relevant background information and adapt these for use in bid documents.
- Define and oversee internal bid schedules with key milestones and deliverables for the bid development process in collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
- Fulfill other types of writing assignments when necessary, such as CVs, briefing notes, and presentations.
Requirements
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS amp; EXPERIENCE:
Essential,
- Bachelor's degree or technical/professional qualification in a relevant field. Master's degree is highly preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in bid/proposal writing within the international development sector.
- Experience catering bids/proposals to funding from two or more of the following donors: World Bank, ADB, AfDB, USAID, USDoS, FCDO, European Commission/Union, Sida, SDC, GIZ, BMZ, DFAT, GCF, GEF, and UN agencies.
- Demonstrated exposure and comprehensive understanding of environmental, agricultural, and international development issues, coupled with a proven track record in writing bids specifically tailored for projects in the water, agriculture, climate change, and circular economy sectors.
Desirable,
- Experience in bid/proposal writing focusing on Central, South, and Southeast Asia, MENA, and Africa.
- Proposal development experience for the public, philanthropic and private sectors (including commercial tendering).
- Experience in writing bids for action areas such as agricultural water management; water disaster risk preparedness and response; water, climate change amp; resilience; water-energy-food nexus; resilient amp; sustainable basin/aquifer management; nature-based solutions; fragility, conflict amp; migration; water innovations in transforming economies; governance, gender amp; social inclusion; circular economy; wastewater management; water, health amp; nutrition; remote sensing amp; hydro-informatics; solar irrigation; AI amp; digital inclusion.
- Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) in bid/proposal writing.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS amp; ABILITIES:
Essential,
- Proven ability to digest, critically analyze, and present complex information clearly, concisely, and compellingly.
- Familiarity with project conceptualization tools such as Theory of Change (ToC), Impact Pathways, and Logical Framework Approaches (LFA).
- Proficiencies in coordinating with a range of internal and external stakeholders effectively (including bidding consortia) and securing inputs within tight deadlines.
- Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines while handling a variety of tasks.
Desirabl