Programme Development Advisor – Location: Washington, DC; Nairobi, Nairobi Municipality; London – Hybrid

Programme Development Advisor

Location: Washington, DC; Nairobi, Nairobi Municipality; London

Job ID: req48123

Country: United States

Category: Operations & Administration Support

Employee Category: Regular

Job Type: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Open To Expatriates: No

Range Low: $90,000.00

Range High: $95,880.00

Currency: United States Dollar

Compensation: Annually

Salary Range: £51,157.00 – £60,185.00

Currency: GBP

Compensation: Annually

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well-being, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.

The Purpose of the Role

The Program/Business Development Advisor will work on a team to contribute to IRC’s overall new business development efforts by engaging with global, regional, country, and technical staff throughout the business development cycle from opportunity tracking and capture planning to proposal development and submission. The PDA will serve as proposal manager for large and complex institutional donor opportunities, as well as support positioning and capture efforts. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of leading large-scale and complex new business efforts in international development with particular emphasis on FCDO and USAID. Although this role will focus predominantly on FCDO and USAID, the successful candidate will serve an important surge support function and may work with other donors including ECHO, SIDA, World Bank, and others.

Key Working Relationships

Country Teams, Technical Units, Peer agencies, Local Partners

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Bid Leadership and Coordination (70%)

• Lead and support proposal development for primarily FCDO and USAID opportunities, including capture strategy, management of proposal teams, calendars, and deadlines; strategy development with technical staff; partner identification and negotiations; recruiting; writing; production; and after-action reviews.
• Collaborate with IRC’s pricing team, ensuring technical coherence with the cost proposal.
• Review and/or draft expressions of interest, concept notes, and proposals to ensure quality and compliance with donor standards.
• Occasionally serve in a support role for other IRC donors including ECHO, SIDA, World Bank, and others. Support may include short-term capture, submission, or quality review.

Business Development Process Improvement and Knowledge Management (10%)

• Conduct After Action Reviews and capture learning to disseminate to wider organization.
• Contribute to and model the use of standard business development processes, tools, templates, and information.

Partnerships and Strategy (20%)

• Conduct landscape analyses to identify the most strategic partnerships in FCDO and USAID markets with a particular focus on fostering local partnerships.
• Strengthen collaboration with internal stakeholders including country teams, technical units, and other team members.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including international relations, political science, public administration, and communications.
• At least two years of focused experience working with UK and US Government donors.
• Training or familiarity with Shipley Proposal Development process highly desirable.
• Fluency in English with proficiency in one other language (French, Spanish, German, Arabic) highly desirable.

Experience:

• Successful track record leading large proposal teams on complex subject, multi-year, multi-partner proposals with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively manage a variety of relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate equally effectively with colleagues in ‘remote’ and diverse teams, including as a team leader for proposals.
• The ability to work productively and accurately while under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Ability to travel internationally (up to 20% of the time).

Compensation:

Posted pay ranges apply to US and UK-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

US Benefits:

The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.

Standard of Professional Conduct:

The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from the country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR A PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

[Employer’s Name]

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Programme Development Advisor position at [Company Name], as advertised. With a strong background in international development and extensive experience in leading large-scale proposal teams, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

Throughout my career, I have successfully managed complex business development cycles, from opportunity tracking to proposal submission, particularly focusing on FCDO and USAID opportunities. My strategic mindset, coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, has enabled me to foster valuable partnerships and deliver impactful proposals.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to humanitarian work and its dedication to creating lasting change in communities affected by conflict and disaster. I am eager to leverage my skills and expertise to support your mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of [Company Name]. Please find my resume attached for your review.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Possible Programme Development Advisor Interview Questions With Answers

1. Can you walk us through your experience in leading large proposal teams for international development projects?

   Answer: Certainly. In my previous role at [Previous Organization], I led a team of professionals in developing proposals for various donors, including FCDO and USAID. I oversaw all stages of the proposal process, from strategy development to submission, resulting in successful funding outcomes for several multi-year projects.

2. How do you approach building partnerships with local organizations in FCDO and USAID markets?

   Answer: Building partnerships with local organizations is crucial for ensuring sustainability and community ownership in development projects. I prioritize understanding the local context, engaging with stakeholders, and fostering collaborative relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals.

3. Could you provide an example of a challenging situation you encountered during a proposal development process and how you addressed it?

   Answer: Certainly. In one instance, we faced tight deadlines and conflicting priorities while developing a proposal for a complex project. I facilitated open communication among team members, reassessed priorities, and delegated tasks effectively to ensure timely completion without compromising quality.

4. How do you stay updated on donor priorities and funding opportunities in the international development sector?

   Answer: I regularly monitor donor websites, attend relevant conferences and workshops, and network with professionals in the field to stay informed about evolving donor priorities and funding opportunities. Additionally, I leverage online platforms and subscription services to access relevant information and resources.

5. Can you discuss a time when you successfully negotiated partnerships with external stakeholders to strengthen a proposal?

   Answer: Certainly. In a recent proposal development process, I identified a local organization with expertise in community engagement and advocacy, which complemented our technical capabilities. Through transparent communication and shared vision, we negotiated a partnership agreement that enhanced the proposal’s impact and sustainability.

6. How do you ensure compliance with donor standards and requirements in proposal development?

   Answer: I meticulously review donor guidelines and requirements at the outset of the proposal process, and I establish clear internal protocols to ensure compliance at every stage. Additionally, I conduct thorough quality assurance checks and seek feedback from peers and stakeholders to address any discrepancies proactively.

7. Could you provide an example of a successful proposal you contributed to, and the key factors that contributed to its success?

   Answer: Certainly. In a recent proposal for a maternal health project funded by USAID, I played a key role in developing a comprehensive strategy that aligned with the donor’s priorities and demonstrated innovative approaches to addressing maternal mortality. Our emphasis on community engagement, capacity-building, and sustainability resonated with the donor, resulting in a successful funding award.

8. How do you prioritize competing demands and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?

   Answer: I prioritize tasks based on urgency, impact, and strategic importance, while also considering resource constraints and stakeholder expectations. I maintain open communication with team members and stakeholders to manage expectations and adjust plans as needed to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.

9. What strategies do you employ to foster collaboration and teamwork among diverse team members?

   Answer: I believe in creating an inclusive and supportive team culture where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise. I encourage open communication, mutual respect, and shared accountability, and I facilitate opportunities for professional development and team-building activities to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

10. How do you handle feedback and constructive criticism from peers and stakeholders during the proposal development process?

    Answer: I welcome feedback as an opportunity for continuous learning and improvement. I actively seek input from peers and stakeholders, listen attentively to their perspectives, and incorporate constructive criticism into my work. I approach feedback with humility and professionalism, recognizing that collaboration and iteration are essential for achieving our shared goals.

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Thank you for considering a career with IRC. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fee, whether refundable or not. Best wishes for your job search endeavors!