Remote
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted 6 months ago

Population Council

Job Title: Proposal Writer

Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Remote)

Assignment Length: 45 – 60 days (depending on the number duration of proposal development)

Period of Engagement: May – September

Salary: USAID Max

About Population Council – Kenya

Population Council (PC)-Kenya’s mission is to co-create ideas, produce high-quality evidence, and implement proven solutions to improve the lives of the underserved. Our work focuses on two core areas:

Expanding sexual and reproductive health and rights for all
Empowering the largest generation of children, adolescents, and young people to thrive

In addition, we are working to address evidence gaps on the intersections and interactions of gender equality and climate change across these areas. Through the delivery of our mission, we envision an equitable and sustainable future for the health and well-being of all people in Kenya and the region.

Population Council – Kenya is a local entity, registered in 1993 with the Kenyan NGO Coordination Board, and is an affiliate of Population Council, Inc., a global leader in high-quality program-relevant research. The organization aspires to become a recognized national and regional center of excellence for research, providing realistic and scalable solutions for equitable social development and a secure environment.

Position Summary

PC-Kenya requires the services of an experienced Technical Proposal Writer to work with in-house subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop and finalize proposal writing for upcoming potential opportunities. The ideal candidate will have at least 5-6 years of relevant experience within international development, FCDO and USAID contexts, including in technical writing for proposals and other products.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with SMEs: Drive technical proposal writing processes from capture to proposal development.
Interpret Donor Solicitation Requirements: Develop outlines in collaboration with proposal leaders and SMEs.
Coordinate Technical Proposal Preparation: Gather inputs from staff, prepare drafts, and incorporate reviewer comments.
Review Solicitations: Determine technical strategies and approaches, develop outlines, write and edit proposals.
Design Technical Approach: Ensure it responds to donor requirements and programmatic contexts.
Review Background Materials: Identify and utilize relevant materials for writing technical proposals.
Organize and Synthesize Technical Research: Ensure research is adequately reflected in the final draft of the proposal.
Integrate Technical Content: Create a cohesive, responsive, and persuasive proposal that is in “one voice.”
Perform Substantive Edits: Make changes to the overall structure, content, organization, and flow of proposal drafts prior to submission.
Serve as Lead Technical Writer: For certain proposals, lead the overall technical writing or contribute to assigned sections.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in a relevant field.
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience writing proposals and other communication products within the international development context.
At least 5 years writing and editing technical proposals for global and bilateral USAID-funded proposals.
Experience in Global Health, Research, and MEL: Desirable experience writing and editing proposals and communication products.
Excellent Communication Skills: Verbal and written.

Why Join Us?

Population Council – Kenya is committed to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable and marginalized populations in East Africa and other regions. By joining us, you will be part of a dedicated team that supports the design, testing, and scaling up of interventions on sexual reproductive health and rights, developing sustainable program solutions that respond to girls’ educational needs, building their social, economic, and health assets, reducing HIV transmission, preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence, assessing various service-integration models, and strengthening evidence for programs related to unintended pregnancy.

Benefits and Compensation

Competitive Consultant Fee: Based on USAID Max rates.
Flexible Work Environment: Remote work with periodic in-country collaboration.
Professional Growth: Opportunity to work with leading experts in international development.
Impactful Work: Contribute to meaningful projects that improve lives in Kenya and the region.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this position or know a qualified candidate, please send your resume and cover letter to: jobs-nairobi@popcouncil.org by May 20, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Population Council – Kenya provides equal opportunity and does not discriminate against any person regarding age, color, national origin, disability, political belief, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual’s qualifications as related to the position for which they are being considered. The Council especially encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups including but not limited to women, people with disabilities, youths, and those from communities with the most to gain from expanded access to sexual and reproductive health services and information. Population Council – Kenya is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities.

Sample Cover Letter for a Proposal Writer

[Applicant’s Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

Hiring Manager
Population Council – Kenya
[Company Address]
Nairobi, Kenya

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Proposal Writer position at Population Council – Kenya. With a Master’s degree in International Development and over eight years of experience writing and editing technical proposals for global and bilateral USAID-funded projects, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

My experience includes leading proposal writing processes, collaborating with subject matter experts, and ensuring cohesive, responsive, and persuasive proposals. I have a proven track record of interpreting donor solicitation requirements and integrating technical content to meet programmatic contexts. My excellent communication skills and attention to detail ensure that each proposal I work on meets the highest standards of quality.

I am particularly drawn to this role at Population Council – Kenya because of your commitment to improving the health and well-being of underserved populations and your innovative approach to addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to projects that have a significant impact on communities in Kenya and the region.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. Please feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to schedule an interview.

Sincerely,
[Applicant’s Name]

How to Be a Successful Applicant for the Proposal Writer Position

Understand the Role: Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Showcase your experience in technical writing for proposals, particularly within the international development context.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Showcase Technical Knowledge: Highlight your understanding of donor requirements, proposal development processes, and technical content integration.
Provide Examples: Include specific examples of past proposals you have written or edited that were successful.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that is specifically tailored to the Proposal Writer position at Population Council – Kenya.
Research the Organization: Show that you have a good understanding of Population Council – Kenya’s mission and work.
Be Detail-Oriented: Ensure your application is free of errors and presents your experience and qualifications clearly.
Follow Application Instructions: Submit your application as per the instructions provided in the job posting.
Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your past experience, your approach to proposal writing, and how you can contribute to Population Council – Kenya’s goals.

Possible Proposal Writer Interview Questions With Answers

Question: Can you describe your experience with writing technical proposals for international development projects?
Answer: In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led the proposal writing process for several USAID-funded projects. This involved collaborating with subject matter experts to develop outlines, gathering inputs, and ensuring the final proposal was cohesive and persuasive. My experience has equipped me with the skills to interpret donor requirements and integrate technical content effectively.
Question: How do you ensure that a proposal meets donor requirements?
Answer: I start by thoroughly reviewing the donor solicitation to understand their requirements and priorities. I then develop an outline in collaboration with the proposal leader and SMEs, ensuring that all sections address the donor’s needs. Throughout the writing process, I continuously cross-check the proposal against the donor guidelines.
Question: Can you give an example of a challenging proposal you worked on and how you handled it?
Answer: One challenging proposal I worked on was for a complex, multi-partner project. Coordinating inputs from various partners and ensuring a unified voice was challenging. I organized regular meetings to align everyone’s contributions and used a centralized document for real-time updates and reviews. This approach helped us submit a cohesive and high-quality proposal.
Question: How do you handle tight deadlines for proposal submissions?
Answer: I prioritize tasks and create a detailed timeline for each phase of the proposal development process. Effective communication and regular check-ins with team members are crucial to ensure everyone stays on track. If needed, I’m willing to work extra hours to meet deadlines without compromising the quality of the proposal.
Question: What strategies do you use to integrate technical content from different sections into one cohesive proposal?
Answer: I focus on maintaining a consistent voice and style throughout the proposal. I carefully review and edit each section to ensure it aligns with the overall strategy and objectives. Regular feedback sessions with SMEs help refine the content and ensure coherence.
Question: How do you ensure accuracy and quality in your proposals?
Answer: I have a meticulous approach to editing and proofreading. I conduct multiple rounds of reviews, focusing on different aspects such as content accuracy, language clarity, and adherence to donor guidelines. I also seek feedback from colleagues to catch any overlooked errors.
Question: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and requirements in proposal writing for international development?
Answer: I regularly attend workshops and webinars on proposal writing and international development. I also subscribe to industry newsletters and participate in professional networks to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.
Question: Can you describe a time when you had to incorporate last-minute changes into a proposal?
Answer: In one instance, a donor requested additional information just days before the submission deadline. I quickly coordinated with the SMEs to gather the required data and integrated the changes without disrupting the overall flow of the proposal. Effective time management and clear communication were key to handling the last-minute changes.
Question: How do you approach working with a team of SMEs to gather inputs for a proposal?
Answer: I start by setting clear expectations and timelines for each SME. Regular check-ins and collaborative working sessions help ensure that everyone is aligned and on track. I also provide detailed outlines and guidance to streamline the input-gathering process.
Question: What motivates you to work in the field of international development?
Answer: I am passionate about contributing to meaningful projects that make a positive impact on underserved communities. Working in international development allows me to use my skills to address critical issues such as health, education, and gender equality, which is incredibly fulfilling.

Best of luck with your application! Remember, Population Council – Kenya is 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.

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To apply for this job email your details to jobs-nairobi@popcouncil.org