Proposal Writer at Save the Children Nigeria

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in over 120 countries around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. Save the Children's mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children is looking for experienced development professionals to work within the Nigeria Country Programme. These roles will be critical for the delivery of results for children expected by this programme.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Proposal Writer

Job ID: #1000571
Location: Abuja
Career categories: Donor Relations/Fundraising/Grants Management

The Role

• The Proposal Writer will be deployed to support the Humanitarian Program Manager and technical advisers in the development of ECHO, OFDA, DFID and FFP proposals, conceptualize notes and carry out need assessments.
• The role of the incumbent will ensure that programmes are developed and implemented using an integrated, cross-sectorial approach.
• S/he will be expected to lead the coordination between technical and operational teams to ensure that proposals are developed and well coordinated.
• S/he is also expected to work closely with the Finance and Grants Manager to ensure that proposals, reports and projects are developed and implemented in compliance with donor requirements.
• The incumbent will be expected to mentor and/or provide capacity building activities for all country programme staff.

Main Responsibilities
Programme Support:

• Lead on the development of concept notes and funding proposals (include log frames and budgets), ensuring coordination and information sharing between technical and operation teams (finance, logistics)
• Participate in needs assessments and ensure findings are documented and keep proper records of all assessments including specific analysis of children's needs
• Support Deputy Team Leader- Programs to develop response strategies, plans and master budgets
• Ensure integration (where appropriate) between sectors in order to encourage teams to have an integrated approach to emergency responses
• In conjunction with the Grants Manager track funding opportunities, including calls for funding progress on proposals, submission deadlines, financing available. Ensure all appropriate donor and SC proposal formats are available in country
• Coordinate the preparation of timely program and donor reports on project activities in compliance with internal SC requirements and any relevant external donor requirements.
• Work closely with the M & E team to ensure sector technical leads have the required tools to put in place for sectoral M & E plans
• Ensure all proposal and concept note submissions to donors are reviewed and approved by the Response Team Leader or delegates as appropriate
• Act as focal point for all queries and additional information requests from donors, SCI or SC Members. Liaise directly with donors if required
• Support Awards Manager with grant set up, cycle and closure, including budget and payment schedule, reporting dates and schedules

General:

• Comply with and promote Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience
Required:

• Emergency response experience
• Minimum of 2 active years in proposal writing
• MSc/MA/MEng in a relevant subject or equivalent field experience
• Experience in project management and project cycle management, including project design, implementation and evaluation
• Experience in leading the preparation successful funding (narrative and budget) proposals and reports for donors, including ECHO, DFID and OFDA and Save the Children members. Understanding of CAP and Appeal processes
• Good understanding of donor compliance and SC reporting mechanisms and requirements
• Demonstrated experience of participating in multi-sector needs assessments
• Demonstrated monitoring and evaluation skills
• Proven capacity to deliver training and coach staff
• Experience in and commitment to working through systems of community participation and accountability
• Experience in budget management and monitoring
• Excellent communication skills
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
• A high level of written and spoken English
• The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances.
• Commitment to the aims and principles of SC. In particular, a good understanding of the SC mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support

Desirable:

• Language skills in French, Spanish, and/or Arabic
• Experience or knowledge of working and living in relevant regions/contexts
• Specific experience of developing proposals for consortia projects
• Experience of leading needs assessments
• This position is opened to Nigerian Nationals only

Application Closing Date
5th June, 2015

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send your C.V and qualifying statements to: [email protected] explaining why you are suitable for the position you are applying for. State position clearly in the subject field as applications without appropriate subject will be disqualified. Also, applications received after the closing date above will not be considered.