Description
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action โ helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.
Purpose / Project Description:
The Proposal Writer(s) will work closely with the Mercy Corps LAC region team, which supports humanitarian and development programming across countries and islands in Latin America and the Caribbean. Mercy Corps is currently operational in Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, and in various jurisdictions across the Caribbean (including Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, the US Virgin Islands, and others), with ambitious goals to expand its programmatic footprint in Central America and beyond in the coming years. The Proposal Writer will play a critical role in bolstering the LAC regionโs aggressive business development efforts, by assisting various country teams with the execution of high-quality proposals in response to requests for proposals and notifications of funding opportunities by various institutional, multilateral, and private donors. The Consultant(s) will act as lead writer(s) for concept notes, full proposals, or cost modification proposals.
The Proposal Writer(s) will be tasked with working closely with Mercy Corps country offices, the LAC regional team, and global teams to design and develop competitive proposals based on field research, consultations with key internal and external stakeholders, input from technical and business development experts, and a thorough design process.
Consultant Activities/Deliverables:
Responsibilities will include:
Work with country/regional teams and global technical experts to develop strong technical designs.
Develop initial log frames/results frameworks and participate in technical design sessions as requested.
Work in close collaboration with proposal Team Lead and other team members to set deadlines and hold team members accountable to proposal development deadlines and production of key deliverables.
Write drafts of key technical sections, respond to feedback, and produce quality final drafts for submission.
Potentially travel to country offices and field locations to participate in design sessions, information gathering activities, and collaborate with proposal team members and country team colleagues, as required.
Timeframe / Schedule:
Up to 90 days at a time, informed by NOFO/RFP launches and proposal deadlines beginning in January 2026.
The Consultant will report to:
Deputy Regional Director, LAC Region
The Consultant will work closely with:
LAC Technical Director, LAC Regional Vice President, global Institutional Donor Engagement team members, LAC Country Directors, Directors of Programs, LAC Regional Team, Global Technical Advisors and Program Quality Advisors, consortium partners and peer organizations, as appropriate.
Application Process:
Please submit a cover letter and CV. Cover letter should include a list of past proposals including donor, value and if awarded. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Required Experience & Skills:
5-10 years of experience in program design and proposal development in a wide variety of sectors and geographic locations, with a special emphasis in Latin America and the Caribbean.
At least 2-3 yearsโ experience in field-based program and staff management, with relevant regional knowledge.
Proven experience developing winning proposals, especially for US and European institutional donors, multilateral donor agencies, and private philanthropy donors.
Proven ability to work productively with a wide variety of stakeholders to run both participatory processes and also meet tight deadlines with an emphasis on producing quality products.
Strong negotiation skills and experience developing consortia and multiple-partnership arrangements for proposal development.
Ability to lead teams, handle negotiations and facilitate planning processes.
Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and in sparse working environments.
Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills an absolute must.
Fluent spoken and written English and Spanish; professional proficiency in French preferred.
Team Engagement and Effectiveness
Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.