Experienced FCDO Technical Writer
Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that catalyzes private sector growth and creates economic opportunity for people and communities. Dedicated to equitable and sustainable economic growth, IESC helps small and medium enterprises grow, fortifies value chains, and strengthens systems and institutions to enhance the business enabling environment. We share proven business skills and experience with entrepreneurs, jobseekers, businesses, farmers, cooperatives, and governments. We also offer resources—human, technological, and financial—that sustainably build capacity and empower communities. Since 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions across 139 countries.
IESC is seeking technical writers with experience writing Foreign Commonwealth and Development (FCDO)/Department for International Development (DFID) bids. IESC is seeking to build a roster of experienced writers for upcoming FCDO bid opportunities in our areas of expertise. We invite candidates who have expertise in one or more of the following areas listed below to submit their CVs for consideration. Technical fields of interest include trade, market linkages, enterprise development, entrepreneurship, workforce development, market-driven agriculture, business enabling environment, and enterprise finance and investment. Candidates will be considered for upcoming business development FCDO opportunities that IESC is pursuing.
Candidates will offer in-depth knowledge in relevant technical fields and experience writing/designing FCDO/DFID bids. Candidates must have prior experience designing or working on FCDO projects.
Responsibilities
The technical expert will undertake some or all of the following specific tasks for proposal development:
· Write the technical approach or sections as requested
· Absorb desk research provided by IESC and conduct independent desk and primary research as needed
· Review and analyze the solicitation, identify and highlight issues/questions that require further research
· Offer options for effective approaches and supporting management structure to achieve the goals of the program
· Develop annotated outlines with page allotment (planned per subsection) responsive to bid document that follows IESC provided templates
· Participate in design meetings with IESC as requested
· Determine technical inputs within the outline, communicate the technical inputs with specific needs and page limitation to individuals providing input, if applicable, including in-country resources;
· Design program approaches, facilitate or participate in small technical groups to formulate and finalize general approach and key activity details. Activities must include guidance on cost.
· Provide input on the design of graphics reflective of proposed approaches
· Conduct capture trips to gather information necessary to prepare a tailored approach, assess the feasibility of approach, ground truth information available, and interview local experts and partners
· Work closely with, and incorporate technical input from local resource persons/institutions as appropriate including local technical advisors
· Incorporate written and oral comments/recommendations from Proposal Review Panels
· Recommend feasible organizational structure and assist with recruiting expat and local consultants and staff as needed
· Other tasks as assigned
Qualification
· Five or more years of professional writing experience, including three years of proposal technical writing experience.
· Expertise in one or more of the above-mentioned areas of technical areas.
· Prior experience designing or writing FCDO bids.
· Fluency in English required.