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 — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Purpose of the Project
Mercy Corps is seeking a consultant or consultant team to provide strategic support and writing services on our Audacious Project survey submission and simplified Round 1 application, including copy and storytelling strategy. The consultant will work with Mercy Corps teams and subject matter experts from DREAMS partner consortium organizations to craft compelling submissions for the Audacious Project survey and simplified Round 1 submission that synthesize complex ideas using accessible language that simultaneously convinces and inspires the Audacious Project donor pool. The Audacious Project applications employ tight word count limits, which require teams to be thoughtful and strategic when crafting responses to application questions.
While extensive work has been devoted to developing and articulating the DREAMS model, we are bringing new partners on board to strengthen the DREAMS model and level up our ambition for impact. This will come to life over a 3-day program design workshop that will significantly inform our Audacious Project submissions. The writer/strategist will attend the design workshop and work with the core team to refine our articulation of this evolved DREAMS model, the problem we aim to solve, and the opportunity for transformative impact.
Audience
- Primary: Audacious Project donors (strategic, high-capacity donors across foundations and individual private donors)
- Secondary: Audacious Project staff and technical reviewers and advisors identified by AP to review and vet applications
Background & Relevant Documents
- A folder of relevant background documents will be provided, including recent concepts and proposals, evidence summaries, and advocacy and influence strategies.
Consultant Deliverables
- Simplified Round 1 application copy (with up to 2 rounds of review)
- Survey response copy (with up to 2 rounds of review and heavily informed by the simplified R1 application copy)
- The writer/strategist(s) will also attend the program design workshop in Nairobi, where the team will build out our idea with key partners
Timeline (Estimated)
January
January 1-26
- Onboarding and background document review
Week of January 29
- Design workshop with DREAMS partner consortium (3-day workshop)
- Write first draft of the simplified Round 1 application (this may happen over the weekend)
February
Week of 5-10
- Partners review the simplified Round 1 application and provide feedback
Week of 12-19
- Draft 2 of the simplified R1 application
Week of 19-23
Week of 26 – March 1
- First draft of survey shared with partners for review
March
Week of 4-8
- Final draft of survey
- Assume survey submission due this week
The Consultant will report to: Director, Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy
The Consultant will work closely with:
- Deputy Director, Mercy Corps’ Strategic Partnerships team
- DREAMS program team (technical experts from Mercy Corps, Village Enterprise, Strong Minds, and the Refugee Self Reliance Initiative)
Required Experience & Skills:
- 5-10 years of experience developing strategic messaging and communications for humanitarian and development programs.
Creative Skill(s) Required
- Editorial strategy
- Writing and editing
- Background developing messaging and persuasive fundraising materials
- Familiarity with big bet philanthropy is a plus
Evaluation of Proposals:
Interested consultants should provide the following:
- CV
- Brief cover letter which includes a list of relevant projects and experience with work samples
- Expected fees/daily rate
- Availability
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis for a target start date of January 9, 2023. The estimated level of effort is 10-15 days over two months.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.