Position description
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Technical Writer with USAID proposal experience to join our dynamic Business Development team. As a Lead Technical Writer, you will play a crucial role in developing, delivering, and writing well-designed, compliant, compelling, and competitive high-quality proposals, concepts, and solicitations for donor-funded projects. They will serve as lead or integrating writer for technical proposals, which may include executive summaries, technical approaches, methodology, performance work statements (PWSs), management and personnel plans, past performance, and/or required annexes. This position will be integrally involved in technical design sessions, supporting the iteration of logical and/or results frameworks and working closely with subject matter experts/technical leads, field program staff, and members of the Impact, Learning & Accountability (ILA) team. Your expertise in technical writing, understanding of donor guidelines (especially USAID, FCDO, EU/EC, GIZ, etc.), and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts will be essential for success in this role.
Reports to:
Vice President, Strategic Growth & Business Development
Job Type:
Salaried; Exempt; Full-time
Compensation:
The Hiring range for this position is: $110,000 – $129,000 annual salary.
Offered benefits include Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, and a 401k with company match.
Location: Washington, D.C. Hybrid. This position must be located within the DMV area of Washington, DC.
Travel: 15-20% internationally
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the development of technical proposals for donor-funded projects, ensuring compliance with donor guidelines, requirements, and formatting standards.
- Collaborate closely with subject matter experts, field project managers, partners, and other team members to gather information, identify key technical requirements, and develop comprehensive proposal content.
- Conduct thorough research and analysis to understand the project context, objectives, and technical specifications and effectively incorporate this information into proposal narratives.
- Write and edit proposal sections, including executive summaries, technical approaches, methodologies, work plans, results frameworks, gender inclusion, staffing plans, management plans, institutional capacity, and other relevant sections, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with project requirements.
- Ensure the integration of technical inputs from various team members into a cohesive and well-structured proposal.
- Review and revise proposal drafts, incorporating feedback and suggestions from internal and external stakeholders, to enhance the quality and competitiveness of the final proposal.
- Coordinate and facilitate proposal review meetings, providing guidance and support to team members in refining their contributions.
- Develop and maintain a repository of standard proposal content, templates, and best practices that conform to USAID and other major donor guidelines and industry standards.
- Stay updated on major donor regulations, policies, and trends related to proposal development, and share relevant information and insights with the proposal team.
- Mentor and provide subject matter expertise to other writers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring the development of their proposal writing skills.
Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Competences:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as English, Communications, International Development, or a related discipline. Master’s degree is a plus.
- 8 years of relevant experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven experience as a technical writer, preferably in the international development sector, with a strong focus on USAID and other major donor proposal development.
- In-depth knowledge of USAID guidelines, regulations, and best practices related to proposal development.
- Demonstrated track record of leading and writing successful USAID and other major donor proposals, resulting in project awards.
- Extensive experience writing winning competitive proposals for various bilateral and multilateral donors across technical areas, including economic growth, poverty reduction conflict prevention, financial inclusion, gender inclusion, democracy, governance, agriculture, food security, and resilience.
- Knowledge of business development standards, terminology, and best practices, such as win themes and discriminators.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.
- Strong analytical and research skills to gather and synthesize technical information from diverse sources, and partners and capture notes.
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with cross-functional teams, including subject matter experts, project managers, and technical specialists (internal and external).
- Attention to detail and a keen eye for accuracy, consistency, and precision in their writing.
- Strong project management skills, including planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks effectively. Adeptness at coordinating with cross-functional teams and managing the proposal development process.
- Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, presenting complex concepts effectively and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to travel approximately 20% internationally for new business capture trips and other opportunities.
- Authorization to work in the United States; OEF cannot provide sponsorship.
- Commitment to OEF’s vision, principles, and values (www.oneearthfuture.org)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience traveling for new business capture trips, experience in international development highly preferred.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, donors, consultants, and technical experts across target countries.
- Possess exceptional writing skills, including a strong command of grammar, vocabulary, and style. S/he should be able to convey complex technical information clearly, concisely, and coherently.
- Ability to find, gather, and synthesize information from diverse sources into cohesive and accurate content.
- Effective collaboration and strong communication skills to work effectively with subject matter experts, project managers, and other team members to gather information and ensure the accuracy and completeness of proposal content.
- Familiarity with key funding agencies (USAID, BHA, USDA, UN, EU, FCDO).
- Strong analytical skills to understand complex technical concepts and break them down into easily understandable content. This must include identifying key objectives, requirements, and deliverables and translating them into a compelling proposal.
- Strong leadership qualities to effectively facilitate, manage, and guide the organization’s efforts and ensure the delivery of high-quality proposals and concepts.
Physical Work Demands:
- Able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time.
- Able to bend at the waist and reach on a daily basis.
- Able to lift and move up to 25 lbs regularly.
Application instructions
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