The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
BACKGROUND:
The IRC is one of the leading providers of high quality programming in conflict and post-conflict settings. In order to advance its mission of serving communities impacted by conflict and displacement, the IRC is committed to developing innovative, context-specific programs in response to strategic funding opportunities with a range of government and multilateral donors. This work is led by the IRC’s Business Development Unit (BDU) in close collaboration with Regional and Country management structures, the IRC’s Technical Units and a range of specialists based in the USA and Europe. Specifically, the BDU assists with proposal development, partnership and donor negotiation. The unit works closely with other departments to develop learning and management tools that will further the agency’s strategic goals.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Senior Business Development Officer (SBDO) works closely with BDU senior staff to provide leadership in monitoring, managing and coordinating IRC’s response to competitive solicitations issued by the US government and multilateral donors such as the World Bank and UN. The incumbent will also be responsible for leading proposal development efforts on-site, which requires international travel to country offices for periods of up to six weeks.
Based at IRC Headquarters in New York, the SBDO will report to the BDU Senior Director and collaborate closely with other International Programs and Finance staff to ensure that all proposal development issues are identified and properly addressed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and/or support administration of IRC’s policies and procedures for proposal development;
- Support organizational business development strategy development;
- Support IRC Proposal Response Teams in proposal preparation and award negotiation;
- Develop and monitor the team leader/proposal writer consultant roster;
- Ensure that all Proposal Response Teams develop project work plans, with detailed activities and schedules while ensuring that schedules are adhered to;
- Coordinate with Finance staff to develop budgets and facilitate discussions around cost share issues;
- Review competitive proposals for adherence to all solicitation requirements;
- Provide copy editing on competitive proposals, as needed;
- Facilitate best and final offer negotiations, this may include negotiation of terms and conditions of federal awards, and revisions to grant proposals, budgets and budget narratives;
- Facilitate discussions (debriefings) with USG agencies to further institutional learning around failed proposals;
- Act as proposal team leader and writer on proposals;
- Negotiate and liaise with partner agencies during the proposal development process;
- Participate in developing proposal response capacity in the field, by visiting field offices, as necessary, to provide training in proposal preparation;
- Monitor donor trends and relevant grant-making rules and regulations for changes and developments;
- Work with BDU senior staff to develop tools that will enhance IRC’s capacity to submit quality, competitive proposals;
- Work with the BDU’s Program Manager to maintain relevant proposal development information;
- Represent IRC and liaise with donor agencies and partners, as needed;
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelors Degree plus advanced degree in international development, political science, or other related field;
- Minimum 5 years progressive experience in drafting proposals for USG donors;
- Previous work experience in U.S. Government grants administration and proven knowledge of U.S. Government regulations regarding grants and contracts;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior writing skills and the ability to effectively manage a variety of relationships in a multicultural environment;
- Proven management skills and ability to negotiate effectively with donors and partners;
- Solid organizational skills: the ability to work productively and accurately while under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding environment;
- Flexible work attitude: the ability to work in a team environment & independently and ability to meet unexpected demands;
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively;
- Ability to travel internationally, at times with minimum notice and for prolonged periods of time;
- Strong computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, and email/internet software;
- Desire to learn about IRC, its programs and its staff.
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IRC leading the way from harm to home.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
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