Senior Specialist, Program Design

Description Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe's work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty. The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off. Overview: The Program Design Team (PDT) designs compelling, high-quality proposals aimed at driving increased impact and revenue from key funding partners such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and major multinational corporations. While involved in all stages of Program Development (PD), the primary focus of the Senior Specialist role is to support the Program Design Team (PDT) and Global Program Development function to design impactful projects and write persuasive proposals. The Senior Specialist will support the development of targeted proposals and concepts and work with geographic teams to develop pitches for regional and local funders. Key Responsibilities: FUNCTION AS PROPOSAL WRITER FOR TARGETED PROPOSALS AND CONCEPTS The Senior Specialist will design and write concepts and smaller value ( Additionally, they will serve as a section writer, integrating specialized inputs into the technical proposal narratives (e.g., executive summary, technical approach, management plan, organizational capacity, monitoring and evaluation plan, implementation plan, etc.) as well as support impact and other financial modeling needs. Estimated level of effort: 40% SUPPORT PROGRAM DESIGN TEAM The Senior Specialist will work directly with PDT members to design projects and write larger value, more strategic proposals. Responsibilities include conducting desk and field-based in-depth research in TechnoServe's primary technical domains - Regenerative Agriculture, Enterprise Development, and Local Food Systems. Within each technical domain and cross-cutting disciples-Gender, Youth, and Technology, the Senior Specialist will work with PD's Knowledge Management team to document current approaches, frameworks, models, and tools so that others can easily adapt and utilize them for program design efforts, proposals, marketing materials, or other documents. They will also support the PDT and Global PD in leveraging AI tools to improve productivity and performance. Additionally, they will coordinate with the Corporate Measurement team to contribute to impact measurement learnings and innovations. As needed, the Senior Specialist will attend relevant webinars, workshops, and other events to stay ahead of program trends. Estimated level of effort: 30% SUPPORT IMPROVED PERFORMANCE IN PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT The Senior Specialist will support the Opportunity & Proposal Development and Lead Generation workstream leads to develop and produce presentations and guidance documents, as well as support training initiatives. Other tasks may include improving new business performance through enhanced research and processes and tools. The Senior Specialist will research, document, and disseminate information on funders relevant to key technical areas to inform longer-term approaches to customer relationship management. They will also research competitors, academia, and the broader private sector to identify new or improved practices and tools. Estimated level of effort: 20% PROVIDE SURGE CAPACITY FOR GLOBAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT As needed, the Senior Specialist will coordinate larger proposals and support targeted writing, editing, and sometimes management requests as needed on concept notes, proposals, and recon/capture trip efforts. Estimated level of effort: 10% Basic Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in international relations, communications or related discipline, plus a minimum of 5 years experience of supporting business development in an international development context (or a Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience). Professional experience in lieu of a degree may be considered. Demonstrated experience working in multi-sectoral, geographically dispersed proposal teams to design and write winning proposals Experience with synthesizing knowledge and insights into broadly applicable models, frameworks and tools that can be used to support program design and/or integrated into proposals. Languages: English Fluency required. Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese language skills strongly preferred; additional language skills are desirable. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in market-based solutions and working with the private sector. Experience managing and coordinating proposals for a range of public and private funders. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Desire to continuously refine and improve writing skills based on feedback and support from colleagues. Ability to perform under pressure, be flexible, work independently, manage multiple tasks, and work effectively as a manager and team member in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment. Knowledge of systems thinking including topics such as market systems development, complex adaptive systems, and value chain development. Strong written and oral communication skills with enthusiasm for writing, as well as critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to produce polished PowerPoint and other marketing material presentations. Ability to use and aptitude for Results Based Management/Logical Framework approaches preferred. Passionate about market-led approaches to helping the poor improve their livelihoods We are open to remote US applicants for this position, with a preference for candidates located in a commutable distance of TechnoServe's Arlington, VA, Headquarters (HQ). If the selected candidate is located within a 50 mile radius of HQ, they will be expected to work from HQ as directed by their supervisor. Candidates must have US work authorization at the time of application. We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply. With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes. We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks. If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe please contact the Human Resources at or call +. #LI-HYBRID #LI-REMOTE Qualifications Education Bachelors of International Studies (preferred) Experience 3 - 5 years: Experience supporting business development in an international development context (required) Demonstrated experience working in multi-sectoral, geographically dispersed proposal teams to design and write winning proposals (required) Experience with synthesizing knowledge and insights into broadly applicable models, frameworks and tools that can be used to support program design and/or integrated into proposals (required) Skills International Development (preferred) Business Development (preferred) Communications (preferred) Program Design (preferred) Proposal Coordination (preferred) Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Created: 2024-11-05