Individual Consultant: Proposal Writer(s)

Job Description

Purpose / Project Description:

The Proposal Writer(s) will work closely with the Mercy Corps LAC region team, which supports humanitarian and development programming across countries and islands in Latin America and the Caribbean. Mercy Corps is currently operational in Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, and in various jurisdictions across the Caribbean (including Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, the US Virgin Islands, and others), with ambitious goals to expand its programmatic footprint in Central America and beyond in the coming years. The Proposal Writer will play a critical role in bolstering the LAC region’s aggressive business development efforts, by assisting various country teams with the execution of high-quality proposals in response to requests for proposals and notifications of funding opportunities by various institutional, multilateral, and private donors. The Consultant(s) will act as lead writer(s) for concept notes, full proposals, or cost modification proposals.

The Proposal Writer(s) will be tasked with working closely with Mercy Corps country offices, the LAC regional team, and global teams to design and develop competitive proposals based on field research, consultations with key internal and external stakeholders, input from technical and business development experts, and a thorough design process.

Consultant Activities/Deliverables:

Responsibilities will include:

• Work with country/regional teams and global technical experts to develop strong technical designs.
• Develop initial log frames/results frameworks and participate in technical design sessions as requested.
• Work in close collaboration with proposal Team Lead and other team members to set deadlines and hold team members accountable to proposal development deadlines and production of key deliverables.
• Write drafts of key technical sections, respond to feedback, and produce quality final drafts for submission.
• Potentially travel to country offices and field locations to participate in design sessions, information gathering activities, and collaborate with proposal team members and country team colleagues, as required.

Timeframe / Schedule:

Up to 90 days at a time, informed by NOFO/RFP launches and proposal deadlines beginning in January 2026.

The Consultant will report to:

Deputy Regional Director, LAC Region

The Consultant will work closely with:

LAC Technical Director, LAC Regional Vice President, global Institutional Donor Engagement team members, LAC Country Directors, Directors of Programs, LAC Regional Team, Global Technical Advisors and Program Quality Advisors, consortium partners and peer organizations, as appropriate.

Application Process:

Please submit a cover letter and CV. Cover letter should include a list of past proposals including donor, value and if awarded. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Required Experience & Skills:

• 5-10 years of experience in program design and proposal development in a wide variety of sectors and geographic locations, with a special emphasis in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• At least 2-3 years’ experience in field-based program and staff management, with relevant regional knowledge.
• Proven experience developing winning proposals, especially for US and European institutional donors, multilateral donor agencies, and private philanthropy donors.
• Proven ability to work productively with a wide variety of stakeholders to run both participatory processes and also meet tight deadlines with an emphasis on producing quality products.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience developing consortia and multiple-partnership arrangements for proposal development.
• Ability to lead teams, handle negotiations and facilitate planning processes.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and in sparse working environments.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills an absolute must.
• Fluent spoken and written English and Spanish; professional proficiency in French preferred.

Disclaimer: Applications will be received until this position is filled.

About the Organization

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided over $575 million in assistance to 73 nations. The agency's programs currently reach 5 million people in more than 25 countries, including the United States. Mercy Corps is a nonprofit organization with headquarters offices in Portland (Oregon), Seattle (Washington), Washington, DC, and Edinburgh, Scotland. Known for its quick-response, high-impact programs, over 95 percent of the agency's resources are allocated directly to programs that help those in need.