Lead Technical Writer
Job Description
Overview
We are seeking a D.C.-based Lead Technical Writer for the Technical Proposal on strategic captures and proposals. In addition, they will collaborate with technical staff at all levels to gather required technical content to write compliant, responsive, and persuasive technical proposals. When not actively writing proposals, this person will assist in development and implementation of corporate business development strategy as well as ongoing business development-related research and data analyses.
Responsibilities
Primary activities include but are not limited to: work with staff in business development, technical, pricing, M&E, and recruiting to thoroughly understand all elements of our win strategy during capture and prep phases; conduct market assessment research as required, on client needs, opportunity information, competitive landscape and ACDI/VOCA capabilities/capacity and help translate information into informative SWOT analysis and strategies; attend win strategy development meetings, including development of technical solution, management plan and corporate capability; recap win strategy elements in writing to capture/proposal team to confirm understanding of win strategy and inform outlines and subsequent drafts; collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Technical Leader (TL) to gather information needed to write assigned sections; based on thorough understanding of win strategy, draft section strategy(ies) and subsequent drafts that are compliant with solicitation, responsive to client needs, persuasive and an excellent presentation of our win strategy; integrate contributions into one, cohesive technical proposal that showcases our win strategy and meets client needs and solicitation requirements; collaborate with proposal team and graphics staff to make excellent use of graphics throughout proposal to showcase win themes, save space, and effectively present complex topics; incorporate feedback from (TL), Department Head (DH) and color reviewers into each draft iteration; may participate in capture recon trips and/or write from international location to facilitate collaboration with local partners and proposal team members; mentor technical staff to increase the organization’s writer capacity; and share examples of writing in winning proposals, particularly presentation commended by the client.
In addition, this person will assist in defining content for client profiles, developing templates, and determining media/format/system to store and maintain information. They will also develop and maintain client profiles. The Technical Lead Writer will continue ongoing research, monitoring, and updating of profiles, including development of new profiles for new clients, as needed. They will assist in developing methods and materials to communicate to clients what we do (priority technical areas) and where we do it (priority geographic areas). They will also assist in developing long-term positioning plans for priority clients and partners.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications include a Master’s degree in English, Business, Economics, Agriculture, International Relations, or other related field; additional years of experience in lieu of a master’s degree will be considered. Bachelor’s degree required. Demonstrated excellence writing technical proposal narratives that are compliant to the requirements, responsive to client needs and showcase our strategy to win the bid. Includes excellent use of graphics. Six or more years of experience in writing technical proposals, preferably for USAID, MCC, USDA, etc. Additional knowledge of non-USG proposal writing is a plus. Proven familiarity with international donor programs and/or their procurement processes. Strong analytical skills; able to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to visualize, articulate, conceptualize or solve complex solutions. Proven ability to facilitate complex, technical discussions of participants with varied perspectives; able to summarize and to identify action items and next steps. Demonstrated ability to distill large quantities of information into concise, salient points. Proven organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks successfully under tight deadlines. Strong interpersonal, communication and troubleshooting skills. Ability to work independently in a self-directed, results-oriented environment at a fast pace. Experience conducting research and gathering information from multiple sources including desk and field research. Experience in international development work is a plus. The ability and willingness to travel internationally is required.