Proposal Writer

Job Description

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For nearly 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.

The Position: Proposal Writer

PADF’s New Business Development Unit (NBD) has an immediate opportunity for a full-time Proposal Writer. The incumbent will have overall responsibility for designing and writing proposals for funding from the USG and other bi-lateral donors focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean. With respect to program design, the Proposal Writer will bring to bear their knowledge of international development, the subject area, PADF’s program experience, and relevant research to develop strategies and approaches that respond to donor solicitations. With respect to writing, the Proposal Writer will facilitate technical and management design sessions and outline, draft, write, and edit proposals that respond to donor solicitations. Expected to also support proposal processes in accordance with PADF’s systems and protocols, drawing on and working collaboratively with PADF staff from the field and HQ.

PADF’s New Business Development Unit facilitates collaboration and strategy development between field and HQ teams, partners, and donors to win projects that support the PADF mission. Given the nature of the work, NBD offers flexible schedules and remote options.

Specific Duties:

• Become and remain knowledgeable about PADF programs generally and specifically those in the areas that respond to funding opportunities
• Conduct research and analysis for business development opportunities, using donor, technical, field, and internal resources

• Identify emerging opportunities for PADF in collaboration with field and HQ teams

• Analyze solicitation documents to recommend responsive approaches

• Co-facilitate technical and management design sessions

• Write responses to solicitations, including expressions of interest, capabilities statements, concept notes, past performance references, and proposals
• Support editing internal and external written products
• Contribute to new business development strategy based on PADF Strategic Plan objectives and opportunities identified
• ​Participate in organizational learning activities to increase bid win rate
• ​Use evidence and learning from across the organization to strengthen proposals

Competencies

• Won proposals as lead writer, responding to USAID and Department of State funding opportunities preferred
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent editing skills, experience in AP style preferred

• Subject area knowledge in (1) citizen security, (2) human rights and democracy, (3) agriculture, environment and natural resource management, (4) economic development, or (5) public health
• Familiarity with Shipley capture and proposal processes strongly preferred
• Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches
• Familiarity with proposal budgets, for USAID and other USG funding opportunities preferred
• Leadership skills

Personal Characteristics

• Self-starter, proactive and takes the initiative
• Track record of meeting deadlines and consistently producing high caliber work
• Superior attention to detail, ensuring accuracy of work with minimum supervision
• Interest in and a passion for development

• Genuine team spirit and ability to work effectively in teams

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent in a relevant field. MA/MS preferred
• English fluency and Spanish or French proficiency

• Field experience required, with field management or operational experience a plus
• 7+ years of experience in international development
• Experience with both for profit and non-profit international development organizations a plus

More About PADF

PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962. www.padf.org

PADF’s core values. “H-E-A-R-T” = Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Benefits. PADF offers a very competitive benefits package that includes:

• Best in the industry insurance coverage, including medical, dental, vision (also covering domestic partners), life and accidental death and dismemberment and disability
• 10% contribution of base salary to 403(b) retirement account after one year of service, and opportunity for your own tax-advantaged savings on your hire date
• Flexible spending account to apply pre-tax income to health or dependents care expenses
• Generous time-off benefits, including holiday, vacation, personal, and sick days. Office closed for holiday break
• Parking or metro transit subsidy
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Employees assistance and referral programs
• Select OAS benefits, including membership to the OAS Staff Federal Credit Union

Diversity. PADF is strong because we are diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of cultures, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, and perspectives on the world.

When applying for this position, please include a cover letter and compensation requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled

About the Organization

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For nearly 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.