TECHNICAL PROPOSAL WRITER

JOB ADVERTISEMENT
EXTERNALLY & INTERNALLY 
 
Terms of Reference
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL WRITER – SHORT TERM CONSULTANCY
 

Location of assignment: Dili, Timor-Leste
 
Duration of assignment: 20 days. From approximately 24 Sept ‘12 – 19 Octo’12<
 
Responsible to: Geraldine Zwack, Country Director  
 
Report to: Bharath Mohan, ACD-Programs

1        Background & Context

CARE International in Timor-Leste is seeking a Technical Proposal Writer to assist CARE in developing a proposal for European Union funding. This project will focus on benefitting Timorese people out of reach of mainstream services and resources and excluded from policy making processes; strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations in Timor-Leste, and facilitating linkages between Local Authorities and Non State Actors. The consultant will lead the concept design process by presenting ideas for consideration, based on consultation with key stakeholders and lessons learned from the CARE’s past experiences. 
CARE is an international humanitarian aid organisation fighting global poverty, with a special focus on working with women and girls to bring lasting change to their communities. As a non-religious and non-political organisation, CARE works with communities to help overcome poverty by supporting development projects and providing emergency relief. We believe supporting women and girls is one of the most effective ways to create sustainable outcomes in poor communities. CARE International has been operating in Timor Leste since 1994, originally as part of CARE Indonesia and as an autonomous Country office since 2000.  CARE in Timor Leste focuses on long-term sustainable development projects in agriculture and drought preparedness, education, community health and nutrition, capacity building, urban community outreach and peace building, micro-enterprise and employment generation and ensuring women’s participation.

2        Objectives

The key objective of this consultancy will be to develop a 5 page concept note, logframe and indicative budget to Â which takes into account CARE’s programming principles, including promotion of empowerment, working in partnership with others and seeking sustainable results[1]. 
The EU has stated that priority will be given to proposals that aim to:
§  enhance the participation of NSA at decentralized level through appropriate actions of civic education and youth employment
§  Strengthen the capacity of women's and youth's organizations to develop sustainable community based organizations with a focus on peace-building, poverty reduction and/or participation in local democratic governance
§  Improve access and quality of social services in rural areas
§  Promote a culture of dialogue and conflict prevention at district and national level.[2]
It is anticipated that if successful, the consultant may be invited to reengage or extend their contract to develop the full proposal design.

3        Expected Results

Expected Results will include:
·         5 Page Concept note for a project between 24 and 60 months that includes:
o   A theory of change, or project logic, which clearly outlines how capacity building will contribute to the desired results (or outcomes).
o   Goal and objectives of the project
o   Summary of outputs and activities, and potential implementation partners
o   Description of relevance to the objectives, themes and specific donor priorities of the call for proposals
o   Description of relevance of the project to the particular needs and constraints of Timor-Leste
o   Description of CITL’s competitive advantage in relation to the project
o   Description of target impact group and beneficiaries, their needs and constraints and how this action will address their needs
·         A risk assessment (annex)
·         Logframe (annex)

·         Indicative budget (up to €800,000)

4        Scope of work

• Review of secondary data.

• Consultations with CITL staff, local partners and stakeholders

• Develop concept paper, logframe, risk assessment and indicative budget

5        Services provided by CARE International in Timor-Leste

 
In fulfilling their responsibilities the consultant will closely co-operate with and be supported by CARE. CARE will provide the consultants with transport, office space and accommodation as required. CARE shall introduce the consultant to the key contacts for this work and make necessary organizational arrangements. CARE will provide the consultant with all necessary background information. The field portion of the design process will take place in Timor-Leste. While performing the field work the Consultant will be based at CARE field officesThe Consultant shall at all times follow CARE Timor Leste  safety and security rules and regulations. 

6        Lines of Communication

The Assistant Country Director – Programs will be responsible for the day to dayy support to the Consultant. and communication relating to the management of logistics/finance Length of Assignment
The assignment will start on or about September 20, 2012 and finish on October 15, 2012. 

7        Required knowledge and experience

Essential knowledge and experience of a high order are required in the following areas: 
·         Relevant academic background or demonstrated experience in community development, civil society strengthening, capacity building, enhancing relationships between NSAs and local,/district,/national government authorities (
·         Demonstrated experience in writing proposals and concept notes for major donors such as the European Union
·         Demonstrated experience in facilitating consultations with a wide range of stakeholders 
·         Demonstrated experience in integrating gender into program design
·         Proven oral and written communication skills
·         Experience working with people of different cultures
·         Excellent analytical skills
·         Ability to work as part of a team
·         Flexibility & Patience
·         Knowledge of Timor-Leste context and language skills an advantage
·         Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under own initiative with guidance from INGO advisors.

8        Expressions of Interest should include:

• Up to date CV

• Daily Rate and availability

 
CONSULTANT SELECTION CRITERIA
·         Advanced university degree in a relevant field 
·         Extensive experience in gender and development, gender analysis and women’s empowerment and agriculture/rural development
·         Extensive experience in project design 
·         Fluency in English
·         Previous experience in Timor-Leste
·         Fluency in Tetun or Indonesian preferable 

 
HOW TO APPLY
For those who are interested for this position, please submit the application letter and Curriculum Vitae with two references. to HR Unit, CARE International Timor-Leste, Bairro Pite Dili, OR by email olivia.machado@careint.org . The closing date for applications is 18 September 2012 at 5PM. Only the applicant who short listed will be contacted for the interview. 
 
CARE is an equal opportunity employer. Women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.