Description
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Mercy Corps’ Middle East, North Africa, and Europe (MENA-E) team continues to respond to the humanitarian and development needs with focus on resilience with programs across Georgia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen. With a commitment to deliver quality programs that impact, influence, and innovate at a regional as well as country level, the team’s regional structure provides support to the country offices in advancement of both individual country priorities and the collective regional strategy.
Purpose / Project Description:
Given the high volume of new business opportunities already underway and forecasted for the remainder of FY26 the MENA/E Regional Team is looking to develop a roster of experienced international development professionals with a track record of strong program design and deep proposal development and writing experience with a variety of donors (including, but not limited to the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the EU, AFD, private donors, etc…). The consultants will be called upon to support in the drafting of quality submissions for diverse funding opportunities across the region.
Consultant Objectives:
The Consultant will provide strong technical design and writing inputs, as needed, for both humanitarian and development response proposals and strategy papers. This will be best achieved by someone with a clear understanding of the shifting dynamics across the Middle East and Europe and deep knowledge of proposal writing techniques for an array of major donors. The Consultant should be ready to work collaboratively with the team on the ground, and flexible to support work in the time zones that span the region.
Consultant Activities:
Broadly, activities will take the form of strategic pre-positioning efforts for large, complex bids, as well as immediate writing support for proposals that are already under development. This could include:
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Providing technical input into proposal design for development bids focused on areas aligned with Mercy Corps’ global strategy
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Drafting context and technical approach sections for these proposals
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Drafting context or needs assessment sections of humanitarian response programs, including proposals focused on WASH, shelter, multi-purpose cash assistance, and protection
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Serving as a “consolidating” writer for either development or humanitarian response proposals to ensure the document flows clearly and coherently
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Writing strategic papers or concepts in alignment with country or regional strategy priorities, as requested by the Deputy Regional Director
Consultant Deliverables:
Deliverables will be determined based on the specific proposal development needs as determined by the Regional Team during the period of performance. Throughout the consultancy, the Consultant will:
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Draft and submit on time high quality writing for assigned proposal sections, as needed
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Provide on time detailed reviews and strong edits to submissions to ensure coherence and logical flow
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Actively participate in design workshops to help teams develop and refine strong technical approaches, as needed
Timeframe / Schedule:
September 2025 – June 2026
The Consultant will report to:
The Regional Business Development Senior Advisor
The Consultant will work closely with:
Country Directors/Deputy Country Directors/Country Technical Teams involved in the proposal writing process; Global Business Development team members, as needed; HQ technical team members, as needed
Consultant Required Experience and Skills:
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5+ years of experience and proven track record in successful program design, development, and implementation for various donors; experience with development as well as humanitarian proposal writing
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Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills
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Demonstrated strong understanding of the Middle East/European context and Mercy Corps’ approach to programming in the region, namely humanitarian, economic opportunities, peace and governance and climate sensitive approaches
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Applicants with strong technical expertise in the following fields are also encouraged to apply: food security, water security and water management resources, market system developments, social cohesion, gender
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Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines
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BA/S or equivalent required; Master’s degree in international development or a related field preferred
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Native-level spoken and written English
Team Engagement and Effectiveness
Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.