Bid Writer

FH Culture

All we do, and how we do it, seeks to promote God’s beauty, goodness, and truth in a broken world. As such, we are defined by our ability to make people’s lives measurably better; our ability to deliver impact is the measure of our collective success. For we know that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has already prepared in advance for us to do. At Food for the Hungry, we operate under a set of values called Heartbeat Values.

Job Summary

Work with business development and bid management teams to write high-quality bids for large USG bids that advance FH to finalist presentations. Must be motivated by collaboration with key subject matter experts, able to explain complex ideas clearly through written narrative, and write powerfully in as few words as possible. There is an element of capacity building for other staff in the grant ecosystem who will contribute written sections to proposals.

Principal Responsibilities

• Primary writer of large (multi-million dollar) USG proposals, expected to be 4-6 per year.
• Attend and contribute to proposal design workshops led by Bid Managers either virtually or on location. Develop draft zero of each proposal based on the workshop.
• Review the Request For Applications/Notice of Funding Opportunities for writing/formatting requirements and ensure proposals are compliant. As needed, submit questions to the donor for clarity.
• Work with Bid Managers to assign the writing of proposal sections to internal or partner subject matter experts.
• Contribute to ideas for graphics and impact visualization within each proposal.
• Ensure writing of each final proposal draft is cohesive, robust, and RFA compliant.
• Manage multiple proposal projects simultaneously without compromising quality or missing deadlines.
• Develop a deep understanding of Food for the Hungry’s program model and approaches, as well as the international development landscape, as an overall framework for communicating FH’s value-added/win themes in each proposal.
• Provide capacity building on proposal writing to SMEs and other staff in the grant ecosystem as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Level Specifications

• Vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a Christian commitment to serving the poor and in full agreement with FH’s Christian beliefs.
• Excellent writing skills in English, straightforwardly communicating complex ideas.
• Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Understanding of rules and regulations for US grants.
• Ability to develop and finalize proposal plans, and schedules for accuracy and compliance with relevant requirements and guidelines. In addition to business correspondence, and capacity-building materials.
• Ability to collaborate with subject matter experts, management, stakeholders and other appropriate staff members to gather necessary information for proposals and feedback on written proposals, and implement improvements in writing and communication.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of leaders and other key stakeholders.
• Adaptability to different cultures.
• Detail-oriented and curious, with a high capacity for critical thinking.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English. The ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
• Demonstrated computer-operating skills, including proficiency in Google platforms, Microsoft Office products, and virtual technologies such as Skype and Zoom.
• Ability to travel in the US and internationally to insecure countries or locations.

Experience/Education

• A bachelor's degree and 3 years of demonstrated success writing USG proposals, with at least 8 years of experience in writing, communications, or another related field.
• If no degree, at least 6 years of demonstrated success with writing USG proposals with at least 8 years of experience in writing, communications, or another related field.
• Experience with non-USG proposal writing is a plus.
• Capacity building and facilitation experience is a plus.

Safeguarding Policy

FH strives to provide an environment free from sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment in all places where relief and development programs are implemented. FH holds a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment. FH expects its employees to maintain high ethical standards, protect organizational integrity and reputation, and ensure that FH work is carried out in honest and fair methods, in alignment with the Heartbeat Values and safeguarding and associated policies. Violations to stated policies will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination of employment.