Technical MENA Proposal Writer/Developer

Consultant: Technical MENA Proposal Writer/Developer

Services: 5-7 days/month freelance support in proposal writing and development for MENA region

Where: Remote

Start date: September 1st – ongoing

Background:

Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) gGmbH is a German media development organisation that implements projects in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. MiCT’s activities focus on the interplay between conflict, media coverage and reconciliation in crisis regions. The organisation was established in 2004 with a head office based in Berlin.

MiCT’s services include the training of journalists and media producers, programme and content development, production of radio programmes, films and books, as well as media research and monitoring in conflict zones. Through its projects, MiCT aims at fostering the transformation from conflict towards reconciliation and to encourage dialogue among conflicting factions within society. Our focal point is the interaction and interdependence of media and conflict. Supporting media cooperation, media networking and media development, as well as capacity building in the field of journalism, is presumed to be a key factor in conflict transition.

For the past 12 years MiCT has been conducting investigative reporting training and has produced investigative reports in cooperation with local journalists in Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan & South Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, as well as several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The role:

Working with the MENA Regional Director and other relevant staff from relevant countries, the consultant will take the lead in developing compelling, evidence-based concept notes and proposals in accordance with the guidelines and timeframe of specific calls for proposals. The consultant will bring to the project design process previous experience from developing and writing successful integrated, multi-sectoral proposals involving several stakeholders for institutional and international donors. It is desirable that the consultant also brings a good understanding of issues relating to media, freedom of knowledge, press and access to information, access to justice, and journalism in the MENA region.

Responsibilities:

The scope of work of the consultant, as well as the timeline and the exact number of working days, will vary according to the requirements of the call for proposals and the available capacities within MiCT’s teams at the time of application.

The consultant is expected to be able to carry any of the following tasks:

• Carefully review call for proposals and ensure the final submission product complies with the call guidelines and donor requirements
• Review relevant secondary literature and, if gaps have been identified, provide guidance for the finalization of primary
• Data Collection tools and methodologies
• Draft Theory of Change for the whole project and/or draft overall result management framework, with clear expected outcomes and SMART indicators of progress for the entire project
• Draft proposal narrative as per identified donor requirements Draft other proposal-related documents when required

Requirements:

• A degree in humanities, journalism, international relations or a related field.
• Certification or Continuing Education in grant writing, proposal development and/or fundraising a strong plus
• At least five years of professional experience in grant writing/fundraising, preferably demonstrated experience in successful proposal with USAID, GIZ, AA, UN, and other international donors.
• Demonstrated record of developing successful grant proposals to both governmental agencies and private foundations
• Excellent understanding of the issues and players in the fields of media, freedom of knowledge and access to information, access to justice, and journalism
• Excellent oral and written English, Arabic or German language would be an asset
• Ability to work autonomously and to prioritize tasks within tight deadlines
• Great attention to details and excellent coordination skills
• Excellent communication skills – timely, articulate, unambiguous and error free
• Working experience in MENA would be an advantage
• Project management experience/certification a plus