USDA McGovern-Dole (MGD) Proposal Consultants

Overview

Location: Remote, with ability to participate in a regional workshop (virtual or in-person)

Please note that McGovern-Dole experience is essential for this role. As such, we ask that you only submit an application if you have this experience.

Global Communities (GC) is intending to prepare a bid in response to the anticipated USDA FY26 McGovern-Dole opportunity. GC is seeking consultants to serve in a variety of proposal development roles including as Proposal Director, Technical Writer, and/or Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor to support the development of competitive proposals. Building on GC’s well established USDA programs, consultants will be responsible for reviewing donor technical guidance, existing GC documentation, consulting closely with country-based staff, and supporting new inputs from formative work and project design, to develop submission ready products in line with the draft scopes below.

Timing/Duration: GC’s preparation efforts are underway, however exact timing is dependent upon the US Government’s release timing and due date for the solicitation.

SCOPE OF WORK (exact list may be customized to specific consultant role):

• In collaboration with GC proposal team members, conduct literature review/desk research within the selected priority country to include:

• Review and ensure familiarity with core USDA McGovern-Dole Technical and Proposal Guidance Documents.

• Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

• Past GC proposals and existing programmatic documents as applicable.

• As needed and dependent on the target geographic area identified in the final NOFO, lead and/or support activities to update formative assessment to inform proposal design and targeting.

• Participate/present in all relevant design workshops, technical strategy-related discussions (potential to be held virtually or in the region), and proposal draft reviews. Plan for and lead certain sessions as determined by GC. This may include travel, to be agreed upon and approved by GC, or virtual participation.

• Participate in ongoing coordination calls and meetings with the proposal design team and other GC stakeholders

• Proposal Director: Drive overall program design including making recommendations and decisions on the overall and specific technical strategy and management approach.

• Technical Writer: Serve as lead writer or reviewer for key proposal components including the Introduction & Strategic Analysis and/or Plan of Operations sections, and support other section lead writers as needed. Conduct a full proposal review and serve as overall lead editor to ensure all sections are in alignment and compliant to proposal criteria; make necessary revisions for cohesion and flow between and throughout all proposal narrative sections.

• MEL Support & Writer: Lead the development and drafting of the proposal’s MEL components including the Results Framework, Performance Indicator Table, Evaluation Plan, and inputs for key resources needed for MEL budget (i.e., systems, staffing, and/or partnerships). Review other proposal components as assigned to ensure alignment across components.

DELIVERABLES:

• Participation in team and/or partnership calls and meetings, as determined necessary by program design leads and the proposal team.

• Participation in design workshop (virtual or in-person, with any travel to be approved by GC).

• Development, editing, and revision of proposal sections as assigned by GC in line with NOFO guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of relevant proposal development experience.

• Demonstrated experience designing and/or drafting USDA McGovern-Dole proposals / programs sections is required.

• English fluency required.

Global Communities positively welcomes and seeks applications from all sections of society. We are committed to a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of everyone and offers equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.