Proposal Writer/Editor -- CIMMYT, Mexico

Job Category:	Direction General
Position Title:	Proposal Writer/Editor
Type of Contract:	Internationally Recruited Staff
Location:	Mexico

Desired Skills:    
Description:    
We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and service-orientated professional for the position of Proposal Writer/Editor in the Communications, Knowledge Management and Development Department. The selected candidate will coordinate, write, edit, package and track progress a variety of technical documents for proposals or responses to CIMMYT donors/prospective donors and facilitate the proposal process, interacting with Program/project management, technical subject matter experts and others to interpret RFPs and analyze each proposal's requirements to determine the best approach necessary to ensure a persuasive response that positions CIMMYT for a positive evaluation.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The position will report to the Director of Communications, Knowledge Management & Development, and will be based at CIMMYT’s Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico).

The main responsibilities of this position will be:

• Determine proposal concept by identifying/clarifying opportunities and needs; study requests for proposal (RFPs); attend strategy meetings.
• Gather proposal information; coordinate submissions and collections; identify and communicate risks associated with proposals; develop proposal outlines, compliance matrices and proposal schedules.
• In collaboration with Program Directors and researchers, develop proposals by assembling information including project nature, objectives/ outcomes/deliverables, implementation, methods, timetable, staffing, budget, standards of performance and evaluation. Write, revise and edit drafts including executive summaries, conclusions and organization credentials.
• Review/rewrite proposal inputs and coordinate with management personnel to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with editorial standards and proposal formatting/composition; coordinate proposal reviews, ensuring compliance with solicitation requirements; improve proposal-writing results by evaluating and re-designing processes, approach, coordination and boilerplate; implement changes.
• Organize material and complete writing assignments according to RFP requirements regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style and terminology; edit, standardize drafts and finalized materials prepared by other writers.
• Maintain quality by using templates; follow proposal-writing standards (readability, consistency/tone); maintain proposal support databases.
• Obtain approvals by having proposals reviewed by relevant CIMMYT Program Directors, the Deputy Director General for Research & Partnerships and the Program Management Unit.
• Meet proposal deadline by establishing priorities/target dates for information gathering, writing, review and approval; enter and monitor tracking data; coordinate requirements with contributors; contribute proposal status information to review meetings; transmit proposals; manage and coordinate with proposal team leader to meet required completion dates.
• Accomplish CIMMYT goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; explore opportunities to add value to position; update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; maintain personal networks.
• Gather information by interviewing subject matter experts and write various proposal sections, including executive summaries, past performance/qualification summaries and resumes.
• Create/maintain a proposal library/database – both hard copy and electronic; maintain historical records and files of work and revisions for future proposal efforts.
• Work with other team members to maintain an inventory of opportunities (past, present and future).
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• Bachelor’s degree in in journalism, communications, business communications, marketing, English or a related field.
• At least 5 years of previous proposal/grant writing and editing experience, strong attention to details and work well in a team environment oriented to production. Having a background in/knowledge of agricultural development is required.
• Ability to summarize data concisely and accurately; ability to translate complicated ideas into language easily understood by others.
• The position requires full proficiency in English, including ability to interact confidently with colleagues and external contacts on complex issues and to write documents and presentations in English, fluency to persuade, negotiate, coach, conceptualize and train and ability to translate documents (excluding legal, financial or highly technical documents). Knowledge of an additional language, especially Spanish, is desirable but not required.
• Thorough knowledge of the field of work or specialized equipment; basic knowledge of administrative and/or operating protocols and procedures of research support function.
• Demonstrated organizational agility and political savvy.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, vacation, annual home vacation airfare, retirement plan, and relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply, email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 22 August, 2014 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please insert Position Reference number: 12354 in the subject of your email)

In your application, please provide a link to your online portfolio.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores at g.flores@cgiar.org

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