Business Development Officer, Syria Response

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC is one of the leading providers of high quality programming in conflict and post-conflict settings. In order to advance its mission of serving communities impacted by conflict and displacement, the IRC is committed to developing innovative, context-specific programs in response to strategic funding opportunities with a range of government and multilateral donors. This work is led by the IRC’s Business Development Unit (BDU) in close collaboration with regional and country management structures, the IRC’s Technical Units and a range of specialists based in the USA and Europe. Specifically, the BDU assists with proposal development, partnership and donor negotiation. The unit works closely with other departments to develop learning and management tools that will further the agency’s strategic goals. SCOPE OF WORK: The Business Development Officer- Syria Response (BDO- SR) will work closely with BDU staff and IRC’s Syria Response Region (SRR) to plan, manage and/or coordinate the organization’s response to funding opportunities issued by the US government and multilateral donors such as the World Bank and the UN. Working closely with IRC country teams in Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Syria, the incumbent will lead and support proposal development efforts in the region, as well as potentially in other IRC country programs as opportunities arise and circumstances permit. The incumbent will also contribute to efforts to cultivate and develop new funding relationships for IRC with regional donors. This position requires international travel for periods of up to six weeks, with such travel amounting to approximately 50% of the time. Based in IRC’s office in Amman, the BDO-SR will report to the BDU Senior Director and collaborate closely with IRC’s Syria Response Region (with the Regional Director as his/her primary contact in Amman). Close collaboration with country program staff in the Syria Response Region as well as other International Programs and Finance staff will be critical to ensure that all proposal development issues are identified and properly addressed. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Act as proposal team leader and/or lead writer for select proposals, as determined by BDU Senior Director in coordination with the Syria Response Region (SRR) Director; * Support IRC SRR country programs to develop, write and submit competitive proposals; * Identify and secure sectoral and functional expertise required to pursue specific funding opportunities; * Ensure proposal quality, responsiveness, and compliance with donor and IRC requirements; * Promote consistent adherence to quality new business and proposal development practices; * Oversee proposal development production schedules against established deadlines and benchmarks; * Work with SRR country programs to undertake donor mapping, cultivations and representation activities; * With the SRR Regional Director, meet and establish relationships with Amman-based and regional donors; * Under direction of the Senior Director, Business Development, initiate and maintain up-to-date business development plans with country programs; * Coordinate with IRC Finance staff to support proposal budgets; * Facilitate best and final offer negotiations, including negotiation of terms and conditions of awards, and revisions to grant proposals, budgets and budget narratives; * Develop capability statements and other standardized templates to facilitate proposal development processes and enhance competitiveness of submissions; * Work with BDU to identify proposal development capacity needs and provide training, coaching and technical assistance that responds to identified needs; * Work with the BDU’s Program Manager to maintain relevant proposal development information; * Participate in special projects, as needed; * Other responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director. REQUIREMENTS: * Bachelors Degree in international development, political science, or other related field. Advanced degree a plus; * Minimum 5 years progressive experience in drafting winning proposals for USG and other public donors; * Demonstrated writing skills; * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively manage a variety of relationships in a multicultural environment; * Ability to negotiate effectively with international and local partners, including teaming agreements; * Demonstrated ability to collaborate equally effectively with colleagues as team leader or team member; * Previous work experience in U.S. Government grants administration and proven knowledge of U.S. Government regulations regarding grants and contracts; * Experience and knowledge of the Middle East strongly welcomed; * Solid organizational skills: the ability to work productively and accurately while under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding environment; * Flexible work attitude: the ability to work in a team environment & independently and ability to meet unexpected demands; * Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively; * Ability to travel internationally, at times with minimum notice and for prolonged periods of time; * Strong computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, and email/internet software; * Desire to learn about IRC, its programs and its staff. Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=a2ltbC4zNDA4MC40ODEwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20