Organizational Introduction:
Established in 2007, AAN Associates (www.aanassociates.com) is one of the leading research and development consulting firms, with a growing portfolio of both national and international projects. AAN works with a diverse array of development partners such as IFIs, UN Agencies, public agencies and so on, enabling them to deliver their intended objectives.
AAN has successfully implemented over 110 projects in 22 countries in the Pacific/East, West and South Asia, Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and South and West Africa regions; and is reckoned as the practice lead for development evaluation with a global footprint, through its stellar track record of producing internationally recognized, award winning evaluations.
Functional Responsibilities:
Associate PDU is responsible for all business development activities, and reports directly to the Managing Director. S/he will work with all PDU staff, oversee identification and development operations. S/he is primary for proactive business development while supporting proposal development.
Proposal Development and Follow-up:
- Review/shortlisting of business opportunities, working with the relevant team/consultants to develop EOIs, business proposals, participate in pre-bid meetings, submission and follow-up with potential clients, organizing presentations and assist/lead on client negotiations (pre-post contract);
- Regularly sift opportunities, national/international and umbrella websites for Requests for Applications (RFAs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Expression of Interest (EOI) submission opportunities for both AAN’s core competency areas and sectors
- Conduct background research on proposal opportunities to determine AAN’s competitiveness and calculated positioning;
- Assist in collection and analysis of information necessary for innovative and responsive proposals the organization has decided to pursue.
- Assist/lead in assessment in identification of clients, associates/partners, consultants and field data collection team, negotiations/association management, and roster management of clients/partners/consultants/field data collection teams;
- As assigned, serve as primary proposal writer, drafting, editing, and ensuring final production of competitive proposal for submission to client; use writing skills to transform technical content and conceptual design into polished final proposals that are responsive to the terms of reference guidelines
- As assigned, lead proposal development processes and proposal response teams, serving as overall goal owner, ensuring timely and efficient submission of quality competitive proposals, and working with teams of technical, field and management staff.
Partnership Management:
- Work with internal departments and partner agencies to collect all necessary documents, including but not limited to Teaming Agreement, Letters of Commitment, CVs, bio data sheets and other documents and standardize these to the proposal guidelines for the work at hand.
- Constantly seek to make AAN’s mission, vision and values central to our organization design.
- Develop and utilize tools, templates and work processes that result in streamlined and efficient proposal development and teamwork.
- Ensuring effective and ongoing communication among AAN’s departments and offices, and collaborators throughout the proposal development process and is able to provide support during the projects delivery processes
- Work as a team member to undertake whatever is necessary to complete high quality and competitive project designs and proposals.
- As assigned research and write corporate and technical fact sheets, capability statements and provide writing expertise to other assignments as needed and/or as time permits
- Represent the organization where required.
Visibility and Communication:
- Takes lead in development, updating, and dissemination of AAN’s communication products including corporate profiles, websites, and social media presence.
- Lead the profiling initiatives of AAN Associates - regular updating/revamping of AAN Associates’ profile, website re-design and updating, periodic publications – newsletter, e-communication and others;
- Participate/represent AAN Associates in the industry events, organize and invite associates/partners and clients to AAN Associates events (including celebratory events);
General Responsibility:
- Overall undertake and deliver any other worked tasked by Senior Management Team (SMT) of AAN; all work demands/requests from staff must be prioritised and committed in consultation with the SMT.
- Adhere and comply with AAN’s rules and regulations.
- Support other staff members in maintaining a good conducive work environment and morale.
Essential Requirements:
- Sixteen (16) years of education, preferably a degree in Social Sciences from a reputable/recognized university
- At least 3 years of experience in development sector working with INGOs, Development consultancies, bi or multilateral donor organizations etc
- Experience of using Office suite of tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office etc
- Excellent English writing and speaking skills
- Must be able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working in teams and collaborating on projects.
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
- Should be extremely detail-oriented, self-motivated, highly-organized, resourceful, and reliable.
- Willingness to learn and grow.