Job Description:

The Senior Technical Writer (STW) for Program Development will coordinate the design and implementation of programs and grant proposals along with the development of donor relationships for the country office. The STW/PDO will provide technical help during project cycle implementation, monitoring and the close-out process. This position reports to the Senior Programs Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop programming through writing concept papers, proposals and budgets using best practices and lessons learned in coordination with appropriate program units.
• Build relationships on behalf of SP with bilateral donors, International Non-governmental Organizations, and other agencies.
• Represent SP in relevant UN cluster meetings and other donor/partner meetings.
• Monitor and be aware of upcoming agency “calls for proposals” and proactively inform the Senior Program Manager, Deputy Country Director (DCD) and Country Director (CD). 
• Help as needed in program implementation, including: developing assessments, baselines, budgets, monitoring and evaluation systems, field visits to verify data, reporting and close-out. Work with the Country M&E Manager if available.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of program activities, keeping track of key lessons learned. Ensure assessments, monitoring and evaluation is done throughout the project cycle
• Help the Senior Program Manager with strategic plotting and the implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting of newly funded programs.
• Build capacity of field staff in general program development skills, behavior change communication, and quantitative and qualitative monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Attend daily morning devotions and participate in prayer support for the ministry, its donors and volunteers.
• Maintain a strong Christian witness to colleagues, vendors, charitable beneficiaries, and the general public.
• Assess, manage, and report critical physical, emotional, or spiritual concerns of supervised staff.
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Manager and senior leadership team

Supervisor Responsibilities: 

This job has two direct reports with supervisory responsibilities (M&E coordinator and Information/Communications Officer); will also oversee various technical support staff in the specific programs designed and will coordinate with associated program units as needed to conduct assessments, monitoring and evaluation throughout the life of the project cycle.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Commitment to the Samaritan’s Purse statement of faith, and experience in working cross-culturally and with people of all faiths
• Exceptional English written and oral communication skills; with examples of written work provided; prior experience in this field is mandatory
• Technical writing skills including developing proposals, training/instruction manuals, and reports.
• Knowledge of basic program development skills such as quantitative and qualitative monitoring and evaluation.
• Working knowledge of the grant submission processes of major donors such but not limited to the UN, CIDA, DFID and USAID, PADF, etc.
• Ability to develop and carry out work plans and solve problems independently.
• Brilliant knowledge of computer applications, in particular proficiency required in MS Word, MS Excel and Power Point.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree (M.A.) in International Development or International Economics or a Juris Doctorate in Law is required.
• Study in a related field and/or strong field based experience will be considered in lieu of education, preference if for: eight years’ experience in program development and management and/or three years of cross-cultural experience in program management in the implementation of relief and development programming, or a combination of education and experience. 
• Twelve credit hours of college-level Biblical studies strongly preferred. Required completion plot upon hiring if requirement is not met.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

English as a first language. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data, financial reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, proposals, and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, donors, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or go up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.