UNIFEM| Project Proposal Writing National Expert T

Subject:Terms of Reference for a National Expert to plan and prepare winning proposals for project funding based on the Action Plan for the roll out of the Cross Sectoral National Gender Strategy 2011-2013.

Title:Project Proposal Writing National Expert

Duty station:MoWA, Ramallah

Duration:3 Months

Instructions:
CV and letter of interest has to be addressed to Alia El-Yassir, UNIFEM and sent to
e-mail: [email protected] with the subject line: Proposal writing expert. While all applications are
appreciated, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

I-Background:
On the 17th of August 2009, the Palestinian Cabinet took the formal decision to initiate the process of creating a new Palestinian National Development Plan (NDP) for the years 2011– 2013. With the purpose of placing gender equality and women’s empowerment at the core of the forthcoming NDP, the Palestinian Cabinet, together with the Ministry of Planning and Administrative Development (MoPAD), assigned to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) the task to develop a Cross-Sectoral National Gender Strategy (CSNGS) within the basic framework of the new development plan.
The CSNGS acts as a pivotal instrument to build up an independent Palestinian state that will invest in and benefit actively and efficiently from the contributions, capacities, and skills of both its female and male citizens, and thus pave the way to attaining just, comprehensive and sustainable human development. The CSNGS analyzes the situation on the ground, focuses on gender gaps in all fields (citizenship rights, rule of law, residence rights, family law, violence against women, political participation, education, health, women with special needs, poverty, and so forth) and suggests interventions to bridge these gaps through the collective coordination and action of the various PA ministries, women’s organisations and civil society organisations.  
The recently finalized Action Plan to roll out the CSNGS included a programme portfolio which comprises flagship programmes according the CSNGS strategic objectives with clear time-bound performance targets and outcomes. The programmes are built on the basis of one principal priority/intervention and a limited set of “other priorities/interventions” The programme management cycle and budget cycle is harmonized with the National Development Plan. The design of each programme document includes gender-related baseline data, so that progress and results can be accurately tracked and measured. These programmes need to be easily broken down into projects for funding purposes.

II-Terms of Reference
In this context, these terms of reference relate to a consultant who will assist MoWA with technical support from UNIFEM, in the development of project proposals to implement the Action Plan programme portfolio of the CSNGS.
Under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Women's Affair and UNIFEN, the following tasks need to be undertaken:
1-To write concept papers and full proposals in support to MoWA’s staff.
The assistance will include (a) assessing and taking decisions on good proposals; (b) facilitating the preparation of realistic budget proposals; (c) drafting in English comprehensive proposals that would include background information, rationale, objectives, activities and financial needs of all projects; and (d) preparing presentations regarding the CSNGS and its Action Plan.

2-To prepare an annual fundraising plan including annual targets in cooperation with MoWA staff:

-Initiate, organize, and provide effective follow-up in exploratory meetings with potential donors;
-Coordinate the preparation of project and program proposals for submission to donor agencies;
-Conduct research into of potential funders and identify funding policies in line with CSNGS programs and projects;
-Assist in networking with donors;
-Assist in managing donor relations for the organization;
-Write fundraising letters for correspondence with donors;
-Update donor contact information;
-Plan for donors/partners meeting, including development of program,  preparation of the presentations and contributed flagging of? critical issues required for organizational development;
-Conduct a mapping exercise to assess potential for funding opportunities.

3-To liaise through MoWA with the sectoral involved ministries in order to agree on joint activities and present a joint proposal.


III-Requirements

-Master’s degree in Development Studies or related field with five (5) years experience or Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies or related;
-Exceptional writing, oral communication and interpersonal skills;
-An understanding of development, gender equality and women human rights issues;
-Extensive experience and contacts in the NGO community including donor cultivation and fund raising plan development and management;
-Advanced knowledge and skills on gender analysis and gender mainstreaming;
-Understanding of gender aspects of sectoral policies;
-Familiarization with CEDAW, BPA, MDGs;
-Knowledge about national development planning process of oPt;
-A demonstrated success in grant research, writing and management;
-Experience of managing major fundraising campaigns and events;
-A proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet task deadlines;
-Strong work ethics and a sense of teamwork while maintaining a positive self-starting attitude;
-Strong analytical and presentation skills;
-Proficiency in English. Knowledge of Arabic is a must.

IV. Definition of Deliverables and Timeframe

The expected deliverables will be completed as follows: 
-Submission of detailed work plan of the assignment no later than 10 days upon signature of contract;
-Submission of the initial version of the project proposals and the donor mapping by December 15, 2010;
-Submission of the final version of the project proposals by January 25, 2011.