Proposal Development Consultant Asia – Private Sector focused

Lead development and writing of concept notes for private sector investment.

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Mercy Corps

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United States of America, Nepal

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Overview

Lead development and writing of concept notes for private sector investment.

You have:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field (Master's preferred)
5-10 years of technical experience in Market System Development, Private Sector Development, International Climate Finance or Private Sector Investment
Experience working with or in the private sector and a good understanding of international development, preferably in Central or South Asia
Good knowledge of International Finance Institutions (IFIs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and private sector finance instruments, such as equity, loan guarantees, and impact bonds
Experience designing and writing high quality funding proposals in English
Ability to read and converse in Russian, Uzbek or Kyrgyz
Knowledge and experience of climate adaptation, water resource management, agriculture, or economic development
Ability to start before the end of June 2025

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Details

Description

***This consultancy is fully remote. Consultants from all locations are able to apply.

Background:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organisation powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Purpose / Project Description:

The Asia regional team is looking for an experienced Private Sector Development professional to lead the development and writing of innovative and market-based project concept notes. The Consultant will support Mercy Corps’ Country Teams in Asia, with an initial focus on Central Asia (primarily Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan), to create traction for private sector investment to crowd in on market opportunities supporting water security, food security and climate resilience. The consultant will support proposals related to Agribusiness sectors as well as wider SME Ecosystem strengthening. The Consultant is expected to have technical expertise in Private Sector Development, Market System Development or Private Sector Investment, a good understanding of the private sector in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or wider Central Asia, experience working with or for SMEs, and an appreciation for the importance, urgency and opportunities of climate adaptation.

Consultant Objectives:

Lead the development and writing of 2-4 concept notes

Consultant Activities:

The Consultant will:

Conduct desk research to inform and develop evidence-based proposals for institutional and/or private donors. Through desk research, help Mercy Corps’ country and regional teams understand how best to support private sector investment and development in key areas linked to water security, food security, and climate adaptation and resilience.
Based on the desk research and consultations with country and regional leadership, draft 2-4 short concepts/proposals (2-5 pages each) for discussion and review by the regional and country teams.

Consultant Deliverables:

The Consultant will:

Structure the desk review in the form of a report
Engage in discussions and potentially design sessions with country and regional teams and potentially other stakeholders and partners
Write 2-4 concept notes/shorter proposals (2-5 pages each, to be jointly determined) based on the above

Timeframe, Location & Fee:

The aim is for the consultant to start as soon as possible with deliverables ideally due before August 2025. Flexible working hours, but occasional meetings required to align with working hours in London, United Kingdom/ Tashkent, Uzbekistan / Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

This consultancy is fully remote, but with the possibility of working from our office in Tashkent if based in Uzbekistan (no travel expected). The maximum budget for this consultancy is USD 8,000. Please include a day rate in the application.

The Consultant will report to:

Regional Business Development Senior Advisor for Asia

The Consultant will work closely with:

Asia Portfolio Country Leadership (Country Directors, Directors of Programs, and Key Program Managers)

Required Experience & Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field (Master’s preferred)
5-10 years of technical experience in Market System Development, Private Sector Development, International Climate Finance or Private Sector Investment
Experience working with or in the private sector and a good understanding of international development, preferably in Central or South Asia
Good knowledge of International Finance Institutions (IFIs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and private sector finance instruments, such as equity, loan guarantees, and impact bonds
Experience designing and writing high quality funding proposals in English

Merited:

Ability to read and converse in Russian, Uzbek or Kyrgyz
Knowledge and experience of climate adaptation, water resource management, agriculture, or economic development
Ability to start before the end of June 2025

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Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with market system development in Central Asia?	The interviewer wants to understand your background and knowledge specific to the region and sector.	Provide specific examples from your past work related to market system development in Central Asia.
How do you approach writing funding proposals?	The interviewer is assessing your method and understanding of proposal writing.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you faced when engaging with private sector partners?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to conduct desk research to support a project. What was the outcome?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure climate resilience is integrated into project proposals?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have working with international finance institutions?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a successful concept note you developed?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to engage stakeholders in project planning processes?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.