Proposal Development Specialist (Technical & Financial Proposals)

We are seeking a skilled Proposal Development Specialist to manage the entire proposal process from opportunity identification through to submission. The role involves preparing Expressions of Interest (EOIs), technical and financial proposals, grant applications, and government tenders for prominent clients such as the World Bank, ADB, FCDO, the Gates Foundation, UN agencies, and various Government of Pakistan departments. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of donor procurement regulations, excellent persuasive and compliant writing skills, the ability to develop accurate cost proposals, and the capacity to work effectively under tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Opportunity Tracking:
Regularly monitor procurement portals including World Bank (STEP/UNDB), ADB (CSRN/CMS), FCDO (Find a Tender/Jaggaer), Gates Foundation, UNGM, EU, SAM.gov/Grants.gov, and multiple Pakistani procurement authorities such as PPRA, EPADS, KPPRA, SPPRA, PPRA Punjab, and BPPRA. Screen opportunities, conduct go/no-go assessments, and maintain an updated bid pipeline tracker. Identify potential teaming partners, joint ventures, sub-consultants, and key experts early in the bid cycle.

Expressions of Interest & Pre-qualification:
Prepare EOIs and shortlisting submissions in compliance with World Bank and ADB consultant guidelines. Maintain an up-to-date library of firm profiles, past performance records, completion certificates, and experience matrices to support submissions.

Technical Proposals:
Analyze Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Terms of Reference (ToRs), and evaluation criteria to develop compliance matrices and bid checklists. Draft core technical sections including assignment understanding, ToR comments, approach and methodology, work plans, Gantt charts, staffing schedules, risk management, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, logframes, theory of change, and gender and social inclusion strategies. Prepare responses using donor-specific formats such as World Bank SPD forms (TECH-1 to TECH-6), ADB STP/FTP formats, FCDO commercial and technical templates, and Gates Foundation concept notes and full proposals. Recruit key experts, tailor CVs to donor templates, and secure exclusivity and availability confirmations.

Financial Proposals:
Develop cost proposals and budgets covering remuneration, reimbursables, overheads, and contingencies in formats required by World Bank (FIN-1 to FIN-4), ADB, FCDO, and others. Structure budgets for lump-sum, time-based, fixed-price contracts, and grants, including detailed budget narratives. Apply Pakistani tax regulations accurately, including income tax withholding, federal and provincial sales taxes (ICT, PRA, SRB, KPRA, BRA), and stamp duty. Ensure full alignment between financial and technical proposals regarding staff inputs, timelines, and deliverables.

Government Tenders (Pakistan):
Prepare bids in accordance with PPRA Rules 2004 and provincial procurement regulations, covering single-stage one-envelope, single-stage two-envelope, and QCBS/QBS methods. Manage submissions through EPADS and e-Pak Acquisition platforms, including bid securities, affidavits, and registration documentation (SECP, FBR/NTN, PEC, provincial tax authorities). Draft pre-bid queries, clarification requests, and grievance submissions as needed.

Quality Control & Submission:
Edit, format, and produce professional, visually consistent proposals. Coordinate internal review processes including pink, red, and gold team reviews and final compliance checks. Oversee electronic and hard-copy submissions, ensuring proper sealing, marking, courier arrangements, and notarization.

Knowledge Management:
Maintain a comprehensive proposal content library containing boilerplate text, methodologies, CVs, project sheets, and pricing benchmarks. Document debriefs and lessons learned from both successful and unsuccessful bids to enhance future win rates.

Required Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, Project Management, Public Health, or a related field is essential. Candidates must have at least five years of hands-on experience preparing technical and financial proposals for consulting firms, NGOs, or INGOs within Pakistan’s development sector. A proven track record of submitted and awarded proposals funded by at least two of the following is required: World Bank, ADB, FCDO, Gates Foundation, UN agencies, EU, or USAID. Strong working knowledge of World Bank Procurement Regulations, ADB Procurement Policy, and PPRA Rules is mandatory. Excellent written English skills are required, with working knowledge of Urdu considered an advantage. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel (including budgeting and formulas), and PowerPoint is necessary; familiarity with MS Project or similar tools is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

While not explicitly stated, candidates with experience in managing complex donor-funded proposals and familiarity with multiple donor formats will be highly valued. The role offers the opportunity to work with leading international development organizations and contribute to impactful projects across Pakistan.

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This description outlines a comprehensive role for a Proposal Development Specialist with a focus on donor compliance, technical and financial proposal development, and government tender management, requiring strong organizational and communication skills within a fast-paced environment.