Proposal Cost Manager

About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES' approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Proposal Cost Manager is part of a dynamic global team driving a business development strategy in support of the IFES mission and Strategic Plan. The individual in this position will be a talented mid-level costing professional who will work with IFES staff worldwide to provide proposal costing support and coordination for all aspects of IFES' project-based business development efforts with a variety of donors and partners. In addition to supporting live proposals, the Proposal Cost Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining cost proposal templates and materials, reviewing outgoing cost proposals, monitoring cost proposals trends, and providing budget development training for IFES staff and partners. Ideal candidates can blend the strategic and analytical thinking needed to craft a winning proposal budget with the tactical skills needed to address the day-to-day details of proposal costing. Up to 20% international travel is expected. Length of travel will vary based on specific needs, ranging from 2 weeks to 4 weeks at a time. The Proposal Cost Manager reports to the Director of Development and is a member of the Business Development Team in the growing Global Growth and Outreach Unit.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead business/cost volume proposals for the US Government (Co-Ags, Grants, and Contracts) as well as other bilateral, multilateral, foundation, and private sector donors, ensuring full cost recovery.
• Provide strategic advice, risk and profitability assessments, and make other recommendations to proposal team(s).
• Review outgoing cost proposals for consistency and errors; determines whether budget proposals comply with regulations.
• Manage subrecipients/subcontractors as a part of the cost proposal process including providing budget assumptions and guidance, taking the lead in negotiating budgets, developing required budget templates, and ensuring final submissions conform to donor requirements.
• Assist the proposal team in responding to donor questions on cost proposals.
• Update and customize budget and budget narrative templates for various donors as needed.
• Prepare and maintain a list of standard budget inputs.
• Develop user guides for cost proposal development; provides training on cost proposal development for Project teams.
• Collect and review actual project spending vs. initial budget information from Program Administrators to identify.

HOW YOU'LL DO IT:

• Communicate and collaborate effectively across IFES teams to deliver results.
• Adhere to deadlines and quick turnaround times for rapid response, as needed, while prioritizing and working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ensure products adhere to IFES style and branding guidelines and suite of BD guidance and tools.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience managing successful budgets for USG cooperative agreements and contracts and other international donor organizations, with at least 2 years of experience developing cost proposal budgets.
• Experience implementing pricing strategies, structures, tools, and communications such as competitive price analysis and aspects of negotiation, accounting practice, contracts administration, and project management.
• Knowledge of USG rules and regulations with accounting or financial management experience a plus.
• Experience creating, updating, and training others on budget templates.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others at varying levels of seniority and across departmental boundaries and to exercise influence to achieve a cohesive approach to business development.
• Integrity, judgment, and discretion, along with a professional and interpersonal demeanor that elicits trust and respect from colleagues, donors, and strategic partners.
• Ability to multitask, manage multiple deadlines, and engage in decisive and effective decision-making.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and maintain quality, detail, and organization across multiple assignments.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to proactively problem-solve complex issues or problems.
• Good negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptionally strong MS Office and tools skills, including Excel and PowerPoint, MS Teams.
• Ability to work reliably on deadlines without close oversight.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Strong, native-level English. Knowledge of other languages a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Standard office work environment with occasional field travel. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.