AmeriCares Haiti Background

AmeriCares is an emergency response and global health organization committed to saving lives and building healthier futures for people in crisis in the United States and around the world. Since 1984, AmeriCares has been working in Haiti addressing gaps in the health care system and working with partners to create lasting change. After the earthquake in 2010, AmeriCares opened an office in Haiti to provide health partners with medicines, medical supplies, equipment, funding and technical support. As part of this program, AmeriCares has delivered more than $76 million in aid to Haiti, including medicines, medical supplies and support for essential training and prevention programs.

AmeriCares Haiti continues to provide support and funding to health care facilities and community health programs to strengthen the current health systems within the priorities outlined by the Haitian government. AmeriCares Haiti is officially recognized as a non-governmental organization within the country and continues to work with trusted partners to deliver support for people affected by the 2010 earthquake in four key focus areas:

- Cholera control and prevention
- Improving maternal and child health
- Improving access to health care
- Providing emergency response and preparedness in the health sector

Consultancy – Summary

AmeriCares seeks a Program Funding Consultant to support the transformation from emergency funding to project-based funding for the next five years by leading the development of AmeriCares fundraising strategy. AmeriCares seeks new funding to continue health projects beneficial to partners and ultimately people throughout Haiti in order to build on the success of our recovery program. Initially, AmeriCares aims to secure $1 million annually in support of its activities in Haiti.

The Program Funding Consultant will be responsible for helping to transition AmeriCares Haiti post-emergency program strategy towards an ongoing recovery strategy to strengthen Haiti’s health sector through three key activities:
- Identify new funding sources;
- Prepare proposals and reports for submission to donors as well as donor relationship management in support of AmeriCares Haiti programs; and,
- Work closely with AmeriCares staff to strengthen the strategy in Haiti for the next five years.

Upon successful completion of the consultancy, AmeriCares will have an expanded network of donors and will have submitted several high quality project-based proposals.

Consultant Requirements and Qualifications:

• Current resident or ability to relocate independently to Port-au-Prince, Haiti;
• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject;
• Demonstrated experience and success in fundraising;
• Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills;
• Detail oriented;
• French, Creole and strong English writing and speaking skills (English fluency required);
• Strong computer skills including strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook;
• Excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills including ability to relate to government authorities;
• Strong organizational skills, comfortable multi-tasking and working in a fast-paced, changing work environment;
• Ability to work independently as part of a larger team-oriented effort;
• Good negotiation and networking skills; and
• Ready to assist in matters related to the operations and programs of AmeriCares Haiti.

Expectation on Deliverables:

The following schedule of deliverables outlined here is an ideal and is subject to change based on the consultant’s report on the funding landscape and donor deadlines. All proposals will be subject to quality review and approval by AmeriCares prior to submission.

Week 1 - A work plan for the first month of the engagement to outline planned work and required input from the organization in order to deliver the document outlined in the next section

Week 4 - Identify local, public, multilateral and private donors. Understand AmeriCares relationships with Haiti prospects through coordination with HQ Development staff. Submit first draft of fundraising strategy to include:
- A top-level analysis of opportunities to pursue funding from sources within Haiti including the identification of key opportunities or obstacles to securing support; we expect the analysis would include several threshold questions AmeriCares will have to address in order to be successful. The analysis should also include an estimate of potential resources that could be secured and a time-frame
- A prioritized list of potential funders and their funding cycle and areas of interest that overlap with AmeriCares programming
- A corresponding work plan which outlines, by week, activities to be undertaken by the consultant or AmeriCares in order to pursue fundraising activities.

Week 8 - Completed proposals supporting a goal of ~$200,000 project portfolio related to four focus areas of AmeriCares Haiti; identification of additional proposals of ~$800,000 for submission by week 14.

Week 14 - Completed proposals supporting a goal of at least $1 million project portfolio related to four focus areas of AmeriCares Haiti with diverse funding sources including at least one completed grant proposal with each of government funders, private donors and foundations.

Week 20 - Report on communications with donors, and status of previously submitted proposals and feedback related to revisions.

Week 22 - Submission of recommendations related to trends in funder interest and health care needs that will inform and assist AmeriCares in future strategic planning

Week 24 - Submission of final report of activities conducted during consultancy

Ongoing - Updated funding opportunity tracker including weekly tracker meeting with CD; Documentation of grant reporting requirements and deadlines for transition to AC at the end of contract

The consultant is to be based in Port-au-Prince and will be provided with a work station at the AmeriCares Haiti office. Transportation will be made available during office hours for work purposes only and will be shared with current AmeriCares staff.

How to apply:

In order to be considered for this position, the consultant should please submit the following items in an expression of interest to AmeriCares:
• A suitability statement, including commitment to availability for the entire assignment;
• Curriculum vitae or resume that clearly demonstrates qualifications and experience;
• Writing sample (1)—preferably an executive summary from a proposal successfully funded;
• Comprehensive monthly consulting rate (note: compensation will be paid as per an agreed-upon schedule based on completion of interim deliverables (based on those outlined above)); and,
• List of references (3).

Given the urgency to fill the position, applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials as early as possible with a deadline of Friday, October 17, 2014 5p.m. EST.

This consultancy has the potential to be renewed, depending on funding secured and at the discretion of AmeriCares.