Job description
Technical Proposal Writer (Consultant) – DFAT
About IREX
IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and advancing access to quality education and information. We work in more than 100 countries worldwide and implement a diverse portfolio of programs focused on lasting, positive change.
Position Summary
IREX seeks an experienced Technical Proposal Writer to support the development of high‑quality, competitive proposals for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The consultant will work closely with IREX’s Business Development, technical, and regional teams to lead or substantially contribute to the development of technical proposal sections for upcoming DFAT funding opportunities.
This consultancy requires strong expertise in international development, exceptional writing skills, and demonstrated experience producing winning DFAT proposals. Familiarity with Asia or the Pacific is strongly preferred given anticipated opportunity locations.
Key Areas of Expertise
The consultant should bring expertise aligned with DFAT priorities, such as:
- Leadership development, people to people exchanges, and youth
- Governance, civil society strengthening, or democratic resilience
- Education, youth development, workforce readiness, or skills development
- Gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI)
- Climate resilience, economic development, or regional stability
Experience working on DFAT-funded programs and/or proposals is required.
Familiarity with Asia or the Pacific region is a plus.
Primary Responsibilities
The Technical Proposal Writer will:
- Lead or co‑lead the development of technical sections for DFAT proposals, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with donor requirements
- Collaborate with technical experts to synthesize program models, approaches, and evidence into compelling, contextually grounded content
- Conduct desk research to inform program design, operating contexts, and best practices
- Review and integrate inputs from technical teams, partners, and cost teams to ensure consistent and unified proposal narratives
- Ensure compliance with DFAT templates, instructions, and quality standards
- Incorporate cross‑cutting themes such as GEDSI, localization, MEL, sustainability, and climate considerations
- Participate in strategy meetings, design sessions, and color team reviews as needed
- Revise drafts based on internal feedback and ensure timely delivery of polished, high‑quality sections
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience writing successful DFAT proposals (required)
- 7+ years of experience in international development, global programs, or related technical sectors
- Strong understanding of DFAT priorities, terminology, and proposal expectations
- Exceptional technical writing skills, with the ability to distill complex concepts into concise, compelling narrative
- Experience collaborating with multi‑disciplinary teams under tight deadlines
- Strong research, analytical, and conceptualization skills
- Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Familiarity with Asia or the Pacific region is strongly preferred
- Flexibility working across different timezones
