Grant Writing Consulatancy

Request for Proposals for Grant Writing Services

BACKGROUND

Southern Africa Institute for Collaborative Research and Innovation Organization (SAICRIO) is a registered research Institution with PACRA-Zambia as a Limited Company – Southern Africa Institute for Collaborative Research Limited (SAICRO) and Registrar of Societies of Zambia as a Non-Governmental Organization – Collaborative Research and Innovation Organization (CRIO). SAICRIO is a Zambian owned research institution committed to our mission of being a centre of excellence for collaborative research in the southern region that contributes to policy development, knowledge management, cross learning, capacity development, mentoring and advance scientific research.

SAICRIO was founded in 2023 in response to the limited research institutions in Zambia with capacity and experience to conduct ground-breaking and life changing research. The founders of SAICRIO have extensive experience in conducting consultancy work, qualitative and quantitative research, evaluations as well as supporting development programs. We embody a bold vision for the future of scientific research, knowledge, innovation, education, and evidence in Zambia. At SAICRIO, our greatest asset is a talented, dedicated, and innovative team of staff forging our vision and mission. We are a multi-disciplinary team of experts specializing in project management, research (surveys, implementation science, operations research, and research compliance – survey planning, design and execution including sampling, questionnaire development, field training and field operation), statistical-analysis, teaching, capacity building, mentorship, knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, mathematical modelling, critical thinking, and policy formulation. Our areas of focus are medicine, public health, epidemiology, sexual and reproductive health and rights, disease surveillance, economics, demography, geography – climate and environment and other social sciences in Zambia and elsewhere. Learn more about us on https://saicrio.org/

Purpose

Collaborative Research and Innovation Organisation (CRIO) seeks to engage qualified persons or firms to provide grant writing services. The selected grant writing partner will work with the CRIO grants team to apply for grant funding based on Identified needs and goals of the Organisation. The selected grants writing partner will also provide training and help the grants team to determine eligible projects and accounting for and reporting the use of grant funds as required. This portfolio requires a diverse experience in grant writing and management, including financial organisational skills.

The selected grant writer shall act as an independent contractor and will collaborate with the CRIO team and, when necessary, with other designated grant writers to build a successful grant application portfolio.

Submission Requirements:

1. Name, education and experience of applicant
2. Demonstrated areas of practice illustrating the candidate’s ability to provide services in the areas identified in this RFP.
3. Description of experience which resulted in successful research and receipt of grant funds.
4. Applicants must provide a written sample as part of their proposal.
5. Provide a minimum of three (3) references for whom a grant writing service was provided in the last 5 (Five) years.

The successful applicant shall have the capability, experience, and qualifications to provide the following services:

1. Proposal Research
2. Research grant opportunities and funding mechanisms.
3. Submit a written list of prospective sources.
4. Advise on appropriateness of each funding opportunity.
5. Advise on which funding sources to approach and how.
6. Prioritize projects for funding assistance based on identified needs, project readiness, and availability of appropriate funding sources.
7. Preparation of letters of intent or pre-applications.
8. Propose development services, which could include any or all the below components:
9. Review grant solicitation requirements and all pertinent materials provided by the funding entity (e.g., notice of funding availability, frequently asked questions, and webinars). Notify CRIO of any application workshops sponsored by the funding entity and participate in these workshops or webinars, if requested by the CRIO, to better understand the solicitation and proposal and post-award requirements.
10. Interpret funding guidelines and advise CRIO on compliance, reporting, or other requirements that would apply if the proposal were funded. This requires general knowledge of key practices and legal issues in grants administration to assess if the CRIO is capable of meeting grant reporting requirements.
11. Through an understanding of the CRIO’s mission, strategic priorities, programs, and stakeholders, effectively communicate the project’s need, its goals, objectives, and strategies, including performance outcomes, the budget and narrative, and evaluation plan in a proposal. This may require gathering information and collecting data, through interviews and research to understand and clearly depict the entity, its organizational capacity, and the proposed project or program for which funding is sought.
12. Write customised grant proposals and manage the submission process to completion.

All applicable submission should be submitted to info@criozm.org by close of business on the 30^th of August 2024.