Outline of the jobAs a member of Zinc's Strategy Team, the Strategist will support the development and implementation of high-quality strategies, workshops, campaigns, and programmes for our clients.
This position requires strong analytical skills, excellent writing abilities, and a keen understanding of the international development landscape.
The Strategist will be based in London and report to a Senior Strategist.
What you'll be doing...
Overall, the Strategy Team aims to apply behaviour change, human-centered design, and strategic thinking to the work of the business.
It is responsible for applying insights to develop effective interventions.
This includes leading programme design and integrative campaign planning, developing briefs, designing workshops, and producing analysis documents (, political economy analysis, conflict assessments, etc.).
The Strategist will be engaged in both proposal and concept note development and project delivery: 1.
Proposal and Concept Note Development (60%)a) Draft technical approaches for proposals and concept notes submitted to clients, including FCDO, USAID, DOS, and foundations.
b) Ensure proposals and concept notes include Theories of Change (TOC) that reflect clear impacts, behavioural outcomes, outputs, and activities, and that are linked to key performance indicators.
c) Collaborate with subject matter experts and researchers to ensure accurate and compelling content and audience insights in proposals.
d) Work closely with pricing analysts and program managers to ensure activities described in concept notes and proposals are properly budgeted, staffed, and supported by project examples.
e) Ensure alignment of proposed strategies with client priorities and development goals.
f) Support the development of innovative approaches and methodologies for project design and implementation.
2.
Project Delivery (40%)a) Develop clear agendas and strategies for Zinc's workshops, events, trainings, and sprints, ensuring the use of human-centered design and participatory methods for participant engagement.
b) Ensure each assigned project has a clear TOC, supported by a project narrative that informs project communications, work planning, and reporting.
c) Closely coordinate with the research team, synthesizing research findings into actionable recommendations and strategic insights for assigned projects.
d) Work with project managers on assigned projects to draft change stories for clients.
e) Support the development of campaign/creative, digital, and research briefs on projects.
f) Support the drafting of key analytical documents, including political economy analyses, conflict and context analyses, and gender and social inclusion assessments.
RequirementsWhat we need from you…· Bachelor's degree in international development, communications, behaviour change, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.· 2 years or more experience in strategy, consulting, or international development.
· Experience with human-centered design, behaviour change, and/or program design and strategy.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.· Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
· Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment · Strong organizational skills and attention to detail · Willingness to occasionally work outside of regular business hours to meet proposal deadlines· Experience with proposal writing or business development in the international development sector preferred.
· Familiarity with major clients in international development (, FCDO, USAID, DOS) and their strategic priorities preferred.
Conditions of EmploymentCandidates who receive a job offer will be required to:· Disclose any previous disciplinary action against them resulting from a substantiated safeguarding (including any breaches involving trafficking- related activities) or workplace investigation.· Undergo background checks including employment verification, sexual offender registry (as available), identity confirmation, and anti-terrorism vetting.Area of Selection We're committed to hiring a diverse workforce from different professional and cultural backgrounds, and to that end we encourage a variety of people to apply to join our company to represent the diverse range of subjects associated with our projects.