The Organisation

MSI Asia Pacific (MSIAP) is part of the MSI Reproductive Choices global partnership. As our name suggests, we are unapologetically pro-choice. We believe that everyone should have the freedom to determine their own future, on their terms.

Our teams work across 36 countries and six continents, supporting over 93,000 women and girls to access reproductive healthcare, including abortion and contraception, every day. With the help of our partners and donors around the world, we open doors, advocate for change, and strengthen public and private sector provision. We go further than anyone to make reproductive choice possible, and ensure quality reproductive healthcare is available for the long term.

By supporting women and girls to make choices that are right for them, we have a generational impact, increasing gender equality, breaking cycles of poverty and contributing to several sustainable development goals.

MSIAP is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and give equal consideration to all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. We are committed to promoting equality and safeguarding the welfare of all team members and clients, with a focus on vulnerable groups.

MSIAP welcomes applications from people with relevant lived experience, including people originating from the countries in which MSI works.

Objectives

The MSIAP Design Panel will consist of specialist consultants who can be rapidly engaged to assist with proposal writing, project design, and donor submissions. Consultants will be selected based on expertise, experience, and availability to contribute to MSIAP’s funding proposals and strategic program design efforts.

Please note that selection to the Design Panel does not guarantee an assignment. Consultants will be engaged based on MSIAP’s needs, funding opportunities, and project requirements.

Scope of work

Selected consultants may be engaged to provide technical and strategic support in one or more of the following areas:

• Proposal writing and development: Lead or support the drafting of funding proposals, concept notes, and Expressions of Interest for donors, particularly DFAT and other institutional funders.
• Project design and strategy: Collaborate with MSI teams (including MSIAP, country programs, and technical experts across the MSI network) to develop theories of change, results frameworks, and work plans.
• Technical input: Provide subject matter expertise in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equity, clinical quality, health systems strengthening, climate and health, and humanitarian response.
• Budgeting and value for money: Work with MSIAP to ensure proposals align with donor budgeting requirements and demonstrate cost-effectiveness.
• Review and quality assurance: Ensure MSIAP’s proposal review processes are followed to ensure quality and alignment with donor priorities and MSIAP strategies.

Required qualifications and selection criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields of expertise (e.g. international development, public health, global health, medicine, or related field)
• At least five years of experience in international development or relevant technical field, focusing on project design, proposal writing, and donor-funded programs.
• Demonstrated experience with DFAT-funded programs, including strong knowledge of DFAT requirements, priorities, and funding mechanisms.
• Proven track record of developing successful proposals for DFAT and/or other international donors (e.g., USAID, FCDO, EU, World Bank).
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality, persuasive proposals within tight deadlines.
• A pro-choice supporter of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

Highly desirable:

• Expertise in public health, global health, SRHR, gender equality, medicine, climate and health, or health systems strengthening.
• Experience working in, or in partnership with countries in the Pacific, Southeast Asia and South Asia regions.
• Skills in clinical quality and an understanding of clinical guidelines, safety and care.
• Familiarity with human-centred design and locally-led development approaches.
• Experience with logframes, Theories of Change, and results-based management frameworks.

Work location and travel

• Remote work within Australia is possible.
• Office space can be made available at MSIAP’s headquarters in Melbourne for consultants who prefer to work on-site.
• International travel may be required, depending on specific project needs, though it will not always be necessary.
• Applicants should state their location, and availability for travel domestically or internationally in their application.

Selection and engagement

• Successful consultants will be placed on the MSIAP Design Panel.
• Panel consultants will be engaged on an as-needed basis, depending on project needs and donor opportunities.
• Consultants will be invited to quote for new opportunities, with invitations directed to members with relevant skills and availability for respective assignments.
• Please note that being on the Panel does not guarantee work.
• Membership on the Design Panel will be valid for an initial period of two years, subject to renewal based on performance and MSIAP’s evolving needs.
• MSIAP will periodically review and update Panel membership to ensure relevance and expertise alignment.

Reporting and logistics

• Consultants will report to MSIAP’s Senior Advisor, Program Design and Development ([email protected]).
• Consultants will be responsible for their own IT hardware and software, as well as theirout-of-office working space.  

Application process

Applications from both individuals and organisations will be considered. Interested applicants should submit applications via email by Friday, 9 May with the following:

• A CV (or organisational capability statement including CVs of key staff) outlining relevant experience.
• A cover letter (maximum one page) addressing the selection criteria and availability for international travel.
• Daily remuneration rate.
• Writing samples (preferably excerpts from previous proposals or concept notes, removing or redacting confidential information).
• Two referees who have been a previous supervisor or consultancy partner.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited to attend an interview.

Enquiries should be directed to Sara Hudson (Senior Advisor, Program Design and Development): [email protected] using the subject line: Design Panel Consultants enquiry via EthicalJobs.

MSIAP is a child-safe organisation and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation abuse and harassment. All successful applicants will be required to abide by our Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct and our Global Code of Conduct, in addition to undergoing a police check before commencement. 

A Terms of Reference document is attached.