Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do you have experience with our donor?

Yes. I work across major bilateral and multilateral donors, including FCDO, EU/INTPA, GIZ, KfW, World Bank, and ADB. I understand their scoring frameworks, templates, and expectations, which means proposals are aligned from the outset.

Can you help us interpret the TOR and shape the strategy?

Absolutely. I specialise in rapidly assimilating complex TORs, identifying the strategic angles that matter, and shaping a clear, competitive approach before writing begins.

How do you work with technical teams?

My process is collaborative and light‑touch. I extract the essential insights from busy experts, synthesise them into coherent narratives, and ensure the proposal reflects your technical strengths without adding unnecessary workload. Where technical teams are really pushed, I draft the information for them to check. 

Can you support us when timelines are tight?

Yes. I’m used to high‑pressure bid cycles. I bring structure, clarity, and momentum, ensuring quality doesn’t slip even when deadlines are demanding.

Do you write the whole proposal or just specific sections?

Both. I can lead full proposal development, strengthen specific sections (eg, rationale, methodology, VfM, social value, cross‑cutting themes, workplan, presentation of the team), or provide red‑team reviews and narrative refinement.

How do you ensure the proposal sounds like us?

I adapt to your organisational voice and positioning. My role is to elevate your narrative, not overwrite it — ensuring the final product feels authentic and aligned with your brand.

Can you help us decide whether to bid?

Yes. I provide opportunity assessments and go/no‑go recommendations based on donor fit, competitive landscape, internal capacity, and delivery risk — helping you invest effort where you can genuinely win.

Do you understand our sector or geography?

I have 25 years’ experience across international development sectors and regions. I quickly absorb context and ensure proposals are grounded, credible, and tailored.

How do you handle issues like VfM, social value,  gender and social inclusion, digital transformation, green transition and climate adaptation and private sector engagement?

These can be high‑scoring areas, and I ensure that the response is both compliant with the instructions (possibly a separate section) and integrated in the bid. I ensure they are evidence‑based, donor‑aligned, and fully embedded in the logic of the proposal.

What does your process look like?

My process is clear and structured when it needs to be — but above all, it flexes to your team, your timelines, and the way you work. 

How do you manage confidentiality?

I treat all client information, drafts, and discussions as strictly confidential. I never share materials across organisations or reuse proprietary content.