Overview

The Cost and Pricing Senior Manager is a member of the Strategic Development team who leads and coordinates cost application/proposal preparation across Corus International in collaboration with the International Finance (IF), Strategic Partnership (SP), International Program Development (IPD), and country teams. S/he collaborates with relevant HQ and country teams to ensure an understanding of the proposal requirements and establishes competitive and defensible cost and pricing data for the development of cost proposals per relevant proposal specifications. S/he collects and analyzes financial data on existing contracts, determines unit costs, assists with budget estimation efforts, develops cost/price models based on value for money principles, and prepares ad hoc reports. S/he also coordinates with relevant teams and senior staff in developing pricing strategies and making cost decisions. S/he travels internationally up to 35% of the time.

This is a nonmanagerial position

Responsibilities

• Set and maintain standards for quality preparation of the cost proposals (including budgets, cost narratives, and other required documents), documentation, and storage of relevant files.
• Participate in project kick-off meetings and provide appropriate training to partners and Corus staff on financial management.
• In collaboration with NBD, work on new and existing funder bids as well as support large, complex modifications to existing awards.
• Provide direction and instructions to partners for the development of sub-award or subcontractor budgets for inclusion in organizational led bids and provide high-quality review and feedback on their proposal budgets.
• Perform detailed review and quality control of active proposals including required budget schedules, proformas, budget spreadsheets, and budget narratives.
• Evaluate Corus' full cost recovery and ensure both direct and indirect costs are incorporated in all cost applications/proposals.
• Ensure compliance with Corus and donor regulations during budget development.
• Support the transition of the financial management of awards to permanent staff during project start-up.
• Develop templates and tools for efficient and effective cost proposal preparation according to donor and industry best practices (e.g. Excel budget templates and cost notes).
• Ensure IF staff are well trained and skilled in cost proposal development across a diverse group of donors.
• Mentor and build the capacity of IPD staff during the proposal budget process.
• Develop and regularly update the curriculum for building the capacity of country staff to effectively manage cost proposal development.
• Collaborate with the SP Team, IPD Team, IF Team, and country teams on a variety of business development activities including unit cost analysis, return on investment/value for money analysis and assessing new donors.
• Develop pricing strategies and presentation budgets for various contracting mechanisms, e.g. Fixed Price, Time and Materials, Cost Reimbursement Contracts, etc.
• Oversee and gather sourcing and verification of pricing information and unit costs.
• Offer pricing scenarios, making cost proposals more competitive and cost-efficient.
• Coordinate with management and other staff members to provide current and accurate cost and pricing date/information.
• Contribute to business case development and analysis.
• Fill in gaps by performing tasks where needed and finding solutions for challenges in the process.
• Travel to countries to support the business development/cost application/proposal process.
• Remain current with U.S. Govt. and bi-lateral donor regulations on cost principles and audit. Participate in relevant capacity building events to enhance understanding of applicable federal regulations.
• Remain current with other target donor regulations on cost principles.
• Build a wide and effective network within and outside the organization; collaborate across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or other related fields; a Master's Degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with cost and pricing analysis for public and private agreements, grants, and contract mechanisms.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in US government cost applications and proposals.
• Strong spreadsheet and communication skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to provide good customer service to internal/external clients and to discuss and explain budget and pricing topics with program implementation and technical personnel.
• Strong writing skills and advanced-level proficiency with Excel are required.
• Knowledge of 22CFR200, FAR, AIDAR, CAS, and DCAA rules and regulations.
• Self-starter attitude and ability to thrive in a management structure where supervision is minimal but high standards are maintained.
• Organizational skills and a capacity to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines
• Ability to translate technical work plans into cost proposal data, while extracting needed information from technical units.
• Ability to coordinate and motivate a cross-functional team (to include Program Managers, Contracts Management, Recruitment, Accounting & Finance, Country Teams).
• Ability to effectively represent the organization to internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with local and /or international non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and other grassroots organizations.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective training curricula on cost and pricing topics, and donor regulations, especially to a finance audience.
• Fluency in English required fluency in Spanish or French desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, independent, and analytical.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize commitments, work in a matrixed organization, and manage time effectively are critical skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally, up to 35% of the time. Travel may be to countries that are experiencing political instability and have poor infrastructure including poor road conditions, limited amenities, and poor housing accommodations. Also, travel may be to countries where infectious diseases or vector-borne diseases are present. Travel may be required to locales that experience extreme temperatures (either hot or cold) and high altitudes.
• Commitment to Corus International's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Experience with and commitment to working in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.