World Bank Funding and Process Guidance Consultant

The overall goal of the consultancy is to produce practical, organization-specific guidance for Mercy Corps’ ongoing engagement with the World Bank, improving our ability to identify, pursue, and secure future funding. As relevant, the consultant will also provide targeted, real-time advice during the bidding process for the anticipated DRC opportunity.

Consultant Activities

The Consultant will:

• Review World Bank contracting terms and conditions, including overhead rates, compliance mechanisms, and contracting modalities, to assess feasibility for Mercy Corps.
• Provide guidance on how Mercy Corps could obtain and benefit from a World Bank procurement framework agreement or similar mechanism.

• Synthesize findings from the analysis into actionable recommendations for how Mercy Corps can more effectively identify, pursue, and secure World Bank funding at scale.
• Identify entry points, decision-making structures, and engagement strategies relevant to Mercy Corps’ global and regional priorities.

• A concise report summarizing key World Bank contracting terms and conditions (including overhead rates, compliance requirements, and contracting modalities).
• Assessment of the feasibility and implications of these mechanisms for Mercy Corps’ operating model.
• Practical recommendations on how Mercy Corps could obtain and benefit from a World Bank procurement framework agreement or other standing arrangement.

• Step-by-step overview of World Bank procurement and contracting processes.
• A set of actionable recommendations outlining how Mercy Corps can strengthen its engagement and competitiveness with the World Bank.
• Identification of priority entry points, decision-making structures, and key stakeholders across the World Bank Group.
• Guidance on internal systems, positioning strategies, and partnership approaches to pursue funding at greater scale.
• Assessment of Mercy Corps’ sectoral and geographic expertise, highlighting promising overlaps with World Bank investments.
• Recommendations for engagement with World Bank staff in Washington, DC, and field offices.

• A concise presentation or briefing note summarizing key findings and strategic recommendations from the consultancy.
• Recommendations to inform organizational decision-making, donor engagement, and long-term positioning with the World Bank.

Timeframe / Schedule:

The consultant should propose an outline scope of work including a time estimate of no more than 30 days. Work should be completed between December 2025 and March 2026. A detailed work plan with interim deadlines will be agreed at the start of the consultancy.

The Consultant will report to:

VP, Institutional Donor Engagement (IDE)

The Consultant will work closely with:

• Sr. Director, Business Development

• Members of the IDE unit, including the Strategic Partnership and Business Development teams

• Deputy Regional Directors

• Awards Management Team Leads

• Demonstrated expertise with World Bank funding mechanisms (Washington, DC and countries/regions).
• Strong contacts within the World Bank and broader development community.
• Proven experience in business development, including donor representation, pre-positioning, and proposal development.
• Skilled at conducting research and presenting analysis and findings.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and presentation skills.

Team Engagement and Effectiveness

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.