About WFD

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. WFD’s established purpose is to assist, support and encourage the peaceable establishment and development of pluralistic democratic practice and political institutions. We offer:

• High quality and impactful programmes that directly support institutions in political systems to develop inclusive political processes, more accountable political systems, protection of rights and freedoms, and more pluralistic societies;
• Specialist analysis, research, and advice to inform policy makers on a range of democratic governance issues; and
• International elections observation on behalf of the UK. 

Every member of WFD’s staff contributes either directly or indirectly to the services we provide. Regardless of the role, team or location, we are all working toward the same goal.

About the consultancy

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is seeking an experienced bid writer to provide crucial support in the development of a compelling and professional concept note. This initiative will focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate mitigation within the Southeast Asia region. Programmatic and technical expertise in this area is highly desirable for this role.

The consultant will play an essential role in shaping a high-quality concept note that effectively articulates strategies and actions for leveraging NbS to address climate change, aligning with regional priorities and donor expectations.

The consultant will be supported by a Business Development Manager, Head of Practice on Environmental Democracy, and a regional programming team.

Date: 05 June 2025
Position: Short-Term Consultant: Concept Note Development & Writing (Nature-based Solutions, Mitigation Focus)
Location: Remote
Duration: 10–15 working days
Timeframe: 12.06.2025 – 03.07.2025 (Anticipated)

Key responsibilities

• Lead the drafting and refinement of a high-quality concept note centred on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate mitigation in Southeast Asia.
• Ensure the concept note aligns with relevant environmental and climate governance frameworks, particularly those pertinent to ASEAN.
• Incorporate best practices and innovative approaches related to NbS, with a specific emphasis on climate mitigation outcomes.
• With support from WFD’s technical expert, address aspects of transboundary ecosystem governance and cooperation within the Southeast Asian context.
• Collaborate with WFD's team to gather necessary information and ensure the concept note reflects the organization's strengths and strategic objectives.
• Collate and edit contributions to bids from across the organisation, including Country Offices; Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; Finance; Heads of Practice; and Business Development.
• Ensure all concept note components meet donor requirements, compliance obligations, and professional standards.
• Manage time effectively to meet internal and external deadlines for concept note submission.

Person specification

The ideal consultant will demonstrate the following skills, experience, and knowledge:

Essential:

• Bid writing and development skills: Experience in developing concept notes for specific donors active in the region.
• Familiarity with ASEAN’s environmental and climate governance framework: Demonstrated understanding of the regional policies, institutions, and processes relevant to environmental protection and climate action in Southeast Asia.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills: Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely in written English, with strong editing and presentation skills.
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative: Proven capacity to work independently, manage priorities, and proactively advance tasks to meet deadlines.
• Strong time management and organizational skills: Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple components of concept note development effectively.

Desirable:

• Proven experience in Nature-based Solutions (NbS), with a focus on climate mitigation: A track record of working on NbS projects or initiatives, with specific expertise in their application for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or enhancing carbon sequestration.
• Knowledge of transboundary ecosystem governance cooperation in the region: Understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to managing shared ecosystems across national borders in Southeast Asia.
• Regional experience in Southeast Asia: Prior work experience in one or more countries in Southeast Asia is highly preferred.
• Understanding of climate finance mechanisms relevant to NbS.

Key competencies

• Excellent English writing and editing skills.
• Some knowledge of donor concept note formats, problem analysis methodologies, theories of change, results/logical frameworks and budgeting.
• Experience of assessing risk in programme design.
• Experience of reviewing concept notes and providing constructive feedback to contributors.
• Strong time management, administrative and organisational skills; attention to detail.
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• IT skills including MS office and databases

Competency and skills framework

WFD’s competency and skills framework describes the behaviours required for each position. This position provides a support function within the organisation; candidates applying for this position will be assessed at interview against the competencies relevant for a Support Level position. For more information about the WFD’s Competency and Skills Framework please visit www.wfd.org/careers.

Application process

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and daily rate to Felicity Herrmann at Felicity.Herrmann@wfd.org by 10 June 2025.