Business Development Officer at Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre (SECAEC)

Position Overview

Main objective of the function

The goal of the Business Development & Partnership Engagement unit is execution of the Solidaridad East & Central Africa business development vision, strategy, plans and processes to drive increased revenue, expand markets, and accomplish financial objectives. Identifies and evaluates new markets, partners, channels, and clients. Business development can include many objectives, such as revenue growth, business expansion, and the formation of strategic partnerships.

Organizational position

The Regional Business Development & Partnership Engagement Officer supports the Regional Business Development & Partnership Engagement Manager with identification, assessment, and development of business opportunities related to ECA’s core business. Typical functions may include participating in the development of strategies to combine technologies that form the basis for attracting funding to finance new projects. The role assesses the BD potential and develops strategies for building and maintaining a healthy fundraising pipeline while determining the donor and partners needs and is responsible for the creation of long-term value for an organization from partners, clients, and relationships. Conducts research and studies on fundraising trends. It further uses professional relationship building skills to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate and institutional/foundation prospects.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Drive revenue generation activity through business development efforts with donors or partners.
• Identify opportunities, research their requirements, conduct primary research, present proposals, negotiate deals, and close deals.
• Coordinate activities with other departments such as Project Management, M&E and Finance.
• Develop and implement a strategic BD plan to achieve revenue growth and margin expansion.
• Keep abreast of market trends and competitive activities, maintain current knowledge of the international development space.
• Utilize all BD tools ,databases and systems.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date personal contact information on prospects, clients, and accounts.
• Work to make business development efforts efficient and cost-effective.
• Work closely with the organisation’s existing partners to develop long-term relationships.
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager.

Key Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven fundraising experience from business development background.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Ability to mobilise and. Coordinate bid teams.
• Ability to write high quality and winning proposals.
• Ability to negotiate and collaborate with others in a positive manner.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Great time management.
• Strong decision - making skills.
• Capable of working in a dynamic, inter-cultural and multi-stakeholder setting.
• Able to travel extensively within Eastern and Central Africa and occasional international travel.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to produce professional reports in English language.