Business Development Officer at International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Sector: Business Development
Location: Kenya
Employee Type: Regular
Employee Category: Full Time
Background: The IRC is one of the leading providers of high quality programming in conflict and post-conflict settings.
In order to advance its mission of serving communities impacted by conflict and displacement, the IRC is committed to developing innovative, context-specific programs in response to strategic funding opportunities with a range of government and multilateral donors.
This work is led by the IRC’s Business Development Unit (BDU) in close collaboration with regional and country management structures, the IRC’s Technical Units and a range of specialists based in the USA and Europe.
Specifically, the BDU assists with proposal development, partnership and donor negotiation.
The unit works closely with other departments to develop learning and management tools that will further the agency’s strategic goals.
Scope of Work: The Business Development Officer-Africa (BDO-Africa) will work closely with BDU staff and IRC’s Regional Units in Africa to plan, manage and/or coordinate the organization’s response to funding opportunities issued by the US government and multilateral donors such as the World Bank.
Working closely with IRC country teams in Africa, particularly in the Horn and East Africa Regional Unit, the incumbent leads and supports proposal development efforts in the region, as well as in other IRC country programs as opportunities arise and circumstances permit.
The incumbent also contributes to efforts to cultivate and develop new funding relationships for IRC with regional donors. This position requires international travel for periods of up to six weeks, with such travel amounting to approximately 40% of the time.
Based in IRC’s office in Nairobi, the BDO-Africa will report to the Senior Business Development Officer (Senior BDO) and collaborate closely with IRC’s Horn and East Africa Region (with the Regional Director as his/her primary contact in Nairobi).
Close collaboration with country program staff in the Horn and East Africa Region as well as other International Programs and Finance staff will be critical to ensure that all proposal development issues are identified and properly addressed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as proposal team leader and/or lead writer for select proposals, as determined by the Senior BDO in coordination with the Horn and East Africa Regional Unit;
- Support select IRC country programs to develop, write and submit competitive proposals;
- Identify and secure sectoral and functional expertise required to pursue specific funding opportunities;
- Ensure proposal quality, responsiveness, and compliance with donor and IRC requirements;
- Promote consistent adherence to quality new business and proposal development practices;
- Oversee proposal development production schedules against established deadlines and benchmarks;
- Work with select country programs to undertake donor mapping, cultivations and representation activities;
- With the Horn and East Africa Regional Director, meet and establish relationships with Nairobi-based and regional donors;
- Under direction of the Senior BDO, initiate and maintain up-to-date business development plans with country programs;
- Coordinate with IRC Finance staff to support proposal budgets;
- Facilitate best and final offer negotiations, including negotiation of terms and conditions of awards, and revisions to grant proposals, budgets and budget narratives;
- Develop capability statements and other standardized templates to facilitate proposal development processes and enhance competitiveness of submissions;
- Work with BDU to identify proposal development capacity needs and provide training, coaching and technical assistance that responds to identified needs;
- Work with the BDU’s Program Manager to maintain relevant proposal development information;
- Participate in special projects, as needed;
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in international development, political science, or other related field. Advanced degree a plus;
- Minimum five years’ progressive experience in drafting winning proposals for USG and other public donors;
- Demonstrated writing skills;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively manage a variety of relationships in a multicultural environment;
- Ability to negotiate effectively with international and local partners, including teaming agreements;
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate equally effectively with colleagues as team leader or team member;
- Previous work experience in U.S. Government grants administration and proven knowledge of U.S. Government regulations regarding grants and contracts;
- Experience and knowledge of Africa strongly welcomed;
- Solid organizational skills: the ability to work productively and accurately while under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding environment;
- Flexible work attitude: the ability to work in a team environment & independently and ability to meet unexpected demands;
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively;
- French language skills a plus;
- Ability to travel internationally, at times with minimum notice and for prolonged periods of time;
- Strong computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, and email/internet software;
- Desire to learn about IRC, its programs and its staff.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to apply online
IRC leading the way from harm to home.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
