Job Overview:

We are seeking a proactive individual to join our team as a Business Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager. As an aspirant for this position, you will have first-hand evidenced experience in the key themes, processes, financial flows and approaches in the distribution of financial aid mechanisms for international development, including a technical understanding of the contracting process.

You will be politically savvy, with a working knowledge on how the complex processes on international development is formulated, adopted and implemented. You will use this insight for horizon scanning and to advise SWN leadership on downstream funding opportunities.

The Business Development and Strategic Partnership Manager will build commercial acumen and stakeholder relationships and to assess and secure business opportunities locally and internationally. You will assist in bid development – including market research, identifying partners and experts, writing bid sections, preparing submissions, collaborating between teams, reconnaissance missions, due diligence/vetting, supporting negotiations etc.

A strong understanding from experience of the diverse array of organisations that exert power and influence in the processes and outcomes of development with a special emphasis on the developing countries. You shall be familiar with key themes and campaigns in the development agenda such as UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically those which align with SWN focus on developing skills which promote quality of deliverables, entrepreneurship, employment and co-operation.

• Evidenced experience of building strategic alliances & partnerships with other stakeholders e.g. Governments, donors, INGOs, global bodies
• Evidenced experience of working in public or private sector organisation in the international development space. Ideally proven success working for DFID or other donors and a track record of winning major bids
• Demonstrable understanding of international development and experience of working in a development environment
• Extensive experience in business development in development context, including professional networking
• Experience of international programme management and ideally with team of young professionals
• Up to date knowledge of best practices in the field of international development, as well as how to achieve scale through partnership and influence with larger organisations and institutions
• Track record in working successfully with teams in donor organisations to secure funding with a good general knowledge of the global donor landscape
• Experience of working with others in consortia bids to secure funding
• Comfortable with social media in promoting organisation and its achievements for wider dissemination of learning and strengths

  S/he will also be:

• Comfortable with a start-up environment and of entrepreneurial mindset
• Commercially astute, pro-active, action-oriented.
• Ability to travel locally and internationally for business development

Educated to Degree level in Business Administration, International Relations/Development or a related field