The role is integrated within the organizational structure, serving a critical function in achieving strategic objectives through dedicated responsibilities and collaborative efforts across departments.
The Regional BD Manager is accountable to the Regional Head of Programs at Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Expertise Centre, collaborating extensively with the Managing Director, Country Managers, country BD focal points, and country-level teams. This role delivers strategic direction and mentorship to country-level teams, enhancing business development frameworks, donor intelligence, and proposal excellence throughout the region.
Key Result Areas
Market intelligence analysis and pipeline oversight are key responsibilities for this role. The position requires thorough research and evaluation of market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities to inform strategic decision-making. Strong analytical skills are essential for interpreting data and forecasting industry shifts. Additionally, the individual will manage and optimize the sales pipeline to ensure alignment with business objectives and revenue targets. Proficiency in data-driven tools and methodologies is required, along with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to drive pipeline growth and efficiency.
Develop and sustain a robust market intelligence framework designed to monitor donor strategies, funding patterns, and new prospects within Solidaridad’s key sectors.
Proactively identify, analyze, and monitor pertinent upcoming funding opportunities by leveraging intelligence gathering, strategic partner relationships, and internal assets.
Develop and sustain a dynamic funding pipeline dashboard that consolidates insights from country teams and global platforms, facilitating immediate decision-making and accurate forecasting.
Compile quarterly funding forecasts and donor trend analyses to guide strategic positioning and resource distribution across regions.
Leverage data-driven methodologies to guide the Go/No-Go decision-making process for identifying, selecting, and monitoring high-impact opportunities, while maintaining full transparency in prioritization.
Develop and establish standardized templates, tools, and processes for concept notes, budgets, and annexes to promote efficiency, ensure high-quality outputs, and maintain consistency throughout proposals.
The position focuses on enhancing country-level capabilities and fostering seamless collaboration across various functions. Responsibilities include strengthening organizational frameworks, improving cross-departmental coordination, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. The role requires a proactive approach to capacity development, effective communication, and the ability to bridge gaps between different teams. Candidates should have proven experience in capacity-building initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional project management.
Develop localized business development capabilities by providing focused training, mentorship, and resources designed to enhance donor interaction, opportunity identification, and proposal preparation.
Collaborate across Programs, Finance, PMEL, and Communications teams to ensure cohesive operations, timely contributions, and alignment with regional strategic goals.
Champion the integration of collaborative digital solutions, including CRM systems and Gantt boards, to foster transparency, strengthen accountability, and streamline workflow efficiency.
Provide strategic guidance and management to a compact regional business development team and designated country-level business development representatives, guaranteeing uniform implementation of the business development framework and cohesive regional alignment.
Opportunity prioritization, proposal development, and bid management are critical responsibilities within this role. The position involves identifying and evaluating high-value opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and overseeing the entire bid process from inception to submission. Strong analytical skills are required to assess market trends and align proposals with strategic objectives. Additionally, meticulous attention to detail is essential for ensuring compliance with requirements and maintaining competitive positioning. Effective stakeholder engagement and project management capabilities are also necessary to coordinate cross-functional teams and drive successful bid outcomes.
Spearhead the complete business development process, beginning with strategic positioning and bid preparation through to the submission of final proposals. This encompasses conducting thorough opportunity analysis, formulating partnership strategies, and managing the technical and financial design elements.
As the primary writer or coordinating manager for intricate, multinational, or consortium proposals, you will uphold quality, consistency, and adherence to donor and organizational guidelines.
Coordinate contributions from technical, financial, and PMEL teams to develop donor-aligned proposals that highlight measurable impact, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring competitive positioning.
Lead the creation of concept notes and proposals, meticulously crafting essential narrative components while ensuring strict alignment with Solidaridad ECA’s strategic value proposition and donor priorities.
Conduct structured after-action reviews and lessons-learned sessions to systematically enhance the organization’s proposal development capabilities and preserve institutional knowledge.
We cultivate and sustain impactful partnerships while fostering meaningful donor relationships to advance our mission and drive sustainable growth.
Develop and sustain high-impact strategic collaborations with bilateral, multilateral, and corporate donors, foundations, and networks to strengthen Solidaridad’s regional funding priorities.
Facilitate the negotiation of strategic partnerships by overseeing the development and finalization of key agreements such as memoranda of understanding, teaming agreements, and collaborative creation arrangements.
Investigate cutting-edge financing strategies—including blended finance, impact investing, and corporate social responsibility partnerships—to expand and strengthen funding sources.
Perform detailed donor mapping and formulate customized engagement strategies tailored to top-tier donors and high-net-worth individuals.
Develop and oversee a comprehensive donor stewardship and reporting system designed to foster enduring, trust-based partnerships with essential funders and stakeholders.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to drive learning initiatives, enhance performance standards, and champion continuous improvement across the organization. The ideal candidate will develop and implement training programs, assess team competencies, and identify opportunities for skill enhancement and operational efficiencies. Responsibilities include designing engaging learning experiences, measuring program effectiveness, fostering a culture of growth, and collaborating with stakeholders to align development efforts with strategic goals. Proficiency in instructional design, strong analytical skills, and the ability to influence change are essential. A background in corporate training, talent development, or organizational psychology is preferred.
Conduct in-depth post-proposal evaluations, including win/loss reviews, to identify key insights and incorporate effective strategies into upcoming proposals.
Develop and curate a centralized knowledge repository encompassing proven proposals, theory-of-change frameworks, and evidence-based resources to facilitate easy access and reuse.
Develop and track annual fundraising targets, key performance indicators (KPIs), and performance dashboards, delivering consistent progress reports to regional and global leadership.
Encourage a dynamic environment of ongoing education, creative problem-solving, and teamwork within the BD team, maintaining strong alignment with Solidaridad’s strategic and thematic goals.
Possesses a strong background and practical expertise in the relevant field, having accumulated substantial hands-on experience and deep understanding through prior roles. Demonstrates proficiency in key processes, tools, and methodologies essential to the position. Requires a minimum of [X years] of applicable experience, with specific skills such as [list key skills] often preferred. Exhibits the ability to apply theoretical knowledge effectively in dynamic work environments to drive measurable outcomes.
A relevant academic qualification at the Bachelor’s level or above, such as in Business Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, Strategic Management, Project Management, Marketing and Communications, Agribusiness, Economics, or comparable fields, is required.
A minimum of seven years of escalating experience in business development, resource mobilization, fundraising, and partnership cultivation is required, with at least three years in a leadership role responsible for overseeing comparable business development initiatives and securing multi-million-Euro funding initiatives.
Proven track record in executing development initiatives across agriculture, agribusiness, industry, and extractive sectors, with direct experience in developing country environments.
Demonstrates a strong track record in program design, business development, and proposal development, with expertise in converting technical concepts into donor-focused proposals and comprehensive submissions.
Strong expertise in cultivating and sustaining relationships with international donors, encompassing bilateral entities such as the European Union, USAID, FCDO, and DANICA, as well as multilateral organizations, philanthropic foundations, and corporate partners.
Extensive background in spearheading or actively participating in consortia and multipartner proposals, drafting and structuring Memorandums of Understanding (Mouse), and facilitating negotiations to finalize partnership or teaming arrangements.
Proven expertise in overseeing and optimizing pipeline management systems, leveraging digital tools including customer relationship management platforms, proposal tracking software, and collaborative applications.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with program, finance, PMEL, and communications teams to streamline cross-functional coordination and guarantee the timely and cohesive delivery of proposals.
We seek a candidate who meets the following key qualifications for this role. The ideal applicant must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field, demonstrating expertise and a proven track record of success. A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required, while an advanced degree is preferred. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in industry-specific software and tools. Additionally, the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet strict deadlines is critical. Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity will be highly advantageous.
Exceptional proficiency in conveying ideas clearly, delivering compelling presentations, and fostering strong interpersonal connections is essential.
Accomplished in cultivating and sustaining robust stakeholder relationships, with a demonstrated proficiency in negotiation and the ability to persuasively drive outcomes.
Skilled in consistently achieving and surpassing established fundraising objectives.
Demonstrates exceptional analytical and strategic planning abilities, effectively leveraging market intelligence to develop clear, actionable fundraising strategies.
Proficient in utilizing fundraising tools and donor management platforms, including CRM systems and pipeline trackers, with a high level of expertise.
Proven ability to structure and cultivate forward-thinking financing partnerships, encompassing social impact investments, blended finance models, and strategic public-private alliances.
Proven ability to work independently, resolve challenges efficiently, and collaborate effectively within a team-oriented environment.
Capable of undertaking extensive travel within Eastern and Central Africa, with occasional international assignments.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
