We are seeking a highly skilled professional to fill a key role within our organization, where you will play a pivotal part in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. This integral position requires an individual with a proven track record of achieving measurable results in their field, coupled with exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of [X] years of relevant experience and hold a degree in [specific field, if applicable], complemented by [any certifications, licenses, or technical proficiencies]. Responsibilities include developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges, collaborating cross-functionally with stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with the organization’s long-term objectives. Additionally, the role demands adaptability to evolving industry trends, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to mentor and lead teams toward shared success.
The Regional BD Manager operates under the Regional Head of Programs at Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Expertise Centre, collaborating closely with the Managing Director, Country Managers, country BD focal points, and country-level teams. This role offers strategic direction and mentorship to country-level teams, enhancing business development frameworks, donor intelligence, and the standard of proposal submissions throughout the region.
Key Result Areas
Market intelligence and pipeline management involve analyzing data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks within the market, supporting strategic decision-making and enhancing competitive positioning. This role requires expertise in gathering and interpreting market research, monitoring industry developments, and evaluating competitive landscapes to inform business strategies. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate pipeline forecasts, assessing market potential, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align commercial objectives with actionable insights. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data analysis tools, and the ability to translate complex information into clear, strategic recommendations are essential for success in this position.
Develop and sustain a robust market intelligence framework to monitor donor approaches, funding patterns, and new prospects within Solidaridad’s key sectors.
Identify, evaluate, and monitor prospective funding prospects by leveraging proactive intelligence, strategic partnerships, and internal assets.
Develop and oversee a dynamic funding pipeline dashboard that aggregates insights from country teams and global platforms, facilitating immediate decision-making and accurate forecasting.
Develop quarterly funding forecasts and donor trend reports guiding strategic positioning and regional resource allocation decisions.
Coordinate the Go/No-Go evaluation process to identify, select, and monitor opportunities, leveraging data-driven criteria to prioritize high-impact ventures with full transparency in decision-making.
To establish and embed standardized templates, tools, and processes for concept notes, budgets, and annexes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and uniformity throughout all proposals.
Country capacity strengthening and cross-functional coordination are essential to enhance overall performance and ensure seamless collaboration across various departments. This role requires a strategic approach to develop and implement initiatives that build organizational capabilities, foster knowledge sharing, and align efforts with broader institutional goals. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders at multiple levels are critical for success. Responsibilities include designing tailored capacity-building programs, facilitating interdepartmental communication, and monitoring progress to achieve measurable outcomes.
Enhance business development capabilities at the country level by implementing tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, and strategic tools designed to improve donor interaction, prospect identification, and proposal formulation.
Drive cohesive collaboration across Programs, Finance, PMEL, and Communications teams to maintain consistency, deliver timely contributions, and uphold alignment with regional strategic goals.
Leverage collaborative digital platforms, including CRM systems and Gantt boards, to foster greater transparency, strengthen accountability, and optimize workflow efficiency.
Offer strategic direction and supervision to a compact regional BD team alongside designated country-level BD focal points, guaranteeing uniform adoption of the BD framework and cohesive alignment throughout the region.
Opportunity assessment, proposal formulation, and bid administration constitute core responsibilities for this role, requiring meticulous alignment with strategic objectives and client requirements. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in evaluating high-potential prospects, crafting compelling submissions, and overseeing end-to-end bid processes to secure competitive advantages. Proficiency in stakeholder coordination, risk mitigation, and compliance with regulatory standards is essential, along with a track record of delivering high-quality proposals within tight deadlines. Strong analytical skills, persuasive communication, and a results-driven mindset are critical for success in this dynamic environment.
Drive the entire business development process, encompassing initial strategic positioning and bid preparation through to the final submission of proposals. This role requires conducting thorough opportunity analysis, crafting partnership strategies, and managing the development of both technical and financial frameworks.
As the principal author or coordinating manager for intricate, multinational, or consortium proposals, you will uphold excellence, consistency, and adherence to donor and organizational requirements.
To integrate contributions from technical, financial, and PMEL teams, develop competitive and donor-focused proposals that highlight measurable impact, long-term sustainability, and innovative solutions.
Lead the creation of concept notes and proposals by crafting essential narrative components while maintaining strict alignment with Solidaridad ECA’s strategic value proposition and donor-specific priorities.
Conduct structured after-action reviews and lessons-learned sessions to enhance the organization’s proposal development capabilities and preserve institutional knowledge.
As a key role within our organization, this position entails cultivating and sustaining high-level relationships with strategic partners and donors, ensuring alignment with our mission and long-term objectives. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new partnership opportunities, negotiating mutually beneficial agreements, and fostering ongoing engagement to maximize support for our initiatives. Additionally, they will oversee donor stewardship efforts, including recognition, reporting, and impact updates, to strengthen relationships and secure continued contributions. Proficiency in relationship management, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills are essential, along with a proven track record in fundraising or partnership development. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least three years of experience in a similar role are required.
Foster and sustain high-impact strategic alliances with bilateral, multilateral, and corporate donors, foundations, and networks to further Solidaridad’s regional funding objectives.
Facilitate the negotiation of strategic partnerships by leading discussions on key agreements, such as Memorandums of Understanding (Mouse), teaming arrangements, and co-creation initiatives.
Investigate and implement cutting-edge financing strategies, including blended finance, impact investing, and corporate social responsibility partnerships, to expand and strengthen funding sources.
Perform in-depth donor mapping and craft tailored engagement strategies specifically designed for major donors and affluent individuals.
Develop and oversee a comprehensive donor stewardship and reporting framework to cultivate enduring, trust-driven partnerships with principal funders and stakeholders.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to lead initiatives focused on enhancing organizational learning, optimizing performance, and driving continuous improvement across all levels of the company. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that foster a culture of lifelong learning, ensuring employees have access to the tools and resources needed to excel in their roles. Additionally, you will analyze performance metrics to identify gaps, recommend targeted interventions, and measure the impact of improvement initiatives. Collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams will be essential to align learning and development programs with business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, expertise in instructional design, and a passion for cultivating an environment where growth and excellence are prioritized.
Conduct in-depth post-proposal evaluations (win/loss reviews) to identify key insights, distill actionable lessons, and systematically incorporate proven strategies into upcoming proposals.
Maintain a centralized knowledge repository comprising successful proposals, theories of change, and evidence-based resources for easy reference and reuse.
Create, track, and analyze annual fundraising goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and performance dashboards, delivering consistent progress reports to both regional and global leadership teams.
Promote a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the Business Development function, ensuring alignment with Solidaridad’s strategic and thematic priorities.
Accumulated expertise and hands-on practice in the specified field are essential, as well as a proven track record in relevant roles. Familiarity with industry standards, tools, and methodologies is required, along with the ability to apply this knowledge to solve complex problems. Prior experience in similar positions, ideally within a comparable industry or organizational setting, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are necessary to thrive in this dynamic environment.
A relevant Bachelor’s degree or higher is required, with preferred fields including Business Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, Strategic Management, Project Management, Marketing and Communications, Agribusiness, Economics, or closely related disciplines.
With a minimum of seven years of steadily advancing experience in business development, resource mobilization, fundraising, and partnership cultivation—including three or more years in a leadership role directing comparable initiatives and securing multi-million Euro funding—you will bring a proven track record of driving strategic growth and financial sustainability.
With a proven track record in the development field—especially in agriculture, agribusiness, industry, and extractives within developing countries—you bring valuable experience to this role.
Demonstrated expertise in designing programs, driving business growth, and crafting donor-aligned proposals—skillfully transforming complex technical concepts into compelling, proposal-ready narratives.
Demonstrated excellence in cultivating and maintaining strategic relationships with a diverse range of international donors, encompassing bilateral entities such as the EU, USAID, FCDO, and DANICA, as well as multilateral organizations, philanthropic foundations, and corporate partners.
Proven ability to spearhead or actively participate in consortia and multipartner proposals, crafting Memorandums of Understanding (Mouse), and facilitating negotiations for partnership or teaming arrangements.
Requires substantial expertise in managing pipeline systems, leveraging digital solutions including CRMs, proposal trackers, and collaborative platforms.
Experienced in coordinating across program, finance, PMEL, and communications teams to facilitate seamless and timely proposal delivery.
The role necessitates a comprehensive set of qualifications, including a minimum of five years of relevant experience in a comparable position. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, with preference given to those possessing advanced degrees or specialized certifications. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is mandatory, alongside strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Prior experience leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale projects is highly desirable. Additionally, familiarity with current industry trends and regulatory standards is required to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
Demonstrates outstanding proficiency in verbal and written communication, delivering compelling presentations, and fostering productive interpersonal relationships.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capabilities are essential, along with a track record of successful negotiation and persuasion in diverse professional settings.
Achieved and surpassed established fundraising goals through dedicated efforts and strategic initiatives.
Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities are required, with a proven ability to convert market intelligence into practical and effective fundraising strategies.
Possesses advanced proficiency in fundraising tools and donor management platforms, including CRM systems and pipeline trackers.
Proven ability to forge creative financing partnerships, encompassing social impact investments, blended finance models, and public-private collaborations.
Exhibits a strong capacity for independent action, resourcefulness in addressing challenges, and an enthusiastic, collaborative approach to teamwork.
Demonstrates flexibility and capability to undertake frequent travel across Eastern and Central Africa, with occasional international assignments.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
