This role is integral to the organizational structure, contributing directly to key strategic initiatives and operational objectives. The position demands a high level of expertise in [specific field/industry], ensuring alignment with both short- and long-term business goals. Candidates must exhibit strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities, alongside exceptional communication and collaboration skills. Responsibilities include [list key responsibilities], with an emphasis on driving innovation, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Qualifications require [list degrees, certifications, or experience], and the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in [relevant areas] within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
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 quality throughout the region.
Key Result Areas
Market Intelligence and Pipeline Management professionals are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and disseminating critical business insights to drive strategic decision-making. They monitor industry trends, competitive dynamics, and market conditions to identify growth opportunities, assess risks, and optimize the sales pipeline. Key responsibilities include conducting thorough market research, evaluating customer needs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align business strategies with market demands. Additionally, they develop and maintain robust pipeline management processes to ensure accurate forecasting, efficient resource allocation, and timely execution of sales initiatives. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and the ability to translate complex information into actionable insights are essential for success in this role.
Develop and sustain a robust market intelligence framework to monitor donor approaches, financial flow patterns, and new prospects within Solidaridad’s key sectors.
Conduct thorough research and monitoring to uncover and assess pertinent upcoming funding prospects by leveraging proactive intelligence, established partner networks, and internal organizational assets.
Maintain a live funding pipeline dashboard by consolidating insights from country teams and global platforms, ensuring real-time decision-making and enhanced forecasting capabilities.
Develop quarterly funding forecasts and donor trend analyses to guide strategic positioning and resource allocation decisions at the regional level.
Coordinate the Go/No-Go evaluation process for prospecting opportunities, leveraging data-driven methodologies to assess and prioritize potential high-impact ventures while maintaining full transparency in decision-making.
Create standardized templates, tools, and processes for concept notes, budgets, and annexes to institutionalize efficiency, quality, and consistency across proposals.
The role focuses on enhancing country-level capabilities and fostering seamless collaboration across various functions. This involves strengthening the capacity of teams and stakeholders within the country while ensuring effective coordination among different departments and initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying gaps, implementing targeted improvements, and aligning efforts to achieve shared objectives. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential to facilitate smooth communication and drive collective progress toward strategic goals.
Develop country-level business development capabilities by implementing tailored training programs, mentorship initiatives, and resources designed to enhance donor engagement, opportunity identification, and proposal formulation.
Collaborate across Programs, Finance, PMEL, and Communications teams to establish alignment, ensure timely input delivery, and maintain coherence in alignment with regional strategic objectives.
Drive the adoption of collaborative digital solutions—such as CRM platforms and Gantt charts—to strengthen transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency across workflows.
Deliver strategic direction and supervision to a compact regional BD team and designated country-level BD representatives, guaranteeing uniform implementation of the BD framework and cohesive regional alignment.
Opportunity prioritization, proposal development, and bid management responsibilities encompass strategic evaluation of potential opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and overseeing the entire bid submission process to ensure competitive advantage and successful contract acquisition.
Drive the entire business development process, overseeing all stages from initial strategic positioning and bid preparation to the final submission of proposals. This encompasses conducting detailed opportunity analysis, crafting partnership strategies, and managing the development of both technical and financial frameworks.
As the principal writer or coordinating manager, you will oversee the development of intricate, multi-country, or consortium proposals, guaranteeing adherence to donor and organizational standards while maintaining high-quality, cohesive content.
Collaborate with technical, financial, and PMEL teams to craft competitive, donor-aligned proposals that highlight measurable impact, sustainability, and innovation.
Lead the creation of concept notes and proposals, crafting essential narrative components while ensuring alignment with Solidaridad ECA’s strategic value proposition and donor priorities.
Conduct structured after-action reviews and lessons-learned sessions to enhance the organization’s proposal development capabilities and preserve institutional knowledge.
We cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships while fostering strong donor relationships to advance organizational objectives. Our team identifies and engages potential collaborators, negotiates mutually beneficial agreements, and ensures alignment with our mission and values. Additionally, we oversee donor engagement initiatives, develop tailored stewardship plans, and maintain transparent communication to secure sustainable funding and long-term support.
Foster and sustain high-impact strategic alliances with bilateral, multilateral, and corporate donors, foundations, and networks to drive forward Solidaridad’s regional funding objectives.
Leverage collaborative engagements to finalize strategic partnerships encompassing Memoranda of Understanding, teaming arrangements, and joint development initiatives.
Investigate creative financing models—including blended finance, impact investing, and corporate social responsibility partnerships—to expand funding sources.
Perform in-depth donor mapping and devise customized engagement strategies tailored to high-value donors and individuals with significant net worth.
Develop and oversee a systematic approach to donor stewardship and reporting, fostering enduring, trust-driven connections with essential funders and stakeholders.
We are seeking a dedicated professional to spearhead initiatives focused on learning, performance optimization, and ongoing enhancement. The ideal candidate will drive strategies to foster a culture of development, assess current practices, and implement innovative solutions to elevate organizational effectiveness. Responsibilities include designing and delivering training programs, analyzing performance metrics, and collaborating with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. Requirements encompass expertise in instructional design, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to continuous professional growth. Proficiency in relevant tools and technologies, along with strong communication and project management skills, is essential to succeed in this role.
Conduct post-proposal evaluations (win/loss reviews) to identify key insights and incorporate successful strategies into upcoming proposal submissions.
Develop and manage a comprehensive knowledge repository comprising successful proposals, change theories, and evidence-based resources for easy access and reuse.
Design and oversee annual fundraising targets, key performance indicators (KPIs), and performance dashboards, delivering consistent updates to both regional and global leadership teams.
Encourage a culture of ongoing learning, innovation, and teamwork across the BD function, while ensuring strong alignment with Solidaridad’s strategic and thematic objectives.
Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the relevant field are essential requirements for this position. Candidates should possess a proven track record of applying expertise to achieve measurable outcomes, supported by a minimum of [X] years of professional practice. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, methodologies, and best practices is critical, along with the ability to adapt to evolving technological and procedural demands. Prior exposure to [specific tasks or environments relevant to the role] is strongly preferred to ensure seamless integration into the team.
A relevant academic background is required, with a minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as Business Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, Strategic Management, Project Management, Marketing and Communications, Agribusiness, Economics, or closely related areas.
A minimum of seven years of steadily increasing experience in business development, resource mobilization, fundraising, and partnership cultivation is required, with at least three of those years dedicated to a leadership role directing comparable business development initiatives and securing multi-million-Euro funding commitments.
With a proven track record in the development sector—specifically within agriculture, agribusiness, industry, and extractives—you have experience operating in developing country contexts.
Demonstrated expertise in designing programs, fostering business growth, and developing compelling proposals, with a strong ability to bridge technical insights with donor priorities to create cohesive and persuasive proposals.
Proven expertise in cultivating and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of international donors, encompassing bilateral agencies such as the EU, USAID, FCDO, and DANICA, as well as multilateral organizations, philanthropic foundations, and corporate partners.
Seeking demonstrated expertise in spearheading or actively participating in consortia and multipartner proposals, crafting Memorandums of Understanding (Mouse), and facilitating the negotiation of partnership or teaming arrangements.
Skilled in overseeing and optimizing pipeline management systems with proficiency in digital tools like customer relationship management platforms, proposal tracking software, or collaborative applications.
Seasoned in orchestrating seamless collaboration across program, finance, PMEL, and communications teams to guarantee cohesive and prompt proposal submissions.
We seek individuals who meet the following qualifications for this position. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience in a similar role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with industry-specific software are essential requirements. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are also necessary to excel in this role. Additionally, the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines is crucial.
Proven ability to communicate clearly, deliver compelling presentations, and cultivate strong interpersonal relationships.
Strong stakeholder management and networking capabilities are essential, supported by demonstrated expertise in negotiation and influence.
Proven track record of consistently achieving and surpassing established fundraising objectives.
Proven expertise in analytical thinking and strategic planning, with a demonstrated capability to convert market intelligence into effective fundraising strategies.
Proficiency in utilizing fundraising tools and donor management platforms, such as CRM systems and pipeline trackers, is essential.
Skilled in forging pioneering financing collaborations, such as social impact investments, blended finance models, and public-private partnerships.
Proven ability to work independently, solve complex challenges, and collaborate effectively within a team-driven environment.
Demonstrates flexibility and capacity for frequent travel across Eastern and Central Africa, with occasional international assignments.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
