Business Development Advisor at ActionAid Nigeria

Reporting to: Head, Resource Mobilisation
Line Management: None
Grade: 6

Job Purpose

• The Business Development Advisor will coordinate the search, development and timely submission of donor proposals.
• S/he will also coordinate and provide fundraising support to other units in other institutional partnership development activities.

Specific Responsibilities
Proposal Development:

• Search for, identify and develop concepts and/or full donor proposals.
• Source for, and coordinate relevant partner organisations for the development of proposals.
• Coordinate AAN thematic staff in the development of related proposals.
• Assist in the effective monitoring of successful projects.

Donor Relationship:

• Ensure visibility of organisation in the donor community by initiating and attending donor events, conferences, meetings, and other industry events.
• Respond to donor enquiries in a timely manner.
• Maintain relationships with existing donors and respond to their requests regularly.
• Keep donors updated about the work of the organization.
• Search for new and emerging donors in line with fundraising policy.
• Ensure regular donor communication on projects by giving updates in line with donor preference.

Contract management:

• Regularly monitor the implementation of donor projects.
• Ensure projects are being implemented in line with donor requirements and timelines
• Develop systems and manage the process of timely project and other reporting, including following up of internal and external reports and ensuring compliance with Terms of Reference.
• Ensure donor MOUs are complied with and donor programmatic and financial expectations are met.
• Ensure the annual, monthly and quarterly reports are developed in accordance with ongoing activities and plans for the year.  
• Actively take part in the overall policy, programme, procedure and strategy development of AAN in general.

Capacity Development:

• Facilitate and support relevant proposal development capacity needs for staff.
• Ensure the enshrinement of AAN methodologies in all proposals developed.
• Support system strengthening of AAN staff in donor relationships and institutional partnership processes.

Communication and Reporting:

• Managing external communications including handling queries and issues on a timely and appropriate basis.
• Facilitate communication between donor organisations and units within AAN
• Set up effective communication mechanisms between AAN; other partners or other relevant stakeholders in the donor community.
• Review donor reports and ensure compliance to required formats and timelines
• Ensure adequate and effective documentation of all reports to ensure donor compliance.

Financial Management:

• Facilitate development of proposal budgets in line with donor financial systems and AA financial guidelines.
• Support programme units in timely request of donor funds within stipulated timelines.
• Facilitate the financial processes for the business development unit activities.

General:

• Participate in, or lead where necessary, any programme, procedure or strategy to enhance the goal and objectives of AAN Business Development Unit.
• Actively take part in the overall policy, programme, procedures and strategy development of AAN in general.
• Assume any other responsibilities relevant to the position as assigned by line manager
• Active engagement in community mobilization and programming and movement building

Internal Relationships:

• AAN team.    

External Relationships:

• Donors, partners, CSOs and relevant government agencies.

Education/Qualifications
Essential:

• First degree in social sciences or arts/humanities

Desirable:

• Membership of relevant professional Institute
• Masters’ degree in relevant

Experience
Essential:

• At least four years’ post NYSC experience
• Three years’ experience in the similar position in the development sector
• Experience in donor management and proposal development.
• Excellent working knowledge of Excel, Word & Outlook (MS Office in general)

Desirable:

• Experience working on donor relationship

Skill Abilities
Essential:

• Strong communication and writing skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Computer skills with good working knowledge of Microsoft office  
• Ability to monitor institutional donor projects.
• Fluency in spoken and written English language
• Excellent planning and prioritization skills
• Highly numerate
• Excellent (proven) interpersonal skills

Desirable:

• Experience developing successful, high profile donor proposals

Personal Qualities
Essential:

• Self-motivated person able to work without close supervision.
• Creative and takes initiative.
• Team player, a person of integrity
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times.
• Able to work effectively in a diverse team environment
• Proven Leadership Qualities

Desirable:

• Effectively promote the AAN’s mission values, and objectives