Business Development and Inception Manager at TechnoServe

Job Summary

• The Business Program Development and Inception (BD) Manager will be based in the main head office, reporting to the Country Director and having a dotted reporting line to the Regional Business Development team while supporting the Country Director on designing new programs that will increase the reach and impact of TechnoServe in Nigeria.
• The BD Manager is responsible for designing high-impact and innovative programs on agriculture and entrepreneurship, developing, leading and strengthening fundraising strategies, and developing strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities
Specific tasks would include (but not be limited to)

• Design innovative programs on value chain strengthening, improve farmer incomes, sustainable sourcing, regenerative agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
• Work with project staff and regional leadership to design, write, and submit clear, concise and compelling proposals that result in funding for the organization.
• Develop concept notes and pitch documents that garner donor interest and lay the foundation for long-term partnerships.
• Guide the proposal development process: develop and manage proposal calendars; facilitate kick-off and review meetings, and develop the proposal outline with compliance guidelines.
• Support all aspects of proposal development, including coordinating complex efforts with dispersed proposal team members, drafting and updating organizational qualifications statements, editing and formatting technical proposals, drafting staffing and management sections, and supporting recon and capture efforts.
• Build internal capacity in new business development, ensure the adoption of best practices, and initiate quality assurance systems.
• Coordinate with TechnoServe’s Global Program Development and Strategic Initiatives teams to share intel and best practices, contribute to global initiatives, and collaborate on proposals.
• Contribute to improved efficiency and effectiveness of PD operations through knowledge management, including updating and expanding PD resources, tools, and processes.
• Actively cultivate new prospects: create and strengthen relationships with public and private donors
• Liaise with public sector funding agencies, institutional foundations, corporations and other private donors.
• Review and support the development of budgets

Basic Requirements and Experience

• This role calls for an intrinsically motivated and passionate individual, looking to work in a cross-functional role for program research, proposal writing, design and development. Preferred skills include:
  • Graduate or postgraduate Bachelor's degree in Development Economics, Business Administration, Journalism or similar from International or premier institutions with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in a consulting or development sector with a keenness to work on poverty-related challenges facing agriculture and small enterprises in India.
  • Alternatively, 5 years’ experience with a Master’s degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to understand and work on business models and high-quality pitch decks.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse team, spread across diverse geographies and to deliver in time-bound programs.
• Good working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Required Languages:

• Excellent analytical and communication skills in English (written and oral), and an ability to build a convincing argument

Supervisory Responsibilities:

•  None.