Business Development Manager at Dev-Afrique Development Advisors

About the Position

• We are seeking a Business Development Manager with a strong grasp of the development landscape to lead and support our firm’s growth efforts. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in identifying opportunities (RFQs, RFPs, EOIs), crafting compelling responses, and driving proposal development. You will collaborate across internal teams and external partners to position the organization for strategic wins and long-term success. Key responsibilities for this position include:

Opportunity Scouting & Pipeline Development

• Proactively search and track Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs), and other new business opportunities from bilateral/multilateral agencies and foundations.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of relevant opportunities aligned with the firm’s thematic and geographic priorities.
• Maintain and update a database of procurement platforms and tender trackers (e.g., Devex, UNGM, DG Market, etc.).

Proposal & Bid Development

• Lead end-to-end proposal development processes, including bid/no-bid decisions, timeline management, partner coordination, and submission.
• Draft and/or refine technical proposals, capability statements, cover letters, and past performance documentation in response to client requirements.
• Work with technical leads and project teams to develop winning methodologies, staffing plans, and technical narratives.
• Prepare budget inputs in collaboration with the finance team, ensuring competitive pricing aligned with client expectations.

Strategic Partnerships & Relationship Management

• Identify and nurture partnerships with local and international organizations for consortium-based bidding.
• Represent the firm in external networking events, partnership meetings, and strategic dialogues with potential clients and collaborators.
• Maintain CRM records of donors, partners, and opportunity pipelines.

Market Intelligence & Positioning

• Conduct sector scans and client mapping to identify emerging trends and align business development strategies accordingly.
• Develop marketing collateral and thought leadership content to support outreach efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, Business, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in business development or program acquisition, preferably in a consulting, donor-funded, or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated track record in identifying and responding to donor-funded RFPs/RFQs/EOIs.
• Exceptional proposal writing, project management, and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of the development donor landscape (e.g., USAID, World Bank, UN agencies, BMGF, GIZ).
• Ability to work collaboratively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and BD tools.

Useful Skills

• Familiarity with strategic consulting or advisory firms’ business models.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to manage ambiguity in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.