Wanted
Unique professional with 10+ years of work experience to lead our bilateral fundraising efforts.
Job Location
Nairobi (preferred) or Kigali.
Duration
Minimum 2.5 years commitment, full-time job
Job Description
One Acre Fund is on a rapid growth trajectory – we plan to reach 500,000 farm families by 2017, and at least one million by the end of the decade. To make that happen, the Business Development team will need to raise an ambitious level of funds from private foundations, individuals, and bilateral organizations in the US and globally.
One Acre Fund is looking for an exceptional individual to help lead our efforts in building out and furthering a pipeline of funding opportunities from bilateral agencies. This position will primarily focus on securing and managing bilateral grants, by developing and shepherding complex, large-scale funding proposals from identification to fruition to completion. This position will also co-design with leadership a long-term strategy to engage bilateral organizations in country mission offices and head offices, and will serve as a spokesperson for the organization at relevant international conferences. This is an excellent position for a highly skilled and experienced professional looking for a meaningful development opportunity.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Business Development Manager will perform the following and other duties as assigned, working closely with our existing and highly capable bilaterals team.
- Bilateral/Multilateral New Business Development (20%) – Help to build and steward relationships with bilateral agencies, alongside existing bilaterals team. Over time, and based on strong performance, will taking increasing ownership over bilateral relationship portfolio.
- Proposal Development (25%) – Develop top-notch proposals for bilateral funding opportunities. Responsible for writing accurate, compelling narratives of our work, and developing all supplementary materials as required.
- Bilateral/Multilateral Award Management (25%) – Manage the required reporting for current and future successful bilateral proposals. Provide expertise and guidance to One Acre Fund field and corporate staff on the technical requirements and processes of these awards.
- Global Spokesperson (10%) – Serve as an articulate and enthusiastic spokesperson for the organization at relevant international conferences (sponsored by bilateral agencies, or where there is unique opportunity to engage with bilateral attendees), demonstrating an understanding of the organization's core model, approach, and the context in which it operates. Speaking topics may include Food Security, Agriculture, Microfinance, Poverty Alleviation, and East Africa Development.
- Internal Coordination (20%) – Develop and maintain internal tools and systems to manage bilaterals portfolio. Establish and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and partners (internal Policy, Communications, Field, and Finance teams). Collaborate with One Acre Fund's senior management team, both within the Business Development team and broader organization.
Career Growth and Development
One Acre Fund invests in building management and leadership skills. Your manager will invest significant time in your career development. We provide constant, actionable feedback delivered through mentorship and through regular management consulting-style career reviews. We also have regular one-on-one meetings, where we listen to and discuss career goals, and work collaboratively to craft roles that each person can be passionate about. Because of our rapid growth, we constantly have new high-level roles opening up and opportunities in many functions. This results in fast career growth for our staff.
Professional Qualifications and Requirements
We are seeking an individual with 10+ years of professional experience, a keen business mind, strong presentation and relationship-building skills, a passion for global development, and a track record of securing and managing grants from bilateral funders. The successful candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
- *Experience in bilateral fundraising fundamentals**.* We are seeking someone with a strong background in international fundraising, with demonstrated experience in bilateral proposal development, reporting, and compliance. Prior experience working at a prime bilateral sub-contractor, or in a large, international NGO strongly preferred. Experience working with USAID, DFID, and/or European Commission funded projects an added advantage. The ideal candidate should be conversant in the key components of the grants management cycle, including the concept note and application process development, application evaluation, due diligence, contracting, and disbursement review.
- Experience in global development/agriculture. We are seeking someone with a demonstrated connection to international development. Experience in agriculture a plus. The ideal candidate is truly passionate about providing opportunity to the hardest-working farmers on the planet.
- Understands risks and related relevant controls. We are seeking someone who has working knowledge of the financial and procurement cycles, budgeting, income and expenditure analysis, and financial reporting.
- Graduate Degree in a relevant field strongly preferred.
- Professional financial qualifications (CPA or ACCA) a plus.
- *Speaks the language of business**.* We are seeking someone that speaks the language of business. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of budgeting and financial planning (especially in a non-profit context), and fluency in Excel.
- *Values fit**.* We put a high premium on values. We want someone who has a true service orientation and humility – someone that puts our farmers before themselves.
- *People-orientation**.* We do not need an extreme extrovert, but we are seeking someone who is comfortable building relationships with people by pursuing referrals, attending conferences and networking events, etc. We are seeking someone with excellent communication and presentation skills.
- *Management experience**.* We are seeking someone skilled in all aspects of people management, including hiring, supervising, mentoring, training, and professional development more broadly. We are seeking a candidate who will work well with our highly capable existing bilaterals team.
- *Willingness to travel**.* This role will include approximately 10% travel for visits to other One Acre Fund locations, conferences and speaking engagements, largely within Africa but potentially other international destinations. Dates of travel are highly flexible.
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Personal Attributes**
Personal Attributes**
The following personal attributes are desired:
- A deep commitment to serving the poor.
- A passion for One Acre Fund's program
- Comfort and experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations.
- High energy level, and a personable, flexible, tenacious, diplomatic, and respectful demeanor.
- Proven ability to serve as a team player and leader able to motivate and inspire staff and colleagues.
- Entrepreneurial spirit.
- A sense of humor.
Language
English required
Preferred Start Date
ASAP
Compensation
Commensurate with experience.
Benefits
Health insurance, immunizations, flight, room and board.
Sponsor International Candidates
Yes
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, click this link and complete the application.
