Head Of Business Growth And Partnerships Development

About ForAfrika

ForAfrika is an African-founded and led organization with over 40 years of impact across the continent. It partners with communities to deliver humanitarian and development solutions while advancing social enterprise initiatives to promote long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Position Summary

The Head of Business Growth & Partnerships Development will drive strategic growth by managing partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and leading the full business development lifecycle from opportunity identification to award.

This role includes leading proposal development, managing partnerships, supporting pipeline growth, and strengthening business development processes to enhance organizational competitiveness.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Establish accountability, performance standards, and growth targets aligned with organizational values.
• Promote collaboration across departments for effective business development execution.
• Manage and mentor team members to strengthen capabilities.
• Translate organizational strategy into business development priorities and objectives.
• Provide pipeline updates and strategic reporting to leadership.
• Strengthen internal business development capacity and processes.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and partnerships.
• Lead proposal development and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support resource mobilization and strategic positioning efforts.

Internal Capacity Building

• Strengthen organizational capacity for complex funding opportunities.
• Identify skill gaps and training needs within teams.
• Develop and refine business development processes and tools.
• Facilitate proposal reviews and integrate lessons learned.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration.

New Business Development

• Manage opportunity pipeline and bid decisions.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, and strategic documents.
• Identify funding opportunities and emerging trends.
• Build partnerships at international, regional, and local levels.
• Engage with donors and represent the organization externally.

Proposal Management

• Lead proposal development for strategic opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and deadlines.
• Develop proposal sections and oversee quality control.
• Coordinate proposal teams and manage submission processes.

Capture Management

• Develop competitive strategies and positioning.
• Lead capture efforts for high-priority opportunities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on win strategies.
• Expand organizational visibility through industry engagement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in a relevant field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in business development.
• At least 5 years managing complex proposals for donor-funded projects.
• Strong understanding of donor procurement processes and compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and proposal tools.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar systems is an advantage.

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development