IFDC OVERVIEW

IFDC is a nonprofit, science-based organization working to alleviate global hunger and poverty by improving sustainable agricultural productivity. IFDC enables smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase agricultural productivity, generate economic growth, and practice environmental stewardship by enhancing their ability to manage mineral and organic fertilizers responsibly and participate profitably in input and output markets.

IFDC was established in 1974 in response to the twin crises of food insecurity and rising energy prices and is designated as an International Public Organization. IFDC is governed by an international board of directors and supported by bilateral and multilateral aid agencies, private enterprises and foundations and Headquartered in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, USA.

IFDC manages field activities in over 20 countries in Africa and Asia through three regional offices in Accra, Nairobi and Dhaka covering respectively: West Africa, East and Southern Africa, and Asia.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Business Development (BD) Associate will support the East & Southern Africa, and Asia region to develop, manage and pursue new business opportunities that will result in new projects or consultancy engagements and increased revenue. This includes all phases of new business development including opportunity research, tracking, capture, recruiting, technical and budget inputs to proposal writing, and proposal coordination.

The BD Associate will work closely with the Regional Management Team, Country Representatives and the Business Development Unit based in the US to track and pursue new business opportunities in the region. The position will grow based on experience.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• The BD Associate will closely work with the Regional Management Team, BD unit in the US, national and regional technical staff, project managers and country representatives to:

  • liaise with donors and partner organizations to identify, monitor and track new business opportunities throughout the ESAFD and Asia region in the tracking and planning pipeline / tool for business development
  • identify, map and engage key stakeholders
  • conduct or coordinate remote and in-country research and capture;
  • support in the development of partnering and proposal strategies;
  • support IFDC country offices to develop capability statements
  • support to train IFDC country offices on business development
  • support proposal development.

• Provide coordination, management and development of business planning activities across the region and communicate and collaborate in the implementation of these activities with other IFDC staff.

• Support the Regional Management Team in the development of proposal calendars, assignment of responsibilities for completion of all required proposal sections, establishing proposal review teams and processing of required documents, representations and certifications, and the involvement of other organizational units

• Supports new business recruitment efforts for international and national staff and interns, including sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, checking references, collecting employment verification documentation, deciding upon finalists, and negotiating salaries.

• Perform a variety of other related duties as required.

• Regularly checks relevant external information sources, such as FedBizOpps and Grants.gov, USAID procurement forecasts and quarterly updates, business development opportunities on Devex, Netherlands websites, Francophone websites and other sources, for updates

• Keeps internal trackers and ensures files are up to date, and shares timely information with the new business team.

• Recruits and provides logistical support to new business consultants, including contracting and developing terms of references, coordinating travel logistics, tracking level of effort and payments, and submitting payment requests.

REQUIREMENTS

• IFDC is looking for candidates with an interest in international agricultural and agribusiness development, as evidenced by work experience or academic study, as well as strong research and administrative skills.
• Strong team-working skills, and attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines are important, as is excellent written English.
• At a minimum, an undergraduate degree or equivalent in international development or relevant subject plus one year of administrative or technical professional experience, preferably in new business development
• Strong organizational skills; good numeracy skills with high level of attention to detail;
• Strong written and oral communication skills with an enthusiasm for writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to establish and maintain positive working relationships both internally and externally;
• Strong MS office skills;
• An understanding of project management;
• A proven ability to multi-task under pressure;
• Ability to travel internationally; if required.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners, and stakeholders.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills.
• French reading and writing skills is an added advantage.

LOCATION & TRAVEL AND REPORTING

This position will be based at IFDC’s Regional East & Southern Africa Office in Nairobi and may include travel to projects in the region. The position will report directly to the Portfolio Manager with dotted lines to the Deputy Regional Director and Regional Director. Additionally, the position work closely with the Business Development, Corporate Services and the Country Program Teams.

CONTRACT

The position is open to Kenyan nationals.

Required Skills Required Experience

REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Requires constant standing or sitting (depending on type of lift) up to 10 hrs per day
• Requires use of both hands and feet up to 10 hours per day
• Constant awareness of surroundings (people and equipment)
• Work outside in all weather conditions
• Requires some pushing/pulling/lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Must pass a forklift driving test