Dimensions of the Role
Working under the overall direction of the Business Development Manager (BDM), the Senior Business Development (BD) Coordinator will play a critical role in the development and realization of an ambitious business development country strategy. The role will support the BDM in market research, identification of emerging trends as well as coordinating specific end to end bid development, which may include but not be limited to synthesis of the opportunity, partner identification and managing of assigned proposal development teams and with a view to leading collaborative teams that promote winning proposals.
Under the direction of the Business Development Manager, the incumbent will support the identification of new business development and identify new funding opportunities and ensure appropriate tracking of such bids in line with Plan Kenya systems and standards and oversight for business development end to end business processes for bids as assigned.
The position requires the incumbent to undertake a wide range of assignments that compete for time and resources, think strategically and drive innovations as needed. The role involves a high degree of problem solving for project contexts and works with project teams to design to deliver results. The position requires an individual with the capability to work with a diverse range of individuals of different cultural contexts. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to problem solve, thinking strategically while introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable operating environment.
Accountabilities
- Support in the development of opportunities such as proposals, concepts to donors (including institutional, corporate, multilateral, and, foundations, etc.). •Prepare and develop concept notes and other proposal write ups including proposals; •Monitor, document and highlight new business development to ensure that Plan Kenya is abreast of new opportunities in line with Plan Kenya’s strategic focus; •Support the effective tracking of opportunities on Plan Kenya corporate business development pipeline tracking tool on Plan’s Grant Management Tracking portal whilst ensuring accurate information on databases
- Representation and Networking •Build a network of professional business contacts within Plan’s industry including negotiating partnership teaming arrangements, related budgets and other institutional arrangements with partners; •As delegated and under the direction of the Business Development Manager, represent Plan Kenya to donors and partners in line with the an agreed upon Country office response plan; •Attend forums and meetings (including Skype calls) with/or on behalf of the Business Development Manager to represent Plan that will advance its interests to improve its resource base; •Support to mobilize and setup network meetings between Plan Kenya, its partners, donors and other interested parties.
- Project start-up and Contracting •Develop Fund Agreement Documents and monitor to ensure contracting is finalized between National Offices (NOs) and Plan Kenya; •Act as a liaison between Grants Department and Business Development Department to ensure there is a harmonized coordination between the departments especially during proposal development (including developing proposal budgets), contracting and hand over of contracted projects to the Program leadership and project staff; •As part of hand over processes, support in setting up new project start up workshops with the program team and designated project staff and other Plan International key staff.
- Support a high performing team and ensure all relevant departments have the necessary knowledge and skills to acquire and implement sustainable grant funding •Identify staff training needs and Work together with the Business Development Manager to identify and coach Plan Kenya staff on grants acquisition to ensure there is a steady pool of staff to support the department in its fundraising efforts. •Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to the overall smooth operation of the department. •Support in the development of training materials for staff on Business Development and mentor staff in proposal development as needed; •Take an active role to develop and keep up to date on trends, issues, and solutions pertaining to Plan’s Areas of Distinctiveness
Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
Key relationships
Excellent working relationships will need to be built with the Country Management team, Program teams, Grants team, Field Area and other relevant units within Plan International Kenya, Plan International National Organisation counterparts within the federation, and with the Country Director for appropriate high level client engagement.
Technical expertise, skills and knowledge
- Bachelor’s degree equivalent practical experience, in interdisciplinary areas within human rights, international development and program leadership;
- 5 years of demonstrable and relevant experience in managing multilateral and bilateral donor funded grants/contracts and other fund sources;
- Experience in private sector engagement will be an added advantage;
- Proven experience in proposal writing, concept development, and business cases;
- Understanding of multiple donor policies and procedures particularly ECHO, OFDA, Global Affairs Canada, SIDA, DFID, USAID, EC and UN Agencies;
- Proven ability to develop, drive and support end to end business development processes;
- Proven results based client/donor relationship management;
- Good understanding of gender equality programs and meaningful child participation;
- Knowledge of development challenges and contexts in Kenya, in particular in child rights, girl’s rights and child protection;
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and supportively without the need for close supervision;
- Proficient computer skills and use of relevant desktop applications and internal systems.
Skills Specific to the Post
- Partnership building and ability to build and sustain interpersonal and professional relationships with internal colleague, donor contacts and peer organisations
- Analytical and conceptual skills
- Good Interpersonal / Communication skills
- Results orientated
- Good coordination skills and ability to multi-task with ease, adapting to frequently changing priorities;
- Good negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
- Good understanding of budgeting as part of bid development;
- Ability to effectively work with others and with minimum supervision
- Working knowledge and understanding of donor priorities and regulations
- Good working experience in one of Plan International’s thematic areas or a support function.
Personal attributes and Behaviours
- Supports learning in diverse teams
- Acts with high degree of integrity and professionalism
- Relates to people in a friendly, open manner and engenders trust from other staff
- Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour
- Remains calm and positive under pressure and in difficult situations
- Promotes innovation and learning
- Ability to act as part of multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to work with others
- Ability to travel within Kenya and on occasion, out of the country as may be required
Plan International’s Values in Practice
We are open and accountable
- Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
- Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
- Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
- Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
- Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people
We strive for lasting impact
- Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
- Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
- Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
- Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.
We work well together
- Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
- Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
- Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
- Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
We are inclusive and empowering
- Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
- Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
- Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
- Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
Physical Environment
Typical office environment with ability to travel 30% of the time.
Level of contact with children
Low level: Little to no interaction with children.
Please note that only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted.
References will be taken and background and Anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plan International& child protection standards including appropriate background checks and adherence to our Global Policy on Safeguarding Children and Young People.
Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
