New Business Development Manager

About the Role

The New Business Development Manager (NBD Manager) will act as a key leader within the Rwanda and Burundi Country Offices, responsible for spearheading resource mobilization and generating new funding opportunities aligned with the Country Strategic Plan. This position is ideally based in Kigali, Rwanda, or held remotely while working within Rwanda's standard working hours (±2 hours). The contract is two years for internationals and open-ended for nationals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy and donor engagement plans that align with local, regional, and global priorities to expand the funding portfolio.
• Identify and nurture relationships with strategic donors and partners to diversify funding sources and grow the office’s project portfolio.
• Lead donor engagement initiatives both inside and, if needed, outside of the country, building a strong representation and networking presence.
• Manage the end-to-end process for proposal and concept note development, ensuring competitive, high-quality submissions in collaboration with multiple teams.
• Embed best practices, tools, and trainings in new business development across the office to standardize and improve proposal management and donor engagement efforts.
• Engage proactively in capture planning for significant funding opportunities, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to optimize success rates.
• Provide leadership in strategic portfolio planning, analysis, and management reporting to support informed decision-making at senior leadership levels.
• Maintain ongoing knowledge of current major grants and ensure alignment in donor communications and reporting.

Additional Accountabilities

• Coordinate with internal departments such as Technical Experts, Finance, Operations, Awards, Human Resources, and regional offices to synchronize resources and efforts.
• Represent the country office in donor forums, workshops, and partnership meetings, strengthening organizational positioning and exploring consortium opportunities.
• Drive continuous learning and capacity building by training colleagues, implementing lessons learned, and maintaining knowledge management systems.
• Lead recruitment, staff management, and professional development of the NBD team, fostering a positive work environment and adherence to organizational policies.

Safeguarding and Integrity

The role demands adherence to Level 2 safeguarding protocols due to access to personal data or its regulated nature, requiring a police/background check. The organization enforces zero tolerance toward fraud, corruption, and unethical behavior, expecting all staff to uphold integrity, comply with policies, and report misconduct.

Behavioural Expectations

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and resource management, modeling organizational values, and holding teams accountable.
• Ambition: Setting challenging goals, embracing personal growth, motivating others, and thinking strategically at a global level.
• Collaboration: Building effective relationships with internal teams, members, and external partners to achieve collective success.

Terms and Conditions

• Contract length: 2 years renewable for international staff; open-ended for nationals.
• Location preference: Kigali, Rwanda; remote option available with adherence to Rwanda working hours.
• The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment. Any payment requests must be reported immediately.