The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At-work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. IRC leads the way from harm to home. Began work in Ethiopia, 1999 in response to severe drought that happened in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Currently, providing assistance in ten different regions implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

Based in Addis Ababa, the Business Development Consultant will be leading and advising on the business development needs of the country office. Support will include all phases of the business development process, from developing a Business Development strategy and donor engagement plan, opportunity identification to contract signature, including pre-positioning, partnerships building, facilitate Go-No-Go decision making, proposal development and writing, and due diligence phases. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of working on BD strategies and on new funding opportunities in humanitarian and international development with a range of multilateral and bilateral donors.

Major Responsibilities:- 

Business Development Strategy

• Participate in key donor engagement meetings and pro-actively seek donor intelligence on prospective new opportunities or partnership. 

• In coordination with the Deputy Director of Grans and Partnership and the SMT, lead on the development of the Business Development Strategy and donor engagement plan of the Ethiopia Country Program, aligning it with Ethiopia’s Strategic Action Plan, through conducting research into emerging trends and sector priorities.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of donor funding priorities and geographical interests relevant to IRC's area of work and coordinate with Ethiopia technical teams to position for new funding. 

• Lead the country team in the identification, tracking, and updating of new business opportunities across a variety of technical sectors and donors, including facilitating technical brainstorming, partner, and competitor landscape analysis, and win theme sessions with technical and country staff.

Bid Leadership and Coordination

• Lean in support on high-value and complex proposals and strategic public opportunities, including capture, strategy development with technical staff; partner identification and negotiations; writing; production. 

• In coordination with the DDGP, identify and share public funding opportunities. Advises SMT and Technical Teams on strategic approaches for funding opportunities, guiding a robust and evidence driven Go/No Go process. 

• Lead on the design and/or draft expressions of interest, concept notes, and proposals to ensure quality and compliance with donor standards. 

• Organizes and manages internal processes to ensure IRC is always submitting the most competitive proposals.

Business Development process improvement and knowledge management

• Contributes to and models the use of standard business development processes, tools, templates and information. 

Safeguarding Responsibilities:- 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office]

• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Job Requirements

Educational Requirements:

• Academic Qualification- Degree from recognized university in a discipline relevant to IRC's thematic priorities; Master’s Degree preferred 

Preferred experience & skills: 

• 10 years of work experience out of which 5 years should be directly related to program development/ Business Development

• Knowledge of local laws, the development/humanitarian context and funding landscape

• Line management experience

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching

Language Skills: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

How to Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through THIS LINK

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information. 

• Name of the position you have applied for 

• Date of application 

• Summary of your qualifications and experience 

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address 

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees. 

Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process. 

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. 

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients. 

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons. 

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances.