Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is hiring: Business Development Specialist II, ESARO

Overview

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is seeking a Business Development Specialist II to support its operations in East and Southern Africa. This role involves leading the production of high-quality funding applications, fostering strategic donor relationships, and positioning CRS as a competitive partner for international development funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expertise and strategic guidance for funding opportunities.
• Lead and coordinate proposal development processes.
• Serve as a lead or support proposal writer, integrating diverse inputs.
• Support proposal budgeting processes.
• Guide the technical design of proposals.
• Lead partner identification and coordination of consortia.
• Develop and execute resource mobilization strategies.
• Support the cultivation of relationships with key institutional donors.
• Track and analyze new funding opportunities.
• Provide market intelligence on funding trends in East and Southern Africa.
• Train and mentor staff and partners in business development best practices.
• Develop and refine BD tools and resources.
• Maintain data for proposal submissions.
• Participate in the Business Development Community of Practice.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives to improve business development practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years in international development, with demonstrated success in proposal development and donor engagement.
• Fluent in English; working knowledge of French, Arabic, or Portuguese preferred.
• Willing and able to travel up to 35% within the region.
• Master’s degree in international development, international relations, or related discipline.
• At least three years of experience working in a developing country context.
• Proven track record in leading and producing competitive proposals across diverse funding mechanisms.
• Experience with funding agencies such as the World Bank, EU, USG, foundations, and corporations.
• Strong relationship management skills, with a strategic approach to donor and partner engagement.
• Knowledge of CRS programs, justice agenda, and Catholic Social Teaching principles is a plus.
• Experience in developing content and facilitating training on BD best practices.
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills.
• Exceptional negotiation capabilities.
• Expert command of English, with strong writing skills.
• Familiarity with institutional donor regulations, policies, and requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office, data management systems, and AI tools.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and resourceful approach.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans, tailored to the country of employment. CRS offers a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Location

East and Southern Africa (preferably within 3 hours of East Africa Time Zone, GMT+3) — cross-border or in-country office preferred. Travel up to 35% expected.

How to Apply

Submit application via the official CRS careers portal: Application Link. Include an updated CV and cover letter. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline

Open until filled.