Business Development Lead – Commercial Advisory Practice, Africa

Job Description

Business Development Lead – Commercial Advisory Practice, Africa

Location

Nairobi / Kenya

Title

Business Development Lead – Commercial Advisory Practice, Africa

About DT Global

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com

Background

DT Global Commercial Advisory is a newly established service area focused on engaging multinational companies, corporations, foundations, and philanthropies around the world. Our core focus is on sub-Saharan Africa, where DT Global has a strong presence, deep sectoral expertise, and robust relationships. The Commercial Advisory team works across multiple industries, including mining and energy, food and fibre, pharmaceuticals, technology, and financial services.

About the Role

DT Global is seeking expressions of interest from qualified candidates for the position of Business Development Lead for its Commercial Advisory Practice in Africa. Reporting to the Africa Business Unit Manager and the Commercial Advisory Manager, this role will play a key part in building and executing a pipeline of opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The successful candidate will identify leads, qualify opportunities, and close business sales across target sectors and geographies. They will also foster relationships with DT Global’s technical experts and external consultants, manage ongoing work, and drive strategic engagement with clients and partners. This senior-level role offers an opportunity to lead strategic initiatives, develop new business relationships, and shape the trajectory of DT Global Commercial Advisory in Africa. Primary tasks for this position include:

1. Build a reputation for DT Global as a thought leader in sustainability programs.
2. Immediately support and drive capture of opportunities.
3. Support the company’s growing engagement with food & fibre industry.

Responsibilities:

1. Business Development

• Build and maintain relationships with companies in priority industries across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Identify, qualify, and close business opportunities aligned with DT Global’s expertise.
• Develop client-facing presentations articulating DT Global’s value proposition.
• Monitor market trends and gather timely intelligence to identify new opportunities.
• Develop partnerships with third-party organizations and management consultancies.

2. Thought Leadership

• Identify key business associations, conferences, convenings, working groups, and other activities throughout the region; seek opportunities to represent DT Global on panels and at keynote sessions.
• Work with Commercial Advisory Leadership team to leverage global thought leadership to be relevant for the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
• Identify new opportunities to drive additional thought leadership, press engagement, social media engagement to promote DT Global Commercial Advisory work.
• Author studies, case studies, and reports, to promote DT Global’s work.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to amplify DT Global’s thought leadership in Africa.

3. Project Operations and Execution

• Oversee multiple projects from initiation to closeout, including team and subcontractor management.
• Work closely with Commercial Advisory team to anticipate and plan for resource needs for future bids.
• Build and maintain relationships with potential partners and outside experts.
• Develop and actively maintain a database of outside experts suitable for future opportunities.
• Design and deliver innovative sourcing strategies and solutions to meet business development needs and generate talent pipelines.
• Engage proactively with other DT Global offices worldwide to identify strong partners and experts in priority fields.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with preferred consultants and partners, ensuring value for money and compliance with DT Global and client requirements.
• Ensure the review and the quality of all contractual deliverables before submission to the client, addressing any issues and concerns with the relevant parties.
• Oversee teams of consultants and internal experts to execute projects, ensuring high-quality execution, a drive for results, and an eye toward future business.
• Ensure high-quality execution of projects, maintaining proactive client communication.

About You

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years of experience in similar roles at management consultancy, multinational companies, or international development organizations.
• University degree in business administration, sustainability, agriculture, energy, or related field.
• Experience in building multilateral, cross-sector partnerships, international development, sustainability, or social impact.
• Proven track record in business development, sales, or fundraising.
• Significant experience in strategic talent network development for business development and/or project implementation and an established network of reputable professionals.
• Managing stakeholder relationships private sector clients.
• Contract management experience and proficiency in MS Office applications.

Skills

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Growth mindset, with an ability to work under pressure to build a new business.
• Strong strategic thinking with ability to identify opportunities, provide solutions and drive consensus across multiple stakeholders.

Knowledge

• Understanding of project management methodologies
• Familiarity with financial management processes

HOW TO APPLY

To express interest, click the ‘Apply Now’ button below. Interested parties must submit:

1. Your CV
2. A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

APPLICATIONS CLOSE – 13^th December 2024, at 5PM East Africa Time (EAT)

We thank all applicants for their interest. Kindly note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any enquiries about this role may be sent to recruitment.africa@dt-global.com

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply.

About the Organization

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com