Business Development Officer

Job Description

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Opportunity Development (OPD) - Pact exists to help create a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership of their future. The Opportunity Development team contributes to realizing this purpose by overseeing Pact’s new business development activities. Every member of the Opportunity Development team at Pact is committed to sharing in the success of the organization, its peers, and individual accomplishments. The Opportunity Development team is managed through a matrixed structure that promotes winning proposals through collaboration. The team offers team members, both experienced and new professionals, opportunities for learning and professional development. Ideal candidates bring positive energy to this dynamic work environment.

Position Overview

The Business Development Officer supports new business activities for their assigned region and countries, working collaboratively with multiple Pact teams to execute regional and country business development strategies. S/he will work with a wide range of Pact staff and teams worldwide to develop new projects and prepare proposals in response to donor requirements. Ideal candidates blend the strategic, analytical thinking needed to craft a winning proposal with the tactical skills needed to address the day-to-day details of proposal management. Up to 40% international travel is expected (currently suspended due to COVID19); length of travel will range from 1-3 weeks at a time. The Business Development Officer reports to a Business Development Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and production of major proposals as assigned, ensuring that proposals meet funder specifications and deadlines as well as Pact’s quality standards.
• Conduct research on upcoming opportunities and lead pre-positioning efforts for identified bids, including but not limited to: planning for and carrying out scoping trips; identifying and building relationships with potential partners; and working with technical staff to conduct early design and planning.
• Manage live proposals, leading the development of RFAs/RFPs as assigned and ensuring that proposals meet funder requirements and deadlines as well as Pact’s quality standards.
• Facilitate bid decision conversations.
• Build and manage consortia of international and local partners in response to RFAs/RFPs.
• Negotiate partnership arrangements and coordinate teaming agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other institutional agreements with partners.
• Collaborate with regional directors, country directors and other country-level staff, technical experts, and other Pact staff to conceptualize and design proposals for new project activities.
• Maintain accurate information about business development opportunities in internal databases and assist with analysis of proposal development data; maintain accurate and timely electronic files; and ensure that relevant information is accessible to and circulated to the portfolio members.
• Work with Pact’s HR team to identify high-quality personnel for proposals.
• Mentor and train staff on new business best practices, processes, and procedures.
• Other tasks as needed to meet Pact’s new business goals or other organizational needs.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, and 7-9 years of experience, or equivalent relevant work experience; Masters with 5-7 years of experience
• Proven successful track record with proposals to USAID, other USG funders (USAID, Department of State, Department of Labor, etc.), and/or other large international donors.
• Knowledgeable in one or more of Pact’s technical areas (global health; governance; capacity development; livelihoods; or environment, energy, and extractives)
• Excellent interpersonal and team building skills.
• Demonstrated skills organizing teams to produce high-quality proposals on tight deadlines.
• Excellent planning and time management skills. Ability to multitask with ease, adapting to frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and maintain quality, detail, and organization across multiple assignments.
• Ability to supervise a team, building strong team relationships with HQ and field-based colleagues.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to travel internationally on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a related field.
• Overseas work experience in program design, implementation and/or evaluation.
• Experience with SalesForce.
• Working-level proficiency in French or Spanish.

About the Organization

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. The promise of a healthy life. Of a decent livelihood. Of sustainable natural resources that benefit communities. Now more than ever in its 42-year history, Pact is helping millions of people who are poor and marginalized discover and build their own solutions and take ownership over their future.
Pact enables systemic solutions that allow those who are poor and marginalized to earn a dignified living, be healthy, and take part in the benefits that nature provides. Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems, and transforming markets into a force for development.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.