Regional Business Development Specialist II – West Africa Region

JOB DESCRIPTION

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a global telecommuter position; CRS will give preference to candidates who are based in countries where we have existing offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for telecommuting employees.

Job Summary:

As a Regional Business Development (BD) Specialist II, you will contribute to the production of high-quality funding applications in support of CRS’ initiatives to serve poor and vulnerable people. You will lead business development efforts to meet the West Africa region’s annual growth plans. Your excellent coordination, writing and capacity building knowledge and skills will allow you to contribute to more efficient BD processes in the West Africa Regional Office (WARO) covering 11 countries.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate proposal and budget development processes to ensure timely submission of high-quality proposals that are responsive to donor requirements, applicable regulations, and CRS’ technical and cost standards
• Serve as lead writer, contributing non-technical content, developing technical narrative outlines and integrating diverse inputs into a coherent whole
• Provide BD expertise in positioning, capture planning and proposal preparation for specific opportunities with institutional donors (government and inter-governmental award issuing organizations, as well as foundations, corporations and non-governmental organizations)
• Train and mentor staff to enhance BD skills across the region
• Provide coverage for the BDM
• Close collaboration with Communication, BD and MEAL colleagues to compile country level documents that communicate CRS’ areas of expertise, such as past performance references and capability statements
• Provide guidance to country program staff on the development of well written, well organized and cohesive concept notes, expressions of interest, and proposal annexes, aligned with donor requirements and CRS standards
• Contribute to CRS’ Business Development Community of Practice and advance CRS Business Development practices through contributions to other initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, English, Communications or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of international development experience, with at least two years experience in a developing country.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability and experience in proposal coordination and writing; experience with competitive applications and proposals for grants and/or commercial contracting
• Familiarity with key regional donors (World Bank, LDSC, ADB, EU, USAID)
• Demonstrated ability to contribute as part of a team to produce deliverables under tight deadlines, remotely and at exceptional quality.
• Knowledge of CRS programs, justice agenda and Catholic Social Teaching principles a plus.
• Experience using MS Teams and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), web conferencing applications, information management systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong proposal coordination and writing skills
• An innovative, systems thinker, who enjoys problem-solving
• Ability to relate to, inspire and convene the right people at all levels
• Strong written & verbal communication skills
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Interest and experience in capacity strengthening & local leadership

Required Languages – Fluency in English required; proficiency in French required.

Travel – In-country travel is typically for 2-4 weeks at a time; must be willing and able to travel up to 40%.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: WARO Regional Technical Advisor – BD; WARO Deputy Regional Director for Program Quality; WARO Regional Technical Advisors; the Business Development Community; WARO country program staff; management quality and finance staff

External: Staff of partner organizations

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Note: All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer