Business Development Manager – Uganda Plan International

The BDM masterminds the design and implementation of PIU’s fundraising plan and must therefore be a skilled strategist, as well as bringing significant technical experience and skill in communications (including excellent proposal writing skills) and business development. S/he is responsible for both the quality and effectiveness of PIU’s funding proposals. This position is directly responsible for achieving fundraising targets of €16 million annually.
The key challenge for this position is to secure targeted funding, within the timelines required for effective cash-flow management, but at the same time ensuring that the priorities and requirements of donors are aligned with the PIU Country Strategy, and that receipt of a grant will not take the organisation off track.

This requires the job holder to:
• Have an outstanding ability to think strategically and conceptually, managing multiple different interests and developing a portfolio of fully funded projects that will collectively achieve PIU’s strategic goals
• Demonstrate highly effective influencing and negotiation skills, building strong relationships of mutual trust with National Offices and prospective donors and clarifying the common agenda
• Convene and lead proposal development teams drawn from across the organisation, managing, motivating and inspiring them to develop high quality proposals on time and to standard

Essential Knowledge
• Master’s degree, or equivalent practical experience, in interdisciplinary areas within human rights, international development and program leadership.
• Extensive demonstrable experience in managing multi and bilateral donor funded grants/contracts and other fund sources in a senior management role.
• Proven experience in grant and financial management in NGOs and preferably also in emergencies.
• Extensive experience in developing proposal and budget formulation
• Understanding of multiple donor policies and procedures particularly ECHO, OFDA, Start Network, DEC, DFATD, SIDA, DFID, USAID, EC and UN Agencies
• Ability to undertake strategic and programme planning
• Proven ability to maintain strong NO/donor relations
• Proven experience in developing grant management procedures during an emergency response
• Proven experience of incorporating gender issues in to funding submissions.
• Strong understanding of gender equality programs and meaningful child participation.
• Knowledge of development challenges and contexts in Uganda, in particular in child rights, girl’s rights and child protection.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and supportively without the need for close supervision.
• Familiarity with various donor guidelines and requirements.
• Proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet).

Skills
• Strong project management and planning skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse international and national teams and with complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform.
• Coordination, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Able to communicate clearly and strategically with internal and external stakeholders as a representative of Plan. This includes effective negotiation and representation skills.
• Strong capacity building/training/coaching/mentoring skills with communities and internal and external staff