Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a Development Organization is seeking qualified, experienced and highly motivated Business Development Specialist I who you will contribute to the production of high-quality applications for funding in support of CRS’ engagement with institutional donors and initiatives involved in international development to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will also play a lead role in supporting CRS’ local leadership agenda by building the capacity of local partners in business development and accompanying them to prepare and submit strong proposals as prime or sub-recipients. Your knowledge and skills will allow you to contribute to improving aspects of the BD cycle for the country programs and continuously works towards improving the impact of those we serve.

Position is based in Yaoundé.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Contribute to proposal development processes of both CRS and local partners in Cameroon and Chad to ensure timely submission of high-quality proposals that are responsive to donor requirements, applicable regulations, and CRS’ technical and cost standards.

· Contribute to non-technical writing on proposals and proposal review panels. Integrate inputs from staff and partners into a responsive, coherent proposal.

· Research new opportunities and CRS’ competitive position within the marketplace.

· Help develop and maintain tools, guidelines, templates and donor intelligence information for CRS and local partners.

· Track and report on proposal submissions; assist with analysis of successes and failures and dissemination of lessons learned. Assist in developing analytical reports for internal and external use, including portfolio trends and growth.

· With the business development team and others, refine or create appropriate staff development materials (training, distance learning, self-study) to support building of capacity of CRS staff and local partners in resource acquisition, such as assessment and proposal development skills, basic elements of donor compliance, intelligence-gathering, etc.

· Lead capacity strengthening of local partners on resource acquisition, including assessment, project design, and proposal development skills; basic elements of donor compliance; intelligence-gathering, etc. Support local partners to develop and implement resource mobilization strategies/plans.

· Work with appropriate staff to maintain data on past performance and corporate capacity, to provide timely information for proposal submissions.

· Write, design, and manage the production of creative and compelling communication and marketing material –stories, photos, video, fact sheets, brochures, etc. - for various audiences, including public and private donors, local and national governments, local Church, partners, media, and others as needed, to support donor engagement and positioning CRS for funding opportunities.

· Support the Head of Programming and MEAL Coordinator in other Program Quality initiatives that support CRS to achieve high quality program implementation and leverage successful programming for future funding opportunities.

· Support effective relationships between CRS and partners, through the committed application of identified principles and other relevant methods.

Qualifications and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

· Minimum three years of international development experience, with at least two years’ experience in a developing country.

· Very strong writer with expert command of English grammar.

· Demonstrated experience with competitive proposals in programming contexts similar to CRS.

· Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

· Experience collaborating with local partner institutions on humanitarian and/or development projects.

· Familiarity with USG funding mechanisms and proposal requirements. Specific experience with non-USG public donors highly desirable.

· Knowledge of CRS programs, justice agenda and Catholic Social Teaching principles a plus.

· Experience with capacity building, including training and mentoring as well as developing training materials.

· Experience in institution strengthening, including developing and/or improving business processes, policies, and procedures.

Personal Skills

· Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment

· Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups

· Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities

· Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented

· Ability to travel and work in rural remote areas

· Ability to work under pressure and adapt to any change in project

· Ability to work as a team player in a challenging environment.

· Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point).

· Good strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture.

· Good relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally.

· Good negotiation skills.

· Very good communications and presentation skills.

Required Travel: The staff will be required to travel within project zones to support implementing partners. S/He must be willing and able to travel up to 30% of their time.

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