Head of Business Development (HBD), MENAU

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on providing emergency relief and long-term development solutions to people affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to restore health, safety, education, economic well-being, and power to those devastated by crises, the IRC employs a workforce dedicated to delivering impactful solutions that help individuals reclaim control over their futures and strengthen their communities. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation, and accountability, advocating tirelessly for the most vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Head of Business Development (HBD) for the Middle East, North Africa, and Ukraine (MENAU) region plays a crucial role in leading IRC's business development efforts to support country programs. Reporting to the Director of Awards Management, the HBD is responsible for developing and implementing the global business development strategy within the region. This includes strategic planning, donor outreach, proposal development, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The HBD oversees all business development activities for institutional donors in the MENAU region, which includes countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen. The role also involves collaboration with various teams within the organization to ensure effective business development processes and successful bid submissions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HBD's key responsibilities include providing strategic vision for regional business development efforts, maintaining visibility on donor funding priorities, advising leadership on trends and support needs, and coordinating support for country teams in identifying new business opportunities. The HBD is also responsible for managing the bid leadership process, ensuring compliance with donor expectations, and facilitating internal reviews to capture lessons learned. Additionally, the HBD engages with external donors and partners, contributes to capacity building and training for staff, and supervises direct reports to ensure high performance and professional development. The role requires collaboration across various teams to ensure successful handover from pre-award to post-award phases and to maintain accurate documentation of all business development activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess substantial experience leading large proposal teams on complex, multi-year proposals with minimal supervision. A successful track record in developing humanitarian and development proposals for NGOs is essential, along with familiarity with the strategies and proposal processes of key government donors such as the US Government, FCDO, and EU institutions. Experience in collaborating with national and community-based partners is also required, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Candidates should demonstrate strong writing skills, the ability to multi-task, and prioritize effectively, along with a willingness to travel internationally.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in international development, humanitarian studies, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred for this senior-level position, reflecting the complexity and strategic nature of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in business development, particularly in the humanitarian sector, with a proven ability to lead and manage proposal development processes. Experience working with institutional donors and understanding their funding priorities is critical. The role requires a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the MENAU region, as well as the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build effective partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with proficiency in Arabic considered a desirable asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders and improve engagement with local partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates located in Germany, Jordan, and Lebanon, and requires the right to work in these countries. The role is full-time and may involve international travel, approximately 20% of the time. The IRC emphasizes a culture of accountability and integrity, adhering to professional standards and safeguarding policies to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.