Business Development Specialist II

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States, established to save, protect, and transform lives in need across more than 100 countries. The organization operates with a mission to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Business Development Specialist II position is situated within the Institutional Funding Department of CRS’ Global Resource Engagement and Mobilization Division. This role is crucial for leading the production of high-quality funding applications aimed at institutional donors involved in international development. The specialist will provide specialized assistance throughout the Business Development (BD) cycle, working collaboratively with various teams across different regions and sectors. The position requires a strategic approach to funding opportunities, ensuring that proposals are not only timely but also meet donor requirements and align with CRS’ technical and cost standards. The specialist will also play a key role in training and mentoring staff to enhance their skills in business development practices, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of CRS in securing funding for its initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Development Specialist II will be responsible for providing BD expertise to country leadership and proposal teams, managing the pre-positioning, capture, and proposal development processes. This includes ensuring the timely execution and submission of high-quality proposals that meet donor requirements. The specialist will act as a proposal coordinator, advising on opportunity analysis and leading go/no-go decisions. They will also contribute as a lead or support writer on proposals, integrating inputs from various stakeholders into coherent proposals. Additionally, the specialist will guide partner identification and negotiate CRS’ role in proposal consortia, ensuring competitive positioning for CRS. The role involves liaising with senior management to develop resource mobilization strategies, cultivating relationships with institutional donors, and supporting the development of CRS BD tools and resources. Training and mentoring staff in proposal development and business development practices will also be a key responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in international development, international relations, or a related field, along with a minimum of eight years of international development experience. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree in a relevant field and at least three years of experience in a developing country. Demonstrated experience in utilizing proactive strategies for securing funding and managing institutional relationships is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record in leading and producing competitive proposals, as well as experience with grants and contract funding mechanisms. Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines are also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in international development, international relations, or a related field is required for this position. A Master's degree in a similar field is preferred and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of experience in international development, with a preference for candidates who have at least three years of experience working in a developing country. Experience in leading project teams and processes to produce high-quality deliverables under tight deadlines is crucial. Additionally, candidates should have experience providing remote support to diverse teams and developing training content related to business development practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with a working ability in Spanish and/or French considered a plus. Proficiency in additional languages commonly used by institutional donors may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in location, but applicants should be based within the UTC+2 to UTC+10 time zone range. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities, and candidates must be willing to travel up to 35%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.