Head of Business Development

Job Posting Organization:
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that has been advancing children’s rights and equality for girls for over 85 years. Established to combat the suppression of children's potential due to poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination, Plan International operates in more than 80 countries. The organization is committed to creating a just world where every child can thrive, particularly focusing on the rights of girls and vulnerable children. With a mission to support children from birth to adulthood, Plan International engages with various stakeholders to drive changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels.

Job Overview:
The Head of Business Development at Plan International Tanzania is a pivotal leadership role aimed at transforming the resource mobilization function of the organization. This position requires a strategic and entrepreneurial professional capable of navigating a rapidly changing donor environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy that aligns with the Country Strategy, focusing on diversifying and securing sustainable income growth. The role involves moving beyond traditional fundraising methods to explore innovative funding opportunities through institutional donors, foundations, corporate partnerships, and climate finance. The Head of Business Development will work closely with senior leaders and technical teams to shape a funding portfolio that supports impactful programs for children, adolescents, and young people.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a forward-looking resource mobilization strategy that aligns with organizational priorities.
• Drive funding diversification across institutional donors, multilateral agencies, foundations, philanthropies, and private sector partners.
• Lead donor intelligence, market analysis, and opportunity identification.
• Build and manage a strong funding pipeline and forecasting system.
• Provide strategic advice to the Country Leadership Team on funding opportunities, risks, and investment decisions.
• Position Plan International Tanzania as a leading partner in gender equality and youth empowerment.
• Develop and maintain high-value relationships with donors, government stakeholders, and local civil society organizations.
• Lead consortium development and strategic partnership building.
• Strengthen organizational capacity for donor engagement and relationship management. 1
• Represent the organization externally and promote its mission and values. 1
• Lead the development and submission of high-quality funding proposals and concept notes. 1
• Coordinate cross-functional proposal teams to design impactful programs. 1
• Ensure proposals integrate gender-transformative programming and comply with donor requirements. 1
• Strengthen grant management, compliance, and reporting systems. 1
• Identify and pursue innovative financing opportunities, including blended finance and social impact partnerships. 1
• Lead partnership mapping and due diligence processes. 1
• Champion safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusion across all business development activities.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess significant experience in leading resource mobilization or business development, with a proven track record of securing large-scale funding from institutional donors, multilateral agencies, foundations, and private sector partners. Strong experience in leading complex proposal development and competitive bidding processes is essential. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to build strategic partnerships and influence senior stakeholders effectively. A strong understanding of donor trends, localization agendas, climate financing, and evolving development funding mechanisms is required. The candidate should also have experience managing complex portfolios and leading teams within matrix organizational structures, along with excellent strategic thinking, negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills. Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and risk management, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, typically including a degree in international development, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in resource mobilization, fundraising, or business development may be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in resource mobilization or business development, particularly in complex development and humanitarian environments. A successful track record of securing funding and building strategic partnerships is crucial, along with experience in leading teams and managing complex portfolios.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region or donor engagement would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and is likely to be a full-time role. The organization emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Plan International is committed to safeguarding children and young people, and pre-employment checks will be conducted in accordance with their policies. The organization also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace.