Country: United States of America
Closing date: 31 Dec 2018
Under World Learning’s Institutional Advancement and Learning Division, the Business Development Unit (BDU) leads new program development to support the expansion of World Learning’s global portfolio of international exchange and development programs. This includes developing and submitting proposals for new projects as well as leading strategic initiatives to grow World Learning’s regional presence. Our team works closely with World Learning program teams to develop and advance their technical and geographic strategies. BDU serves as the liaison between these teams and support units (Finance, Human Resources, Operations, etc.) to develop quality proposals that reflect innovative program ideas and World Learning’s core principles. BDU leads new program development for the organization’s diverse portfolio of US Government (USG), bi-/multi-lateral, private sector, and foundation funding.
The Senior Business Development Associate will support business development desk operations and proposal development, while gaining firsthand knowledge of foreign development assistance, funding trends, and strategic programming. Ideal candidates will be interested in exploring NGO business development, including program design, proposal writing, and donor relations, in addition to learning more about World Learning’s development and exchange programs.
Responsibilities
- Actively participate as a key member of proposal teams, supporting proposal managers in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment. Problem solve proactively to ensure best practices are integrated into every proposal effort;
- Monitor pipelines and identify key opportunities for the organization, including use of donor platforms and resources; liaise with program teams to collect information on potential new programming capture efforts;
- Analyze and research donor trends as relevant to strategic organizational priorities including key geographic regions and technical practice areas;
- Review and analyze solicitations to identify key requirements and compliance considerations;
- Develop and update corporate capability statements, past performance documents, resumes, and other proposal documentation; contribute to knowledge management streamlining of proposal materials;
- Draft proposal attachments/annexes and lead design of proposal elements including graphics, charts, and tables;
- Prepare proposal documents for submission, including copy editing, formatting, and ensuring design consistency; strong attention to detail maintained throughout process;
- Develop and maintain systems for tracking proposal workflow and opportunity pipelines, improving use of technology and data analytics wherever possible;
- Participate in training and capacity building efforts across the organization; lead efforts as requested;
- Represent World Learning at regional meetings, conferences, and networking events to support relationship-building and organizational growth;
- Perform administrative duties such as scheduling meetings, managing IT/AV needs, and capturing notes during meetings; actively participate in meetings and lead as necessary;
- Act as a primary liaison with business development consultants globally, including processing of consultant agreements and invoices;
- Support program teams in developing external materials for partnering, recruitment, and thought leadership in geographic and/or technical practice areas.
Requirements
- Bachelors’ Degree in international relations/development, education, public policy, nonprofit management, language studies, or related field;
- At least two years of professional experience working in an international development organization or similar setting;
- Experience applying to USG funding opportunities or experience with USG-funded project implementation desirable; direct experience with USAID desirable;
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities at once; ability to work well with and take direction from multiple supervisors and proposal managers on a variety of projects;
- Outstanding oral and written English communication skills; fluency in a second language desirable;
- Well-versed in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Adobe Acrobat; familiarity with graphics editing software such as Adobe, InDesign, etc. preferred;
- A willingness to assume responsibilities and take initiative;
- Strong time management skills, especially when facing tight deadlines;
- Flexible, a team player, and a good sense of humor;
- Demonstrated interest in one or more of World Learning’s practice areas, including international education, civil society strengthening, capacity development and training, youth development and workforce development, and international exchanges.
World Learning is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action/veterans/ADA employer, committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.
How to apply:
Candidates should apply through World Learning's website.