Business Development Manager – Nairobi – Sustainet East Africa

SustaiNet Group is an emerging East Africa-focused consulting firm with legal registration in Kenya and South Sudan and operational structures and partners in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and DRC. We provide a wide range of consulting services to facilitate effective agricultural market oriented development; emphasis on environmental and climate services, inclusive and transparent sector governance, devolution and coordination. We also have a long record of accomplishment providing programme support services to international consulting companies exploring opportunities and implementing projects and programmes in the region. www.sustainetea.org

SustaiNet Group is currently recruiting for an experienced Business Development Manager for its Kenya office to support the company’s ambitions for rapid expansion across its East African and European entities.

Job Purpose
The Business Development Manager will prospect for new clients, generate interest from potential clients, grow and retain existing accounts. S/he will explore options for growth and translate these into business results. Will have a thorough knowledge of business development practices, the development market and industry trends, and the technical/thematic areas where SustaiNet Group provides solutions and services.

Business Development:
Develop in-depth knowledge of the sector/thematic priority areas for SustaiNet Group and systematically gather information regarding clients’ and funding agencies’ strategies and programming initiatives in these areas.
Identify and build relationships with new and potential clients (including donors, aid agencies, government agencies, programmes and private business). Develop and maintain a database of clients, consultants and companies
Screen potential business deals by analyzing market strategies, deal requirements, potential, and financials; evaluating options; resolving internal priorities; recommending equity investments.
Develop and promote new products/services with clients and partners, and develop unique selling proposition and differentiators to create a competitive edge for SustaiNet Group products/services. Specifically explore opportunities targeting business sector agents (non- donor funded) in SustaiNet Group’s thematic/sector priority areas.
Explore cooperation opportunities with Kenyan and international consultancy companies and institutions with a view to leverage opportunities through concrete consortia and partnerships
Expand SustaiNet Group’s network of strategic partners, associates and consultants by identifying and quality assuring new consultants (Kenyan and international), and maintain regular contact with these. Manage the SustaiNet Group consultant roster.
Represent the company’s business development interests at relevant meetings, events, and within resource mobilization or donor-specific peer networks, as it relates to SustaiNet Group’s income streams.
Support the SustaiNet Group management in reflecting business trends and opportunities in business plans.
Support other SustaiNet Group staff and strategic partners in establishing and developing networks. Contribute to the expansion of the organization’s consultant roster for key technical and bid preparation functions.

Tendering:
Manage activities for bid preparation and planning including: Teaming, bid strategy, development of win-themes, oversight of and contribution to technical design, drafting management and other sections of the bid process.
Analyse tender requirements and technical, costing and other issues of relevance to bids and provide substantive written inputs to proposals in areas of competence.
Perform diligence process and fact finding missions, by studying integration of new ventures with company strategies and operations; examining risks and potentials; estimating partners’ needs and goals.
Advice on and assist outreach to relevant consultants and companies to pursue options for entry of consortia and partnerships for bids. Maintain contact and negotiate with identified consultants and partners.
Ensure all relevant documentation for bids is complete and accurate, and that all technical, commercial and contractual correspondence with clients and participating partners and consultants are efficiently addressed and closed out.
Analyse the proposal schedule, monitor progress and highlight potential risks for on time delivery, and recommend corrective action for approval.
Prepare reports such as summary schedules, proposal overviews, competitive overviews and cost/price summaries

Requirements:
Masters level degree in related technical discipline relevant for SustaiNet Group’s thematic areas is strongly preferred; Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline combined with substantive work and international field experience will be considered.
At least 5 years relevant working experience in successful tender bid development, in a similar role, preferably in private company, development agency and/or international development NGO.
Working knowledge in tendering process for development projects is essential.
Demonstrated ability to proactively seek out new business opportunities.
Strong analytical and conceptualization skills. Capable of hands-on problem-solving, with ability to generate ideas and solutions.
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with good report writing skills. Ability to communicate with stakeholders from a range of professional backgrounds. Fluent in English and Kiswahili.
Excellent technical skills in writing, editing, formatting bid documents.
Excellent planning, organizational and facilitation skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver exceptional results within deadlines and set budgets. Efficiency, accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, attention to detail, work well under pressure and meet deadlines;

HOW TO APPLY:
Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications, which include a detailed CV, cover letter stating the candidate’s motivation for pursuing the position and contacts of three (3) relevant references via email to vacancy@sustainetea.org by 3rd March 2017.

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