Exciting Opportunity: Business Development Advisor (WCA) at Save the Children

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for securing funding to drive impactful humanitarian and development programs? Do you excel in building partnerships and crafting winning proposals that change lives? Save the Children International is on the lookout for a talented Business Development Advisor (WCA) to join our global team and support our efforts in West and Central Africa (WCA). This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing our program funding and ensuring we can reach more children in need!

About the Role

As the Business Development Advisor for WCA, you'll provide expert guidance on business development across the funding cycle, from opportunity identification to proposal submission. Focused on aligning with country strategies and global objectives, you'll collaborate with country offices, members, and donors to secure flagship funding. This permanent, full-time position is graded P3 and can be based in any approved Save the Children office in the Africa regions (WCA/ESA), offering flexibility while emphasizing work in multicultural environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development Support: Assist in creating and executing country-specific business development activities, including donor relations, partner development, opportunity scouting, capture planning, prepositioning, and proposal development to secure funding aligned with priorities.
• Proposal Leadership: Guide the preparation and submission of high-quality, competitive funding proposals, leading cross-functional teams and handling bid writing for major donors like USAID, EU, SIDA, WFP, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster and maintain relationships with key members, donors, partners, and government entities, ensuring interactions uphold Save the Children's values. Develop stakeholder engagement plans and country funding strategies to boost visibility and partnerships.
• Trend Analysis and Strategy: Monitor funding trends, provide strategic recommendations to country offices, and report on risks related to funding gaps or business development capacity.
• Compliance and Accountability: Ensure all activities comply with program funding requirements, organizational policies, and commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What We're Looking For

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in international development, business administration, economics, marketing, or a related field.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing successful business development strategies in the humanitarian/development sector, with experience securing program funding and building donor partnerships.
• Substantial experience in preparing and managing high-quality proposals for institutional and private sector donors.
• Strong experience in multicultural environments, liaising with diverse stakeholders including donors and governments.
• Excellent strategic thinking, relationship management, communication (written and verbal), proposal development, financial acumen, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Fluency in English and French; commitment to continuous professional development.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in additional languages like Spanish or Arabic.
• Experience in the Africa region, particularly WCA.
• Advanced qualifications in a relevant field.

Our Values in Action

At Save the Children, we live by our core values: accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity. You'll be expected to embrace diversity, build effective relationships, and innovate to achieve bold goals for children worldwide.

Child Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding children and young people. This role requires adherence to our policies, and a Level 3 check may be necessary depending on contact with beneficiaries.

Why Join Us?

Save the Children is a leading global organization dedicated to children's rights, working in over 120 countries. As part of our Programme Funding team, you'll contribute to life-changing initiatives in WCA, helping secure resources for education, health, protection, and more. We offer a dynamic, supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and the fulfillment of making a tangible difference.

How to Apply

Ready to drive funding for a brighter future? Apply through our careers portal with your CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience. Applications close on August 21, 2025—act fast!

Click Here To Apply

Save the Children is an equal opportunities employer, celebrating diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace.

For more details, visit our official job listing.

Join us and help unlock funding to transform children's lives in West and Central Africa!