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CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) is Hiring a Senior Business Development Lead – Africa
Location: Abuja (Nigeria), Harare (Zimbabwe), Kinshasa (DRC), or Nairobi (Kenya)
Contract: 2-year Fixed Term | Full-time
Salary:
- DRC: USD $46,020
- Zimbabwe: USD $49,167
- Kenya: KES 6,625,844
- Nigeria: NGN 25,683,356
Application Deadline: 26 August 2025
Interview Week: Starting 8 September 2025
About CAFOD
CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) works globally to bring about lasting change in the lives of vulnerable communities. As part of the Caritas Internationalis confederation, CAFOD partners with local organizations in over 30 countries to deliver humanitarian aid, promote sustainable development, and advocate for global justice.
Role Overview
The Senior Business Development Lead (SBDL) will play a key role in securing institutional funding to extend CAFOD’s impact across Africa. This position supports CAFOD’s Integrated Funding & Business Innovation (IFBI) strategy and will focus on:
- Leading donor engagement, proposal development, and contract management
- Supporting large-scale, multi-country programme funding opportunities
You will report to the International Development Funding Team Leader (IDFTL) and collaborate closely with colleagues across programme, finance, and operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
Proposal Development & Donor Engagement (60%)
- Lead or support high-value, complex proposals in multi-country contexts
- Act as donor lead for specific institutional funders (e.g. UK FCDO, UN, EU, START, DEC)
- Develop and implement donor engagement strategies
- Coordinate reporting, compliance, donor registrations, and evaluations
- Build strong relationships with donors and funding networks
Innovation, Learning & Opportunity Development (25%)
- Identify new funding streams and innovative opportunities
- Maintain a funding pipeline and prospect management system
- Lead on knowledge sharing across teams and regions via Communities of Practice
- Build partner and internal staff capacity on institutional funding processes
Strategy, Planning & Monitoring (15%)
- Support delivery of CAFOD’s Integrated Funding strategy
- Contribute to annual income forecasts, funding strategies, and donor analyses
- Provide planning and coordination support in key countries as required
- Monitor and report on funding performance across programmes
What You Bring
Essential Experience
- Proven success securing large-scale institutional contracts (seven-figure range)
- Extensive experience in proposal writing, donor negotiations, and contract management
- Solid knowledge of development/humanitarian funding frameworks
- Experience working within Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus
- Effective stakeholder engagement across NGOs, donors, and governments
- Exceptional writing, budgeting, and strategic planning skills
Desirable
- Experience with commercial contracting and donor frameworks
- Fluency in French is an asset
- Experience in large consortia and partnership-based development
Who Should Apply?
This is a perfect opportunity for a resourceful, driven, and strategic development professional with a proven track record in institutional fundraising across complex programmes. If you are passionate about advancing sustainable development and humanitarian action through impactful partnerships and funding, CAFOD welcomes your application.
Note: This is a national post—applicants must have legal working rights in one of the four listed countries. Terms and benefits will align with the country of employment.
Safeguarding Commitment
CAFOD is committed to safeguarding and protecting the dignity of children and vulnerable adults. All offers of employment will be subject to:
- Satisfactory reference checks
- Background screening (criminal record, anti-terror checks, misconduct disclosures under the Inter-Agency Scheme)
- Agreement to CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour and Safeguarding Policy
How to Apply
APPLY NOW
Submit your application by Monday, 26 August 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 8 September 2025
CAFOD encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
FAQs
1. What is the role of the Senior Business Development Lead – Africa at CAFOD?
The Senior Business Development Lead will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing funding opportunities across Africa. This includes cultivating donor relationships, coordinating proposal development, and ensuring projects align with CAFOD’s mission and regional priorities.
2. What qualifications are required for this position?
Applicants should have a proven track record in business development, fundraising, or grant acquisition, preferably within the international development or humanitarian sector. Strong networking skills, donor engagement experience, and knowledge of African development contexts are essential. A relevant degree in international relations, development studies, or a related field is typically required.
3. Where will the role be based?
The position is primarily Africa-focused, but the exact duty station will depend on CAFOD’s operational structure and may involve travel to various African countries for donor meetings, partner engagement, and project oversight.
4. What is the contract duration and type?
This is a fixed-term contract for two years with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
5. Does the role require travel?
Yes. The Senior Business Development Lead will be expected to undertake regular travel within Africa and occasionally to other locations for donor meetings, conferences, or CAFOD team coordination.
6. How can I apply for the Senior Business Development Lead – Africa position?
Interested candidates should visit CAFOD’s official careers page or the specific job listing, review the detailed job description, and submit their application (CV and cover letter) before the stated deadline.
