Partnerships and Inclusive Business Advisor

The role 

As the Partnerships and Inclusive Business Advisor you will support the growth of Bopinc Kenya’s project portfolio. You will drive the cultivation of new and grow existing relationships with donors (foundations, bi-multilaterals, DFIs, contractors and corporates), implementing partners and private sector actors. You will coordinate proposal development and partnership development. You will also liaise between the Kenya office and our global partnerships team. 

We believe you are most effective in developing new projects if you also work on projects yourself. To this end, the person in this role, like all of our partnerships team members, will divide their time between developing new projects and implementing projects.

Responsibilities

1. Fundraising (70%)

• Proactively identify and assess funding opportunities that align with Bopinc’s mission and the country strategy.

• Coordinate the design and writing of high-quality, compelling, winning technical proposals and concept notes, including budgets and supporting documentation in collaboration with our global team of experts.

• Proactively develop, sustain and scale high-yielding partnerships with like-minded organizations, donors and other strategic partners.

• Sustain, scale, or deepen collaboration with existing strategic partners.

• Maintain a partnership pipeline and regularly update internal systems with prospects and engagement status.

• Keep an overview of the country portfolio for Kenya and identify ways to strategically expand our work and impact.

• Work with technical leads to create new partnerships and programme ideas to pitch.

2. Project Implementation (20%)

You will manage projects which strengthen inclusive business models, interacting with donors and ensuring quality implementation, evaluation and reporting within budget. You would also provide business advisory to companies that are seeking to enhance their commercial viability and social impact.  These can be early-stage or growth-stage companies, who are developing products and services targeted at low-income populations. A background in Energy solutions for low-income target groups is an added advantage.

3. Organizational Contribution, Learning and Operations (10%)

• You will participate actively in internal meetings, communities of practice and cross-office collaboration activities.  

• You will dedicate time to professional development.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or (preferably) Master’s degree in business, economics, marketing, innovation, or a related field;

• Demonstrated track record of at least 5 years experience in partnerships development, project development, fundraising and grant writing.

• At least 7 years relevant experience working with nonprofits, start-ups, scale-ups or corporates in emerging markets, with a focus on inclusive business, reaching low-income customers, marketing and distribution, circular economy, business modelling and/or digital innovation.

• Exceptional writing skills to craft compelling proposals tailored to the requirements of funders, with the ability to synthesize information coherently. You excel at grasping new concepts, connecting ideas and crafting narratives.

• Excellent communication in English, both written and verbal, able to build trust and influence senior-level client leadership and manage complex stakeholder dynamics.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• An enthusiastic team player who is also able to coach and mentor others.

• Strong relationship management and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and thrive in a fast-paced, international environment and in a cross country virtual team

Key Competencies

• You are a proactive self-starter with a high level of independence. 

• You take responsibility for your own time and effectiveness. 

• You are alert to opportunities and take the initiative to act on them.

• You can bring a conversation to a concrete concept or project idea.

• You actively listen and proactively share knowledge.
  

What we offer

• A motivated, multidisciplinary, and culturally diverse team of professionals.

• A great team to work with across all our markets.

• Training and support to (further) develop your skills and expertise.

• Culture of dedication to delivery, whilst also ensuring creativity and innovativeness.

• Opportunity to travel.

• Market-based remuneration.

• Flexible office hours and the  opportunity to partially work from home.

Starting Salary : Monthly basic salary is between Ksh 350,000 to Ksh 400,000 and is determined based on years of relevant experience.

Hours : 40 hours per week 

Reporting To : Country Director - Based in Kenya

Functional Alignment: Head of Partnerships

Term : Fixed-term contract of 1-year (including a 3 months probationary period) 

Starting Date : As soon as possible.