BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR

CARE is seeking a passionate and results-oriented Business Development Advisor (BDA) to join our dynamic team in Palestine. In this critical role, you will play a pivotal part in securing funding for essential developmental and Nexus programming that empowers women and youth, promotes gender equality, strengthens women’s and youth’s leadership and participation, enhances humanitarian response, increases resilience and livelihoods, and improves access to basic services (WASH, Education, Health) in the West Bank and Gaza.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Resource Mobilization Strategy and Planning:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Country Office Resource Mobilization Strategy, aligning it with CARE’s Global Strategic Framework and the Country Program Strategy.
• Conduct thorough research to identify new funding opportunities for developmental and Nexus programming in areas like Women’s Economic Justice/Entrepreneurship, Resilient Market Systems, Value Chains Development (Agribusiness VCs), Resilience of Livelihoods and Climate Change Adaptation, Women’s/Youth Leadership and Participation, Protection/GBV/SRHR.
• Analyze donor trends and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the competitive funding landscape for developmental and Nexus programs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key donors (e.g., DFID, GAC, ADA, NORAD, USAID, European MoFA’s, UN, HPF) through targeted outreach and relationship management activities.
• Actively participate in relevant donor briefings, workshops, and networking events to stay abreast of donor priorities in Economic Empowerment, Gender Equality, and Humanitarian Protection, and build strategic connections with potential funding partners.
• Collaborate with program teams to identify funding gaps and potential areas for program expansion based on donor priorities and expertise.
• Prepare high-quality funding proposals and concept notes for submission to donors, ensuring alignment with their specific guidelines and objectives in relevant areas.
• Develop and present compelling presentations to donors that effectively communicate the impact of CARE’s programs.

Proposal Development and Management:

• Lead the proposal development process for all developmental and Nexus programming initiatives undertaken by the Country Office, ensuring alignment with CARE’s programmatic principles and strategies.
• Work collaboratively with program teams and the Program Quality Team to ensure proposals are technically sound, strategically aligned, meet the highest quality standards, and effectively address the needs of the target population.
• Provide guidance and support to program teams on proposal writing best practices, donor requirements, and effective budget development for program activities.
• Oversee the internal review and approval process for all proposals, ensuring adherence to CARE’s policies and procedures related to developmental and Nexus programming.
• Manage all aspects of proposal submission, including liaising with relevant CARE Member Partners to secure necessary approvals and endorsements for proposals.
• Track proposal deadlines and submissions across the Country Office, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of proposals.

Donor Relationship Management and Compliance:

• Represent CARE with external stakeholders, including donors, government officials, and potential partners.
• Foster strong relationships with key donors through ongoing communication and regular updates on program progress.
• Negotiate contracts with donors, ensuring alignment with CARE’s policies and maximizing program impact.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to program teams on donor compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to all contractual obligations and reporting guidelines established by donors.
• Manage and maintain comprehensive records of donor interactions and funding agreements.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop and deliver training programs on proposal writing, fundraising strategies, and donor requirements for CARE staff and partners.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and workshops to build internal capacity for effective resource mobilization.
• Mentor and support junior staff members in developing their proposal writing and fundraising skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in International Development, Public Policy, or a related field, with a focus on gender and development preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in proposal development and fundraising for the international development sector with a strong track record in securing funding for developmental and Nexus programming.
• Proven experience securing funding from major donors (e.g., DFID, GAC, ADA, NORAD, USAID, European MoFA’s, UN, HPF) for programs in areas like Women’s Economic Justice/Entrepreneurship, Gender Equality, Humanitarian Protection, and Access to Basic Services.
• Strong understanding of development/Nexus programming principles, donor requirements, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Experience working in a complex humanitarian and development context, preferably in the Middle East/North Africa region.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to identify trends and opportunities in funding.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with a demonstrated ability to craft compelling and persuasive proposals.