Business Development Officer 283 views

The Catholic Church in The Gambia through Caritas, its social- pastoral arm, contributes to social transformation through a panoply of initiatives in Education, Health Care, Migration, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Food Security and Sustainable Food Production Systems, Justice and Peace- peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, and Supporting Democratic Processes and Good Governance. 

We are recruiting a Business Development Officer for Caritas Gambia.

Position summary

The Business Development Officer has the responsibility for, planning, implementing, coordinating, reviewing and monitoring funding activities throughout Caritas Gambia and other CRS Partners with the overall objective of maximizing funding income. As Business Development Officer, you will contribute to the production of high-quality applications for external funding in support of CRS’ partners with institutional donors and initiatives. 

Person Specification

Education & Certifications A master’s degree in international relations, Social Sciences, or related   field is required from a reputable higher learning institution.

Essential Experience A minimum of 4 years’ experience in resource mobilization, grant management marketing skills and experience in the NGO/development sector

Essential Knowledge –    Planning and Budgeting

• Good knowledge of issues around donor scoping, developing an organizational fundraising strategy and other resource mobilization initiatives.  
• A sound knowledge in grant management systems
• Good knowledge in Microsoft Operating systems (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)

Essential Skills –    Good communication skills in English 

• • Strategic and Analytical thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving, judgment and decision making
  • Creativity, Self-drive & Resilience
  • Leadership
  • Ability to work under pressure
• Attention to detail and thoroughness

Duties & responsibilities

The Business Development Officer works closely with all CRS Partners project heads within The Gambia under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director to build an effective Business Development function. Key duties and responsibilities are;

Strategic development of funding programme

• Participate in the development of a fundraising strategy with partner organizations.
• Design tools and systems, including donor scoping to maximize and diversify funding income 
• Develop proposals in collaboration with other stakeholders to raise funds on behalf of partners
• Participate in negotiations with potential donor organizations 
• Take part in monitoring and evaluation of grants in line with donor requirements.
• Preparation of quarterly and annual fundraising report for SMT.
• Participate in monitoring the implementation of the fundraising strategy.
• Participate in the Organization’s planning processes, implementation and monitoring of budget performance.
• Participate in fundraising capacity building of staff and partners.
• In close collaboration with MEAL and Communications colleagues, lead initiatives aimed at enhancing CRS’ partners’ competitive positions within the marketplace.
• Provide support in capture planning of non-complex external opportunities for funding. 

Relationship Management

• Maintain close working relationships with the donor community 
• Represent Caritas and other partners at donor-initiated events and functions
• Maintain close liaison with CRS Partnership and Local Leadership Manager and with other CRS Partners’ Directors. 
• Develop and maintain a cordial working relationship with all program staff and partners  
• Facilitate and participate in all organizational fundraising initiatives.

Information & Data Management

• Carry out constant scanning of environment (including virtual scanning of potential donor websites) to seek information on donor initiatives
• Work with partners Management and  staff in general to develop and share information on fundraising
• Work with Communication unit to share with potential donors & Partners information on partners strategic goals, values and activities
• Establish & maintain adequate data base of donors and funding activities.

Organizational Learning & Knowledge Management

• Promote ongoing organizational, team and individual learning and knowledge sharing 
• Collaborate and liaise with other Country Programs and Funding Affiliates to maximize knowledge exchange
• Coach and train key individual staff members and partners to raise their fundraising skills 
• Organize workshops as necessary to inform and raise skills-base of Partners

We offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive team working environment.
• Opportunity to work for a well-respected and recognised NGO.

To apply, submit your letter of interest with Curriculum Vitae, photocopies of certificates, and letters of recommendation to: info@caritasgambia.gm with the subject line: Business Development Officer. Closing date for submission of applications is 7th February 2025. Only the successful candidates will be contacted.

What We Stand For:

Caritas Gambia is committed to attaining the Fullness of Life of the human person (Jn. 10:10) and elimination of poverty in all its forms among people in The Gambia. 

We strongly condemn all forms of abuse and exploitation, be it within or outside of our organisation, and always respond to any case of proven, alleged or attempted abuse within our sphere of influence according to its nature. Efforts ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting and ease response. 

www.caritasgambia.gm