Organization: Plan International Nigeria
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Type: Full-time
Application Closing Date: 23rd April, 2026
THE OPPORTUNITY
Plan International Nigeria is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to spearhead our institutional fundraising and strategic growth. In this pivotal role, you will be the lead architect of our funding pipeline, transforming donor intelligence into high-impact programs that advance children’s rights and equality for girls.
This is a senior-level position requiring a blend of strategic foresight, partnership negotiation, and technical proposal excellence. You will lead early positioning efforts, manage a structured opportunity pipeline, and ensure that Plan International remains a partner of choice for major global donors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Growth & Pipeline Management
- Lead the implementation of the institutional business development strategy in alignment with the Country Strategy.
- Identify, analyze, and track emerging funding opportunities, ensuring early positioning with key donors.
- Manage and grow a structured institutional funding pipeline to significantly improve conversion rates.
2. Donor Engagement & Partnership Development
- Build and maintain high-level strategic relationships with bilateral/multilateral donors, government stakeholders, and private foundations.
- Lead consortium building and partnership negotiations, positioning Plan International as a lead or strategic partner in large-scale bids.
- Provide expert donor intelligence and strategic guidance on global and national funding trends.
3. Proposal Leadership & Quality Assurance
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, technically sound, and compliant proposals.
- Ensure seamless alignment between technical design, logical frameworks, and budgets.
- Lead the final review of submissions to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of both the donor and Plan International.
4. Leadership & Safeguarding
- Manage and mentor the business development team to foster a high-performance culture.
- Ensure all business development activities and partnerships strictly adhere to Plan International’s safeguarding and PSHEA (Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse) standards.
ABOUT YOU (REQUIREMENTS)
- Education: Graduate degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, or Business Administration. A Master’s degree or higher is strongly preferred.
- Professional Experience: * 7–8 years of progressive experience in business development or institutional fundraising within the international development sector.
- At least 3 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
- Technical Track Record: Proven success in securing multi-million dollar institutional funding and leading complex proposal processes.
- Strategic Skillset: * Deep understanding of the donor landscape (e.g., USAID, FCDO, EU, Global Affairs Canada).
- Strong financial literacy with the ability to bridge technical design and budget development.
- Exceptional writing and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into persuasive narratives.
COMPETENCIES
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret subtle donor signals and translate them into actionable positioning strategies.
- Relationship Management: Skilled at high-level negotiation and maintaining influence within consortia.
- Agility: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-pressure processes and meet strict donor deadlines.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and qualified candidates should apply via our recruitment portal:
Plan International Nigeria is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to child safeguarding. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Turning donor intelligence into life-changing impact for children and girls across Nigeria.