Global Business Development & Consulting Lead

About the role

An international NGO, whose client is recruiting through Summit Recruitment & Search, is looking for a Global Business Development & Consulting Lead based in Nairobi. The client boosts the impact of development programmes through data services and tech solutions, helping governments and NGOs become data driven. The role combines consultative business development, strategic relationship building and solution design, working closely with other international BD members, sector leads, lead BD support and the marcomms team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead consultative selling and business development in water, agriculture and/or climate.
• Build and grow a pipeline of strategic opportunities leading to large-scale partnerships and funded initiatives.
• Identify, qualify, develop and nurture partnerships with donors, multilaterals, governments, philanthropies, impact investors and businesses.
• Act as a global thought leader and senior advisor on design, data and technology for development.
• Work with management to shape strategy and align with organizational goals.
• Lead consulting engagements on impact, policy and service design, co-creating data solutions for water, agriculture and climate challenges.
• Supervise a team of 5 to 10 senior people.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or above in a relevant field.
• Minimum 12 years' experience in fundraising, consulting and partnership building in water, climate, agriculture or related environmental sectors; experience raising philanthropic or impact investment funding is an advantage.
• Proven track record in business development and strategic partnerships with donors, philanthropies, impact investors and multilateral organizations (e.g. UN, World Bank).
• Strong expertise in at least one sector such as water, environmental science or climate adaptation, with credibility to engage senior technical and policy stakeholders.
• Experience in program and policy design, including impact strategies, change pathways, policy briefs and data-driven policy recommendations.

Required skills

• Consultative selling and co-designing tailored solutions.
• Leadership, communication and stakeholder relationship-building.
• Able to work autonomously and collaborate across a diverse global team, engaging technical and non-technical audiences.