Partnerships and Business Development Manager

About the role

The Partnerships and Business Development Manager will lead client relationship building and bid management for NIRAS in East Africa, supporting the Kenya office and collaborating with the UK Business Development team.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and nurture strategic relationships with regional bodies, foundations, development finance institutions and key experts across Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia and Rwanda.
• Lead bid preparation, including scoping, go/no‑go decisions, budgeting and writing, and ensure adherence to NIRAS BD processes.
• Manage the East Africa opportunity pipeline, prioritize bids, and provide accurate revenue forecasts.
• Oversee delivery of small‑scale projects, coordinating timelines, quality assurance, subcontracting and risk management.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Development or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience winning new business in the international development sector at a comparable level.
• Strong communication skills, ability to work across multicultural teams and tight deadlines.