Head of Business Development – West & Central Africa

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Head of Business Development for its West and Central Africa (WACAR) region. This senior leader will drive funding strategy, expand donor partnerships, and ensure sustainable resources for humanitarian and development programmes across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy for WACAR, aligning with IRC’s global fundraising goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with statutory and government donors, as well as private and institutional funders.
• Lead the preparation of high‑quality proposals, grant applications, and funding agreements.
• Coordinate closely with country teams to align funding opportunities with programmatic needs and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
• Provide technical advice on award management, risk mitigation, and portfolio visibility.
• Represent IRC in regional forums, donor meetings, and partnership negotiations.

Required profile

• Significant experience in business development, fundraising, or donor relations within West and Central African countries.
• Deep understanding of the humanitarian and development funding landscape, including government and multilateral donors.
• Proven track record of securing large‑scale funding and managing complex award cycles.
• Ability to work across multiple time zones (GMT and EAT) and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.

Required skills