THE ORGANISATION
Founded in 1937, Plan International, Inc. (“PII”) is a globally recognized non-profit dedicated to advancing children’s rights and gender equality in both humanitarian and development contexts. With over 80 years of experience, Plan International addresses the root causes of challenges faced by girls and vulnerable children, working in 70+ countries. The organization collaborates with children, young people, supporters, and partners to create a just world, acknowledging that the potential of every child is often hindered by poverty, violence, exclusion, disasters, and discrimination.
PLAN INTERNATIONAL KENYA
Plan International Kenya (PIK), operational since 1982, focuses on long-term development. Collaborating closely with local communities and governments, PIK implements programs to enhance the well-being of children in areas such as Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka-Nithi, Siaya, Kwale, Kilifi, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Tana River, Turkana, and Marsabit.
Under the current Country Strategy (July 2021 – June 2026), PIK aims to end teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence against girls. This goal aligns with four strategic objectives:
1. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Improve access to SRHR services and information to reduce teenage pregnancies and harmful practices in Kenya.
2. Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence: Ensure functional child and girls’ rights protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to all forms of violence and abuse.
3. Protecting Girls and Young Women in Crisis and Climate Change Adaptation: Minimize the impact of disasters on girls, young women, families, and communities.
4. Youth-led and Innovative Partnerships for Job Creation: Build a stronger ecosystem for youth employment and entrepreneurship, particularly for vulnerable young women, fostering job seekers and creators.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Working under the overall direction of the Business Development Manager the Senior Business Development Coordinator (SBDC) will play a critical role in the development and realization of an ambitious business development country strategy. The role will support the BDM in market research, identification of emerging trends as well as coordinating specific end to end bid development, which may include but not be limited to synthesis of the opportunity, partner identification and managing of assigned proposal development teams and with a view to leading collaborative teams that promote winning proposals. Under the direction of the BDM, the incumbent will support the identification of new business development and identify new funding opportunities and ensure appropriate tracking of such bids in line with Plan International Kenya systems and standards and oversight for business development end to end business processes for bids as assigned.
The position requires the incumbent to have strong experience in partnership building as well as private sector engagement, undertake a wide range of assignments that compete for time and resources, think strategically and drive innovations as needed. The role involves a high degree of problem solving for project contexts and works with project teams to design to deliver results. The position requires an individual with the capability to work with a diverse range of individuals of different cultural contexts. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to problem solve, thinking strategically while introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable operating environment.
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES
1. Support in the development of opportunities such as proposals, concepts to donors (including institutional, corporate, multilateral, and, foundations, etc.) (40%)
• Prepare and develop concept notes and other proposal write ups including proposals;
• Monitor, document and highlight new business development to ensure that Plan Kenya is abreast of new opportunities in line with Plan Kenya’s strategic focus;
• Support the effective tracking of opportunities on Plan Kenya corporate business development pipeline tracking tool on Plan’s Grant Management Tracking portal whilst ensuring accurate information on databases
2. Representation, Partnerships Engagement and Networking (10%)
• Lead in strategic repositioning and build strategic partnerships for new resource mobilization and program development
• Build a network of professional business contacts within Plan’s industry including negotiating partnership teaming arrangements, related budgets and other institutional arrangements with partners;
• As delegated and under the direction of the Head of Business Development and Partnerships, represent Plan Kenya to donors and partners in line with the an agreed upon Country office response plan;
• Attend forums and meetings (including Skype calls) with/or on behalf of the Head of Business Development and Partnerships to represent Plan that will advance its interests to improve its resource base;
• Support to mobilize and setup network meetings between Plan Kenya, its partners, donors and other interested parties.
3. Project start-up and Contracting (10%)
• Develop Fund Agreement Documents and monitor to ensure contracting is finalized between National Offices (NOs) and Plan Kenya;
• Act as a liaison between Grants Department and Business Development Department to ensure there is a harmonized coordination between the departments especially during proposal development (including developing proposal budgets), contracting and hand over of contracted projects to the Program leadership and project staff;
• As part of hand over processes, support in setting up new project start up workshops with the program team and designated project staff and other Plan International key staff.
4. Support a high performing team and ensure all relevant departments have the necessary knowledge and skills to acquire and implement sustainable grant funding (20%)
• Identify staff training needs and Work together with the Head of Business Development to identify and coach Plan Kenya staff on grants acquisition to ensure there is a steady pool of staff to support the department in its fundraising efforts.
• Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to the overall smooth operation of the department.
• Support in the development of training materials for staff on Business Development and mentor staff in proposal development as needed;
• Take an active role to develop and keep up to date on trends, issues, and solutions pertaining to Plan’s Areas of Distinctiveness
5. Support the roll out of YODA and its integration with business development processes (10%)
• Perform YODA specific functions which include but are not limited to; creation of projects and grants in D365; tracking and updating the funding gap in D365, generating grant reports and supporting the D365-PMERL integration for projects and grants.
• Any other responsibilities that may emerge after full rollover to YODA
6. Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) (5%)
• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures;
• Leads the orientation of programme staff to ensure that they are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in project design, during implementation and as principles applied in day-to-day work of Programme team;
• Ensures that Plan Kenya contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.
7. Other duties (5%)
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager but not limited to;
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
• Courageous, taking a lead, challenging myself and others to achieve purpose, safeguard others and role model values, inside and outside work. Responsible for my work and learning, striving to improve. Self-aware, resilient and constructive in embracing change. Striving to achieve significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, and to secure equality for girls. Challenging myself to be bold, courageous, responsive, focused and innovative;
• Understand and adhere to the policies, processes, practices and standards relevant to own work and keeps their knowledge and skills up to date;
• Collaborating with team members, colleagues and partners in finding creative solutions to problems by sharing information, experience and ideas and actively seeking their input.
• Respecting all people, appreciating differences and challenging inequality in programmes and the workplace. Supporting children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives. Empowering other staff to give their best and develop their potential;
• Achieves desired outcomes and finds innovative solutions by using the expertise and creativity of others and adopting a coaching approach with the people they manage or advise;
• Creates space for reflection and uses external evidence and internal evaluation to identify what and how we need to improve and then to support others through change;
• Understanding Plan International’s purpose, priorities, values and approaches in our work context. Adhering to relevant policies, processes, practices and standards, and being pro-active in continuing technical and professional development.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
• Manages legal and reputational risk including risk assessment, communication, risk management and reporting in full compliance with risk-related standards, including in areas such as Child and Youth Safeguarding and Protection, Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud, Safety and Security
• Managing activities and resources including skills in strategic thinking, planning and organising, financial planning and monitoring, negotiation and programme and project management
• Managing people and information including skills in assessment and coaching, evidence-based management, communication skills, both speaking and writing, and digital working, including personal digital skills
• Managing resources and delivery: -Knows the resources required for their role. Manages their own workload, avoiding under or overcommitting to delivery activities; -Works according to a budget and uses the relevant financial systems.; -Works according to principles of data protection; -Understands how information is used for reporting and decisions making; – Seeks to continually improve personal working practices.
• Programme and project management: -Aware of the programmes that Plan International delivers directly and through partner organisations. -Aware of the programme and project management procedures relevant to their role.; -Complies with financial procedures and controls relevant to their role; -Seeks opportunities to reflect on and learn from all work.
• Digital working: Identifies ways to use digital to improve the effectiveness of work activities. Understands how digital enablers can contribute to achieving Plan International’s purpose. Utilises the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.
• Evidence-based management: Understands the importance of high-quality data and the implications of poor data. Understands what data Plan International needs to inform decision-making. Interprets a range of sources to inform evidence-based decisions relevant to their role.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications/ experience essential:
• Bachelor’s degree equivalent practical experience, in interdisciplinary areas within human rights, international development and program leadership;
• 7 years of demonstrable and relevant experience in managing multilateral and bilateral donor funded grants/contracts and other fund sources;
• 3 Years in a leadership/managerial role
• Experience in private sector engagement will be an added advantage;
• Proven experience in proposal writing, concept development, and business cases;
• Understanding of multiple donor policies and procedures particularly ECHO, OFDA, Global Affairs Canada, SIDA, DFID, USAID, EC and UN Agencies;
• Proven ability to develop, drive and support end to end business development processes;
• Proven results-based client/donor relationship management;
• Good understanding of gender equality programs and meaningful child participation;
• Knowledge of development challenges and contexts in Kenya, in particular in child rights, girl’s rights and child protection;
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and supportively without the need for close supervision;
• Proficient computer skills and use of relevant desktop applications and internal systems.
Languages required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Qualifications/ experience desirable:
• Master’s degree in relevant discipline – Development Studies, Communication Studies, Business Administration, Marketing, Gender Studies, etc.
• Knowledge of key programme areas such as child protection, livelihood and economic empowerment.
• Knowledge of development and humanitarian issues affecting girls, adolescent girls and women is preferred.
• Ability to influence without power
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Reports to: Business Development Manager
Closing Date: 8th April 2024
Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.
We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.
We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.
Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.
A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Disclaimer: Plan International is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate applicants on any basis. We also do not charge Job seekers any fees at any point of the recruitment process.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position.
More Information
- Job City Nairobi
