About ICED

The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) fills an important gap in the evaluation of development initiatives focusing on the Global South, ICED is an independent, African-owned and led think tank that works to use the outputs of innovative research and evaluation to contribute to and enhance development outcomes and impacts, concentrating on Africa.

ICED advances the use of Research. Monitoring and Evaluation to support sustained and resilient development in Africa by advancing thought and practice leadership in the M&E profession. To achieve this, it combines high level research and evaluation knowledge and skills with extensive practical experience that is sensitive and responsive to culture, value systems and local context. Its key priority areas are evaluation, research and innovation in sustainable development; M&E systems’ development and adaptive management for public and private institutions; collaborative and adaptive research management; policy engagement, communication and convening for development; and evaluation capacity strengthening and professional development. ICED has four integrated strategies: tracking the trends and gauging the future of both development and evaluation; mobilizing and expanding thought leadership through research and innovation; engaging and supporting decision-makers in government, development, business, academia and civil society; and overseeing and conducting strategic evaluations and research.

ICED has its head office in Nairobi, Kenya, an office in Accra, Ghana, that supports activities in West Africa, and a satellite office in Maputo, Mozambique. In addition, ICED has a presence of staff in Kampala, Uganda. Through its wide range of regional and

international alliances and partnerships, ICED is able to demonstrate at the decision-making level of the communities that support development in Africa the need to have M&E as a crucial element in development initiatives. The partnerships also provide the opportunity for exposure of ICED staff to advances and best practices in M&E.

As ICED continues to expand its pan-African and global portfolio, the organization seeks to recruit a Business Development Manager (BDM) to lead strategic resource mobilization, donor engagement, and partnership development.

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Position Purpose

The Business Development Manager is responsible for leading ICED’s business development and resource mobilization function, with the objective of securing sustainable, diversified funding aligned with ICED’s strategic priorities.

The role combines strategic fundraising leadership, donor relationship management, and hands-on coordination of proposal development and consortium building.

Reports To: President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Supervisory Responsibility: May supervise Business Development Officers, proposal coordinators, or consultants as assigned.

Employment Type: Full-time, renewable contract (subject to performance and funding)

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3. Key Duties and Responsibilities

A. Strategic Resource Mobilization

• Develop and implement ICED’s business development and fundraising strategy.
• Identify, track, and prioritize funding opportunities from:
  
  • Foundations and philanthropies
  • Bilateral and multilateral donors
  • United Nations Agencies
  • Research funders and development finance institutions
  • Local and national governments in Africa
  • Private sector

• Maintain a rolling funding pipeline aligned with ICED’s thematic and geographic priorities.
• Support diversification of funding sources to reduce dependency risk.

Lead donor market intelligence and strategic foresight, including analysis of emerging funding trends, geopolitical shifts, and evolving donor priorities relevant to ICED’s mission. Donor Engagement and Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Coordinate donor briefings, strategic meetings, and follow-ups with senior leadership.
• Track donor priorities, funding trends, and shifts in strategic focus.
• Support negotiation of partnership terms and collaboration frameworks

C. Proposal Development and Consortium Coordination

• Lead and coordinate the end-to-end proposal development process, from opportunity assessment to submission.
• Work closely with technical teams, finance, MEL, and operations to ensure:
  
  • Technical quality
  • Budget accuracy and compliance
  • Alignment with donor requirements

• Lead indirect cost and overhead negotiations with donors, working closely with Finance to ensure compliance and competitiveness
• Coordinate consortium formation, including engagement with sub-partners, consultants, and research institutions.
• Ensure timely submission of competitive concept notes and full proposals.

D. Institutional Positioning and Visibility

• Support development and updating of institutional materials, including:
  
  • Capability statements
  • Organizational profiles
  • Donor-facing pitch decks
• Contribute to ICED’s strategic visibility in conferences, learning events, and donor platforms.
• Support internal knowledge management related to business development performance.
• Collaborate with technical leadership to position ICED as a thought leader by identifying strategic opportunities for flagship initiatives, donor-funded learning agendas, and multi-year programs.

E. Internal Coordination Reporting, Risk Management & Compliance

• Work closely with the CEO and senior management to align fundraising with institutional strategy.
• Strengthen internal systems for proposal tracking, pipeline management, and donor reporting.
• Prepare periodic business development reports for senior management and the Board.
• Lead bid/no-bid risk analysis to ensure strategic alignment, compliance, and institutional risk management.
• Conduct partnership due diligence to mitigate financial, reputational, and safeguarding risks.
• Identify and manage donor-related reputational and compliance risks in collaboration with senior management.
• Mentor and build the capacity of internal staff involved in proposal development and donor engagement, fostering a strong institutional business development culture.

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

Essential Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years’ progressive experience in business development, fundraising, or partnerships within international development, research, or policy institutions.
• Proven track record of securing grants or contracts from foundations, bilateral, or multilateral donors.
• Strong understanding of proposal development, donor compliance, and consortium management.
• Experience using business development tracking systems, donor CRMs, or pipeline management tools is an added advantage.

Desired Competencies

• Excellent strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.
• Strong writing and coordination abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with Africa-focused development and research ecosystems.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Ethical Standards and Institutional Values

The Business Development Manager is expected to uphold ICED’s core values of:

• Integrity and accountability
• Excellence and professionalism
• Inclusiveness and respect
• Africa-led leadership

The role requires adherence to ICED’s safeguarding, ethics, and donor compliance policies.

This role offers the opportunity to shape ICED’s long-term growth trajectory and play a central role in positioning the organization as a leading Africa-led evidence institution globally

To Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications coupled with a passion for changing lives and livelihood are invited to submit their applications with subject :

Business Development Manager (BDM) Application to hr@iced-eval.org

Please submit applications by February 12th 2026