What's Happening?
Plan International is recruiting a Business Development Lead for its Addis Ababa office in Ethiopia. This pivotal role is designed to translate the organization's strategic vision into actionable outcomes
within the Business Development Department. The Lead will be responsible for aligning business development efforts with Plan International Ethiopia’s strategy, driving targeted growth, enhancing donor engagement, and ensuring high-quality proposal development. Key accountabilities include operationalizing business development KPIs, executing the business development strategy, conducting funding pipeline and gap analyses, and leading proposal development processes in collaboration with Thematic Sector Leads and Program Insights. The role also involves managing communication with National Offices for business development engagements and supervising Business Development Coordinators to foster continuous capacity development. The closing date for applications is October 11, 2026.
Why It's Important?
This position is crucial for Plan International's mission to advance children's rights and equality for girls, particularly in Ethiopia. The Business Development Lead will be instrumental in securing the funding necessary to implement programs that address poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination, which disproportionately affect girls. By strengthening donor relationships and developing compelling proposals, the Lead directly contributes to expanding the reach and impact of Plan International's initiatives in areas such as education, health, and protection. Effective business development ensures the sustainability of critical interventions, enabling the organization to tackle the root causes of inequality and support children from birth through adulthood. This role is vital for translating global commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of vulnerable children and girls.
What's Next?
Following the application deadline, Plan International will proceed with the selection of a Business Development Lead who will then take charge of executing the organization's growth strategy in Ethiopia. The new Lead will focus on enhancing the funding pipeline, identifying new donor opportunities, and ensuring that proposals are aligned with donor technical guidelines and regulations. This will involve close collaboration with various internal teams and external partners, including consortium partners. The Lead will also be responsible for fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the business development team through coaching and support, ultimately aiming to expand Plan International's program portfolio and impact across the country.
Beyond the Headlines
The recruitment for a Business Development Lead underscores the competitive landscape of international development and humanitarian aid. Beyond securing funds, this role represents the strategic imperative for non-profit organizations to continuously innovate in their fundraising and partnership approaches. The emphasis on 'targeted growth' and 'donor engagement' reflects a shift towards more strategic, impact-driven funding models. Furthermore, the role's focus on 'equality, diversity, and inclusion' within the organization itself highlights a commitment to internal values that mirror external program goals, ensuring that the organization's operations are as equitable as the outcomes it seeks to achieve in the communities it serves. This holistic approach is essential for long-term effectiveness and credibility in the global development sector.
