Business Development Officer

Role Overview

This role will help secure the long-term sustainability of DE Africa by building relationships with funders and partners, identifying funding opportunities, and shaping compelling proposals for investment. The successful candidate will connect DE Africa’s Earth observation data and analytics capabilities with development programmes, while coordinating progress against sustainment targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders to advance the DE Africa sustainment plan and develop long-term partnerships that strengthen institutional capacity.
• Build and maintain a structured pipeline of prospective funding, programmes, and strategic partnerships.
• Shape DE Africa’s value proposition for integration as an Earth observation data, analytics, and infrastructure layer in broader development initiatives.
• Create sector-focused propositions for areas including agriculture, climate, water, land degradation, and health.
• Prepare investment briefs, concept notes, and presentation materials for priority evidence areas, including food systems, climate adaptation, disaster risk, and One Health.
• Represent DE Africa in collaborative design processes with funders and help develop shared programme opportunities.
• Monitor and report progress against DE Africa’s sustainment targets.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as social development or business administration.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in business development, resource mobilisation, or investor relations in fields relevant to DE Africa.
• Experience with climate finance, identifying funding prospects, and developing investment cases.
• Background in co-creation and partner relationship management, with familiarity with international development finance and changing funding trends.
• Strong writing and speaking skills, including the ability to produce high-quality briefs, proposals, and reports and deliver effective presentations and negotiations.
• Excellent coordination, planning, organisation, time management, and analytical skills; able to work accurately and independently with minimal supervision.
• Confident use of digital technologies and data analytics.
• Fluent English is required; working knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Earth observation and data-led development solutions is an advantage.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with sound judgement, integrity, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to solve problems creatively and deliver results under pressure in a multicultural environment.