Overview
Manager, Business Development & Engagements – East & Southern Africa Jobs in Nairobi County, Kenya at AfriCatalyst
Title: Manager, Business Development & Engagements – East & Southern Africa
Company: AfriCatalyst
Location: Nairobi County, Kenya
About AfriCatalyst
AfriCatalyst is an independent international development advisory firm committed to building impactful partnerships between global and local stakeholders. We specialize in delivering evidence-based, innovative solutions to address Africa’s most pressing economic and development challenges. Grounded in rigorous research and strategic collaboration, we combine global expertise with local insights to drive sustainable, results-oriented outcomes.
Role Description
The Business Development and Engagements Manager is a Nairobi-based role within the East and Southern Africa Office, combining business development leadership with engagement management responsibilities across the region. The role supports AfriCatalyst’s expanding footprint and team as the organisation grows its advisory engagements, advocacy work, research, and capacity building activities in East and Southern Africa.
The BDEM will act as a key representative and spokesperson for AfriCatalyst with prospective clients, partners, and funders in the region, working closely with the Bureau Chief. The role will lead the development and management of the regional business development pipeline and support the conversion of opportunities into funded engagements. Over time, responsibilities will expand to include oversight of day-to-day management of advisory engagements. Prior to the launch of ESA-specific engagements, the role will provide targeted support to AfriCatalyst’s projects team, contributing to ongoing services and helping establish replicable processes and standards for application across the ESA portfolio.
Tasks and responsibilities
The role operates semi-autonomously under the guidance of the ESA Bureau Chief and works in close collaboration with AfriCatalyst teams based in West Africa. It is an interdisciplinary and cross-departmental position that requires strong internal coordination to foster collaborative value across engagements and ensure effective management of advisory initiatives. Under the supervision of the Nairobi Bureau Chief, the Business Development & Projects Manager for the East and Southern Africa Region will have the following tasks and responsibilities:
Business Development & Pipeline Management
- Lead and manage AfriCatalyst’s business development pipeline across East and Southern Africa in close coordination with the ESA Bureau Chief and West Africa–based BD teams.
- Act as a primary point of contact and spokesperson for prospective clients, partners, and funders in the region, alongside the Bureau Chief.
- Maintain regular intelligence on priority funders and client segments, including sectoral interests, strategic positions, and implications for AfriCatalyst.
- Steer BD vetting, proposal and concept development, including coordination with internal teams and external partners.
Partnerships and Outreach
- Lead outreach and relationship management with prospective and existing clients, funders, and consortium partners across East and Southern Africa.
- Build and maintain an active pipeline of regional engagement consultants for AfriCatalyst, alongside the bureau chief.
- Draft, negotiate, and manage MoUs and similar partnership agreements.
- Represent AfriCatalyst at stakeholder engagement meetings and events.
Project and Engagement Management
- Manage and maintain oversight of select advisory engagements to ensure timely delivery, team coordination and quality assurance.
- Support projects department in West Africa to understand wider AfriCatalyst ways of working and building replicable systems and approaches for project management in ESA.
- Monitor delivery risks and propose mitigation strategies for future and ongoing engagements.
Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Develop and manage engagement budgets in collaboration with finance, BD, and project teams.
- Support development and updating internal budgeting processes for engagements.
- Track financial performance, expenditure against budgets, and support corrective actions.
Strategic Support
- Support implementation of AfriCatalyst’s ESA regional strategy.
- Coordinate closely with Dakar-based and West Africa teams to ensure coherence across regions.
These tasks and responsibilities may evolve based on the needs of the organization and the professional development of the role holder.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in social sciences, development studies, business administration, management, or a related
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant experience in business development, project/engagement management, and stakeholder relationship management, including within East and Southern Africa.
- Demonstrated track record in fundraising, revenue generation, partnership development, and proposal and budget preparation.
- Strong understanding of the economic, political, and development landscape of Eastern and Southern Africa. Prior experience engaging with government agencies in Kenya and East Africa is an advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills in English; Kiswahili proficiency is a strong asset.
- Experience representing organizations in high-level networking and subject matter engagements.
- Proven ability to coordinate and manage complex engagements with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Excel).
- Knowledge of developmental finance and or relevant sectors AfriCatalyst engages in is not essential but considered desirable.
Remuneration & Benefits
We offer a competitive remuneration package designed to attract and retain top talent. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and statutory contributions to social security in line with Kenyan law. The role’s seniority (Manager) and overall package will be determined and reflected based on the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and proven expertise.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, or any other status protected under Kenyan law. Recruitment decisions are based on merit and organisational needs.
This role is open only to candidates with valid work authorisation for Kenya. We strongly encourage applications from qualified Kenyan nationals and other candidates with the legal right to work in Kenya.