Role Overview
The Business Development and Grants Specialist will lead the organization's efforts to identify, develop, and secure funding opportunities from institutional donors, foundations, and development partners. The role requires a strong track record of winning competitive grants, coupled with the ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling, high-quality proposals. The individual will also support broader business development functions, including partnership development, pipeline management, and proposal coordination.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Sourcing & Pipeline Development
Identify and track relevant funding opportunities from bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, and private sector partners
Maintain and continuously update a robust grant pipeline aligned with organizational priorities
Analyze donor priorities, funding trends, and strategic positioning opportunities
Proposal Development & Grant Writing
Lead the end-to-end development of high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, and expressions of interest
Translate technical program ideas into compelling, donor-aligned narratives
Coordinate inputs across technical, finance, and operations teams to develop complete and competitive submissions
Ensure proposals are compliant with donor requirements and submission guidelines
Grant Winning & Conversion
Drive proposal strategy with a focus on competitiveness and win probability
Develop value propositions and positioning strategies for priority opportunities
Lead proposal reviews, quality assurance processes, and submission readiness
Track success rates and continuously improve proposal performance
Business Development & Fundraising
Support the development and execution of the organization's fundraising and business development strategy
Build and manage relationships with key donors and partners
Identify and pursue partnership opportunities, including consortia and collaborations
Represent the organization in business development meetings, calls, and engagements
Knowledge Management & Systems
Develop and maintain a repository of proposal templates, past submissions, and donor intelligence
Document lessons learned from successful and unsuccessful bids
Support the standardization of proposal development processes and tools
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's degree in public health, Development Studies, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field (master's degree preferred)
Minimum of 4 - 6 years of experience in grant writing and business development within the development or public health sector
Proven track record of winning grants from major donors (e.g., Gates Foundation, FCDO, Global Fund, UNICEF), or evidence of leading proposals that won or advanced to the final stage of consideration
Demonstrated experience leading proposal development from concept to submission
Experience working in health systems, MNH, digital health, or related sectors
Experience working in or with LMIC-focused organizations
Familiarity with budgeting processes for donor proposals
Existing network with donors and development partners