About the role
Job Summary:We are seeking a Senior Associate, Business Development to support the acquisition of funding, grants, and large-scale projects. Reporting to the Manager of Ecosystem & Business Development, this role is execution-focused: it drives the day-to-day work of the funding pipeline — researching opportunities, preparing proposals, maintaining the CRM, and coordinating across teams — to help convert opportunities into closed deals.This is a strong opportunity for an ambitious business development professional looking to grow toward a deal-owning role. The successful candidate will combine sharp research and writing skills with the discipline to keep a busy pipeline organized and moving. Job Responsibilities:Opportunity research & qualificationResearch and identify funding opportunities — grants, contracts, sponsorships, and partnerships — and maintain a structured opportunity tracker.Screen and qualify incoming opportunities against agreed criteria, and prepare summaries to support go / no-go decisions.Monitor funding calls, deadlines, and partner priorities, and flag relevant ones to the Manager.Proposal developmentDraft and assemble proposals, concept notes, budgets, and supporting documents in coordination with technical and delivery teams.Tailor content to each funder's requirements and ensure submissions are accurate, complete, and on time.Maintain a library of reusable proposal content, templates, and case studiesPipeline & CRM managementMaintain accurate, up-to-date pipeline data in the CRM, including stages, values, and next actions.Prepare regular pipeline reports and dashboards for the Manager and leadership.Support win / loss tracking and capture lessons learned after each outcome.Relationship & coordination supportSupport the Manager in preparing for funder and partner meetings, including briefing notes and follow-ups.Coordinate with delivery, finance, and program teams to gather inputs and ensure proposal commitments are realistic.Help maintain the database of funder and partner contacts and interactions.
Required3–5 years of experience in business development, fund-raising, proposal writing, partnerships, or a closely related field.Hands-on experience contributing to proposals or deals that were won — able to describe specific submissions worked on and the personal contribution made.Excellent written communication and proposal / report writing skills.Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills, with high attention to detail.Comfort managing multiple deadlines in a fast-moving pipeline.Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, communications, or a related field.PreferredExposure to innovation hubs, universities, venture-building, or development / grant-funded environments.Familiarity with CRM and pipeline management tools.Experience with donor or development-agency proposal formats and budgeting.
