Overview
Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, governance and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 30 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Position Summary:
This position leads business development efforts for Creative from a base within the designated region of interest to the company and is expected to be a key contributor toward achieving company target growth in the region. The incumbent will work within the parameters of Creative’s Business Development Policy and Procedures under the guidance and direction of Creative’s home office business development staff and in close collaboration with technical and program divisions. Workig off-site is available (MENA, Eurasia, Africa or LAC Regions).
Reporting & Supervision:
The position reports to and is supervised by the relevant Regional Business Development Director.
Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
- Serve as Creative’s BD field representative for the region, in close collaboration with other business development and program division staff, to develop and execute the region’s new business agenda
- Contribute to the development of a multi-sector business development strategy for the region and in specific countries of interest (COIs) that align with funder priorities to support achieving company’s target growth
- Represent Creative to the international community in the region and COIs and establish and maintain on-going relationships with donors, governments, private sector and CSO representatives
- Identify and qualify opportunities for business development and contribute to and participate in pre-capture and capture ‘win strategy’ gate reviews
- Provides input into bid/no-bid decisions and maintains and updates the pipeline tracker for the assigned region
- Conduct research and analyze trends and market requirements across the region and in specific COIs, and advise on and organize, where needed, forums, conferences, and other activities to position Creative for success
- Conducts long-term and short-term strategic research that informs the growth strategy of the assigned region and in specific COIs
- Gather and analyze information to prepare for anticipated procurement opportunities in COIs, across the technical spectrum of Creative’s work to include education, stabilization, governance, community cohesion and resilience, conflict mitigation and peacebuilding, and economic growth
- Organize, lead and/or participate in capture trips for individual bid opportunities, draft and present capture strategies and reports
- Build a network of professional business contacts within Creative’s industry; help coordinate teaming agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other institutional agreements with partners; and help negotiate partnership arrangements and budgets.
- Develop and draft technical and cost solutions in collaboration with Creative’s subject matter experts in response to client requirements for specific opportunities
- Participate, where necessary, as proposal manager, lead or supporting technical writer, field recruiter, or other role as needed for priority bids
- Source local and regional partners and staff in support of business development efforts, and advise on formation of alliances with local organizations that extend beyond an individual bid to drive long-term growth
- Develop and cultivate relationships with technical specialists, subject-matter experts to contribute to technical solution designs, reviews, and analysis of proposals and business development strategy
- Work closely with regional recruiters and program divisions to deepen Creative’s network of potential personnel and better understand client staffing needs
- Gain an understanding of in-country context and requirements for operation as needed, and advise Regional BD Directors and proposal teams accordingly**Qualifications**
Minimum Skills & Qualifications:
- Nine years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum five years leading successful business development efforts for funding from bilateral agencies such as USAID and other donor-funded programs;
- Experience with external representation; established relationships with donors and local/regional partners is an advantage.
- Experience working on complex multi-million projects from institutional donors with knowledge of donor rules and regulations and US government funding mechanisms.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing;
- Knowledge of donor programming and key stakeholders in the region;
- Strong knowledge of the competitive market within Creative’s technical areas;
- Ability to conceptualize programmatic frameworks in response to donor requirements and develop technical and cost solutions
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to speak and read in language(s) of region
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