About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Business Development Coordinator works with a wide range of IFES staff and teams worldwide – including program management professionals, technical experts, finance staff, and country office colleagues – to develop new projects and prepare proposals in response to donor requirements. Ideal candidates can blend the strategic, analytical thinking needed to craft a winning proposal with the tactical skills needed to address the day-to-day details of proposal management.

The Business Development Coordinator reports to the Director of Development and is a member of the Business Development Team in the Global Growth and Outreach Unit.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide support throughout the proposal development lifecycle, including but not limited to monitoring multiple channels for new business opportunities, and disseminating this information to colleagues; capture for new opportunities; supporting live proposals; developing proposal sections; coordinating donor questions; coordinating internal after-action reviews; gathering feedback from donors on submitted proposals; and supporting handover to program managers and project start-up, if relevant.
• Coordinate the development of proposals with day-to-day oversight, developing proposal billing codes upon approval of organizational bid decisions; establishing and adhering to timelines for technical and cost volumes; troubleshooting solutions to unexpected challenges; ensuring that proposals meet funder specifications and deadlines as well as IFES’s quality standards; drafting sections of proposals; supporting recruitment of personal; editing, formatting, and finalizing documents; and other activities.
• Coordinate teaming agreements, due diligence reports, and other institutional agreements with partner organizations.
• Coordinate with IFES team members for budget and technical proposal reviews and approvals and with the contracts and grants team to negotiate final awards with donors. 
• Disseminate meeting notes from key Business Development meetings.
• Build a network of professional business contacts within IFES’s industry. 
• Conduct ongoing donor research and partner/competitor landscape analysis.
• Support the Business Development Team in analysis of IFES, donor, and global data/trends to advance more strategic Business Development.
• Support the development of manuals, templates, guides, and other tools supporting Business Development.
• Maintain accurate information in the internal Business Development Tracker and SharePoint system, ensuring records are current.
• Other required tasks, as needed. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English is required. 

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 2 years, preferably 4, of progressively responsible professional experience in Business Development in the field of foreign aid funded programs and strong management skills and experience.

RELATED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: A successful candidate will have:

• Experience coordinating proposals for international development donors (particularly U.S. Government funding).
• Strong organization and management skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with others at varying levels of seniority and across departmental boundaries and to exercise influence to achieve a cohesive approach to Business Development.
• Integrity, judgment, and discretion along with a professional and interpersonal demeanor that elicits trust and respect from colleagues, donors, and strategic partners.
• Ability to multitask, manage multiple deadlines, and engage in decisive and effective decision-making.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and maintain quality, detail, and organization across multiple assignments. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills. 
• Ability to proactively problem-solve complex issues or problems. 
• Good negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 
• Experience with Excel, SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint, and Power BI is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The consultant will be required to travel to the country locations to deliver much of the responsibilities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.