Department Director, Global Accounts & Proposal Management

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.   

Responsibilities

Lead, coach and train the staff responsible for the efficient and agile execution of IFDC’s business development processes, supporting IFDC’s country-led business development approach by supervising two teams:  

• • Capture and proposal management & support: A team of Washington, DC-based and Country-based business development associates who support rigorous opportunity assessment, capture, and proposal process implementation, ensuring the timely submission of high quality concept notes, technical and cost proposals;
  • Global account management: Senior manager-level colleagues who each lead small teams responsible for maintaining relationships with at least three key sets of IFDC funders, including the US Government; European ODA donors and foundations.  

Capture and Proposal Management & Support

• Define the vision for IFDC team members in roles such as capture and proposal manager, proposal integrator or writer, and/or proposal reviewer, ensuring they can effectively manage multiple proposals and provide capacity development across the Global Business Development Division;
• Coach targeted capture efforts and proposal assessment trips, and review and approve milestone deliverables, such as capture plans and assessment trip reports which will form the basis for concept note and proposal writing;
• Facilitate/guide team members through the development of proposal strategy and composition of win themes.  Engage in the design team and theory of change development, and ensure compliance with all procurement requirements;
• Write or integrate technical approaches and/or other sections of proposals for large, complex efforts;  
• Support negotiations of teaming agreements with international partner organizations and local partner teaming agreements. 

Key Account Manager, Foundations

• Serve as the Deputy Director and act as the face of IFDC with current and potential Foundation funders at the headquarters level while collaborating with Capture and Proposal Managers, Country Directors (CDs) and Program Managers (PMs) in their day-to-day interactions with the Foundation’s representatives at the country level;
• Stay abreast of (new/changing) trends, priorities, demands, and challenges among priority Foundation funders within IFDC’s strategic areas and offer valuable insights and recommendations to IFDC colleagues about growing funding for additional research or programs;
• Ensure the quality and consistency of IFDC’s technical solutions and communications with Foundation funders throughout the business development and project life cycle to meet funder goals. 

Requirements

• An MA, MSc., MBA in a discipline related to sustainable agriculture and international development or equivalent advanced degree is preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in business development and strategic partnerships for international development projects; 
• Proven track record in identifying new business opportunities and leading successful market expansions;
• Strong experience in negotiating and closing complex deals, ideally at the executive level;
• Experience in global markets or working with international clients;
• Ability to lead teams, manage cross-functional groups, and collaborate with senior leadership;
• Strong mentorship skills, capable of guiding and developing business development staff;
• Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting for new business initiatives;
• A deep understanding of market research, competitive analysis, and trend analysis to make informed decisions;
• Knowledge of donor relations, proposal writing, and grant management in development-focused organizations (e.g., NGOs or international development);
• Proficiency in French preferred; proficiency in Portuguese also desirable;
• Willingness to travel, as the role involves international business development or regional market expansion;
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for driving innovative solutions and scaling new opportunities. 

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports to VP, Business Development and supervises Senior Business Development Associate who leads the Capture and Proposal Management and Support Unit, Key Account Manager, Europe and Key Account Manager.  

Location 

This is an international recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Washington, DC.