We are the BBC’s international charity. We use media and communication to help provide stronger democracies, a safer, more habitable world, and inclusive societies. We bring together a unique blend of journalistic, creative, research, and international development expertise; deep local knowledge of our audiences in the areas we work; our strong networks of local partners; and our vital relationship to the BBC and everything it stands for.
We applaud the BBC’s determination to pursue truth with no agenda and to bring people together. We advocate impartiality, inventiveness, and diversity representation in some of the most vulnerable international media and information settings. While we benefit from good collaborations with the BBC, we rely on the kind support of donors to continue our critical work.
In over 30 countries and 50 languages, we work with our partners to serve over 100 million people in need worldwide!
We have a senior partnerships manager position available. The Central Business Development Team is where this position is located. The position will be part of a small team that focuses on large-scale and/or strategically significant new business prospects throughout the organization, and the postholder will report to the Head of Global Partnerships.
Job Introduction
To support business development initiatives at BBC Media Action, the Central Business Development Team carries out a number of tasks. It develops and maintains central relationships with important institutional funders and partners; spearheads the creation of global and multi-regional funding bids and applications, including frameworks and strategic opportunities; offers focused assistance to business development initiatives in individual countries; and provides the organization with donor intelligence, tools, and resources to assist country teams in business development.
In addition to managing external contacts with a wide variety of funders, this function aims to increase creative capacity to design and secure initiatives. As the external representative of BBC Media Action, the position holder will oversee and manage important donor relationships in addition to cultivating connections with other partners and stakeholders. In order to improve the organization’s reputation for completing development initiatives at scale and with impact, this involves developing strategies and spreading awareness. In addition to other teams, such as advisory and research, the postholder will collaborate closely with regional and country directors, who are still in charge of completing specific projects within their respective regions. The position will require the holder to spearhead innovation, which includes adapting and launching popular media platforms and formats in new areas in order to reach new consumers.
Main Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain connections with development partners, institutional funders (private foundations, multilateral organizations, and bilateral government donors), and other stakeholders. utilizing an account management strategy to lead relationships with specific priority funders and partners.
- Actively seek out and offer suggestions for new company development ventures and alliances, especially in the media development industry.
- In order to explore and secure international, regional, and national opportunities, such as frameworks and consortium bids, collaborate with members of the Central Business Development Team and other teams (such as programs, advisory, digital, and research). In accordance with BBC Media Action methods and practices, this entails spearheading the creation of grant proposals and contract bids that are thoughtfully planned, reasonably priced, imaginative, and editorially compelling, while also being aware of donor compliance needs.
- As needed, offer focused assistance to the preparation of country-specific bids in a variety of settings and areas, including South and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA).
- Participate in the organization’s knowledge exchange, policy creation, and business development-related procedures, tools, and resources.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary groups to increase BBC Media Action’s exposure and profile among outside parties.
- Help regional and national teams by giving them access to organizational resources for business development as well as information on new business prospects.
Are you the right candidate?
- Demonstrated capacity to secure funding from institutional donors, encompassing bilateral government entities (e.g., UK FCDO, USAID, European Commission) and private foundations. Experience with USAID and U.S. contractors/international non-governmental organizations is extremely advantageous.
- Demonstrated history of establishing and overseeing external ties with international development donors and partners.
- Robust technical comprehension of the communications for development sector, encompassing media development and social and behavior change communications (SBCC), within our focal areas of enhanced democracies; a safer, more sustainable planet (including climate mitigation and adaptation); and inclusive societies.
- Demonstrated history of establishing and effectively securing effective media development and SBCC programs. A proven track record in the climate area is very appreciated.
- Exceptional and proficient communication skills (verbal, written, auditory), along with interpersonal and persuasive abilities, enable the reconciliation of corporate and cultural disparities.
- Extensive experience in coordinating coworkers towards common objectives, functioning under demanding deadlines, and handling conflicting priorities.
Read also: 5 Vacancies Open at AICC