As Strategic Business Development Specialist II, aligned with the Vision 2030 Strategy, you will lead positioning, capture planning, country program visibility, marketing and communication, and leveraging results with institutional donors (government and inter-governmental, as well as foundation, corporations, and others) in support of CRS\u0027 engagement with institutional donors, agency strategy, and initiatives in international development to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will also lead the production of high-quality applications for funding for large opportunities for the country program. Your knowledge and skills will allow you to provide specialized leadership in all dimensions of the BD cycle to cross-disciplines and cross-functional teams.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct in depth research and analysis of existing sectoral strategies and portfolios for relevant governments and donors, including the development of mapping and strategic guidance documents to inform country program business development and growth strategies and improve CRS Sudan\u0027s competitive position in prioritized sectors.
• Lead strategic intelligence gathering, analysis and support activities in line with identified business development strategies so as to position CRS to donors and other key stakeholders, in alignment with Vision 2030.
• Develop and implement capture plans to ensure CRS\u0027 competitiveness for selected opportunities.
• Lead CRS business development marketing and communication activities to leverage results for increased positioning and funding in prioritized sectors.
• Actively support senior management to cultivate and strengthen institutional relationships with institutional donors, partner organizations and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate high value proposal development processes for the country program to ensure timely submission of high-quality proposals that are responsive to donor requirements, applicable regulations, and CRS\u0027 technical and cost standards. Lead and support proposal budget processes and propose recommendations to develop a competitive proposal.
• Coordinate high value proposal development processes--supporting 70% CRS Sudan country program and 30% EARO regional office activities--to ensure timely submission of high-quality proposals that are responsive to donor requirements, applicable regulations, and CRS\u0027 technical and cost standards. Lead and support proposal budget processes and propose recommendations to develop competitive proposals.
• As appropriate, serve as proposal coordinator or other lead role in proposal team, and participate in bid analysis and proposal review panels. Serve as a lead or support writer on proposals, contributing both technical and non-technical content and integrating inputs from staff and partners into a responsive, coherent proposal with a compelling vision and clear win themes.
• Train and mentor staff, as needed to improve representation to donor and partner organizations, intelligence-gathering, marketing within their country program or portfolio, and proposal development.
• Support and guide identification of partners and negotiation of CRS\u0027 role on proposal consortia, ensuring a competitive position for CRS that adheres to the agency\u0027s partnership principles and strategic directions. Research, track and analyze new opportunities and CRS\u0027 competitive position within the marketplace.
• Work with appropriate staff to maintain data on past performance and corporate capacity, in order to provide timely information for proposal submissions.
• Represent CRS Sudan in the EARO BD community of practice.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor\u0027s degree in international development, international relations, or related field. Master\u0027s degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of international development experience, with at least three years\u0027 experience in a developing country.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing diverse, proactive strategies to competitively position his/her organization for new funding and productive institutional relationships.
• Comprehensive familiarity with a broad range of institutional donor funding priorities, as well as technical and cost requirements.
• Proven experience in donor mapping, intelligence gathering, and knowledge of donor and government trends particularly in Sudan and East Africa.
• Proven experience in capture planning, leveraging results, and donor marketing and communication to improve market position and competitiveness.
• Exceptional writer with expert command of English grammar and AP style.
• Demonstrated experience leading and producing competitive proposals in programming contexts similar to CRS.
• Experience with US Government, EU, DFID, WFP, and SHF funding mechanisms highly desirable.
• Familiarity with relevant institutional donor regulations, policies, procedures and priorities.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and processes, leading teams to produce deliverables under tight deadlines and at exceptional quality.
• Knowledge of CRS programs, justice agenda and Catholic Social Teaching principles a plus.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Personal Skills

• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture.
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in approaching and developing relationships with diverse institutions.
• Excellent communication, networking, and relationship building skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.
• Enjoys fast-paced, dynamic environment and challenging environment, with a high capacity to deliver results.

Required/Desired Foreign Language: Arabic preferred.
Travel Required: up to 30% in country.
Key Working Relationships: Internal: Sudan Country Representative, Sudan Head of Programs, Sudan finance manager, Sudan program managers and technical advisors.External: East Africa Regional Office BD Manager, East Africa Deputy Regional Director for Program Quality.
Supervisory, not applicable

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

What we offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

• **Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS\u0027 processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS\u0027 talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
EOE/M/F/D/V - CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.