Open Position: Deputy Director – Business Development and External Relations

APNI is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Deputy Director – Business Development and External Relations for its HQ office in Benguérir.

About the African Plant Nutrition Institute:

APNI is a not-for-profit research and development Institute based in Benguérir, Morocco. The Institute works to develop and promote sustainable plant nutrition management practices and innovation through research, education and outreach. It has research projects in East, West and North Africa. APNI was launched in 2019 and this new position offers the opportunity to join a rapidly growing team that is dedicated to improving farmer livelihood through proper crop nutrition. It currently has four offices across Africa.

Please refer to our website for more information: www.apni.net

Terms of Reference:

The Deputy Director – Business Development and External Relations will support the Director of Business Development and Partnerships (DBPD) and works in close coordination with the Director of R&D to support and execute an effective business development strategy for APNI. The position is located at the Institute’s headquarters in Benguérir, Morocco. The position reports to the DBPD.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Lead the development of external relations strategies (i.e., goals, objectives, audiences, activities, deliverables, needs, capacities, and perceptions of partners) and support the DBPD in the implementation of these within the context of the overall strategy.
2. Support the DBPD to realise business development opportunities:
   1. Identify compelling ideas and develop supportive concepts,
   2. Clarify donor expectations and align APNI’s tactics,
   3. Guide background research to support business development,
   4. Lead the development of specific business cases,
   5. Suggest and map supportive partnerships,
   6. Lead the development of proposal
3. Contribute to a strategy that secures funding from donors, government and International agencies, trusts and foundations, industry, and other organizations through competitive and non-competitive fundraising approaches.
4. Maintain and nurture existing relationships with APNI partners/cooperators including international organizations, universities, governments, NGOs, and others.
5. Oversee, with the Director of Finance, timely reporting to all donors, and coordinate the input of key staff members as required.
6. Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and ethics in the conduct of APNI business and representation at all times, and perform other duties as assigned by the Director General.

Required Qualifications and Experience

1. MBA, Master’s or Ph.D., in economics, (climate) finance, business or business development/international business development, or similar.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of the funding landscape in Africa for research intensive environments, including philanthropies, institutional funding, and government funders.
3. Ten years of relevant experience with proven track records of resource mobilization/funding acquisition for international organizations and/or businesses, with a minimum of five years in a relevant managerial position and team leadership and mentoring.
4. Demonstrated track record in the preparation and writing of proposals, donor correspondence, slide decks.
5. Demonstrated ability to self-motivate, anticipate needs, take initiative and proactively problem-solve, and communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
6. Organizational skills with proven ability to work flexibly and under pressure to manage competing priorities and multi-task. Proficiency in Miscrosoft Office and project management software.
7. Mandatory: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Proficiency of French and Arabic is preferred.

The Deputy Director – Business Development and External Relations is a full-time and permanent position subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period and performance. Qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. APNI is an equal opportunity employer and a competitive salary and employee benefit package will be provided to the right candidate.

Qualified candidates should send all application materials in English including a detailed CV, an application letter, and the email addresses of three professional references to employment@apni.net, with the position name (Deputy Director – Business Development and External Relations) mentioned in the subject line.

The deadline for application is 07 March 2025.  

This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. Only candidates pre-selected for interview will be contacted.