Job Title: Business Development Officer
Location: Abuja
Reports to: Project Coordinator
Contract Type: 1-year (renewable based on performance and funding)
About Young Africa International:
Young Africa is a confederation of independently and locally registered affiliated branches which act as independent NGOs. Each affiliate runs training centres, youth (self-) employment programmes and community activities. We are located in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.
About the Role
- Young Africa Nigeria seeks a dynamic and enterprising Business Development Officer (BDO) to coordinate the implementation of its Business Development Support Programme for Female-Led Nano and Microenterprises, while also contributing to the organisation’s strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation efforts, and stakeholder engagements.
- This dual-role position is ideal for a professional with a passion for entrepreneurship, women’s economic empowerment, and organisational sustainability.
- The BDO will lead field implementation of business support activities and play a central role in cultivating donor and private sector relationships, identifying funding opportunities, and positioning YA Nigeria for growth.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Implementation:
- Lead day-to-day coordination of Business Development Support implementation across 4 states.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance monitoring of Business Coaches, Sector Mentors, Internal Servings and Lending (ISAL) facilitators, and trainers.
- Facilitate diagnostic assessments, business profiling, and capacity building of selected female-led nano and microenterprises.
- Coordinate business coaching, mentoring, ISAL groups, and business clinics ensuring consistency and quality delivery.
- Build strong linkages with MFIs, banks, fintechs, business support services, and digital platforms to promote market and financial access.
- Coordinate training, mentorship, and digital onboarding logistics across states.
- Ensure programme inclusion, gender responsiveness, and safeguarding compliance.
Organisational Business Development:
- Support resource mobilisation by identifying and pursuing funding opportunities from donors, CSR programmes, and private sector actors.
- Prepare concept notes, partnership proposals, and funding applications in collaboration with the project and management teams.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement with government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and local networks to foster visibility and partnerships.
- Represent Young Africa Nigeria in relevant forums, workshops, and industry convenings.
- Maintain a pipeline of potential partners and funders, tracking relationship progress and partnership opportunities.
- Contribute to the strategic positioning of YA Nigeria through value proposition communication, donor intelligence gathering, and programmatic alignment.
Monitoring, Learning & Communications:
- Support MEL functions by ensuring timely data reporting, success story documentation, and evidence generation.
- Collaborate with the communications team to publicise project outcomes, partnerships, and impact through digital channels and reports.
Requirements
Educational Qualification & Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field (master’s degree is a plus).
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in enterprise development, donor-funded programming, private sector engagement, or livelihoods work.
- Demonstrated experience working with women or youth entrepreneurs, and experience with proposal writing, partnership development, or CSR linkages.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong coordination, leadership, and project delivery capabilities.
- Proactive networking and relationship-building with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
- Solid understanding of donor funding landscapes, CSR practices, and development financing models.
- Ability to draft proposals, pitch decks, and presentations for diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in using digital business tools (e.g., Excel, CRM tools, WhatsApp Business, mobile platforms).
- Strong writing, facilitation, and communication skills in English (local languages an advantage).
- Commitment to inclusion, gender equality, safeguarding, and youth empowerment.
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to lead and shape a transformative initiative for women entrepreneurs.
- Strategic exposure to organisational development and partnership building.
- A collaborative and inclusive workplace with career growth and mentorship.
- Competitive remuneration and access to professional development opportunities.
Application Closing Date
30th May, 2025.
How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a Cover Letter (merged in one PDF file) to: ya.nigeria@youngafrica.org using “Application – Business Development Officer” as the subject of the email.
Note
- In your cover letter, kindly state your expected remuneration.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Click here to download the Editable CV Template
