Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is Seeking a Business Development Specialist II (Remote) – Apply Before 5 March 2026

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is seeking a highly experienced Business Development Specialist II to support institutional funding efforts across East and Southern Africa (ESARO). This remote-based role is open to candidates located in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, or within three hours of East Africa Time (GMT+3).

The position plays a critical role in leading high-quality funding applications and providing surge support for strategic opportunities with institutional donors engaged in international development.

Role Summary

The Business Development Specialist II leads and supports the full Business Development (BD) cycle, including positioning, capture planning, proposal development, and donor engagement. As part of CRS’ global Institutional Funding Team, the role strengthens CRS’ competitive positioning and ensures proposals are compliant, compelling, and strategically aligned.

The specialist works cross-functionally with country, regional, and global teams to secure funding that advances CRS’ mission to serve poor and vulnerable communities.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Positioning & Capture

• Provide BD expertise to country leadership and technical teams
• Guide opportunity analysis and lead go/no-go decisions
• Develop capture strategies aligned with donor priorities
• Support donor mapping and market intelligence analysis
• Advise on CRS’ positioning in consortia and partnership negotiations

Proposal Development & Coordination

• Serve as proposal coordinator on priority opportunities
• Lead or support technical and non-technical writing
• Integrate partner and staff inputs into cohesive, donor-responsive proposals
• Guide project design processes across regional and global teams
• Strengthen design quality through evidence-based strategies and cross-cutting integration (MEAL, partnerships, gender, climate)
• Support or lead proposal budget development

The role ensures submissions meet donor regulations, technical standards, and cost requirements while presenting a compelling vision and win themes.

Donor Engagement & Resource Mobilization

• Liaise with senior management and donor focal points
• Support development of resource mobilization strategies by region, sector, or donor
• Cultivate relationships with government, multilateral, foundation, and corporate donors
• Enhance CRS’ competitive position within institutional funding markets

Preferred donor familiarity includes:

• The World Bank
• The EU
• The UK’s FCDO
• The U.S. Government
• Foundations and corporate donors

Systems Strengthening & Capacity Building

• Develop and refine CRS BD tools and best-practice guidance
• Train and mentor staff on proposal development and donor representation
• Maintain past performance data and corporate capacity information
• Contribute to the Business Development and Donor Engagement Community of Practice
• Support knowledge management systems and strategic initiatives

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, or related field
• Minimum eight years of international development experience
• Fluency in English
• Willingness to travel up to 35%

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field
• At least three years’ experience in a developing country
• Demonstrated success leading competitive proposals
• Experience with both grants and contracts
• Knowledge of adult learning methodologies
• Familiarity with Catholic Social Teaching principles
• Working proficiency in French, Arabic, or Portuguese

Knowledge & Skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Deep knowledge of institutional donor regulations and compliance
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Exceptional writing ability with mastery of English grammar and AP style
• Cross-cultural collaboration skills
• Experience providing remote technical support
• Proficiency in MS Office, information management systems, and AI tools

Organizational Competencies

CRS values professionals who:

• Act with integrity and accountability
• Build trust through consistency and transparency
• Collaborate effectively in diverse teams
• Demonstrate openness to learning and innovation
• Contribute to organizational strategy and change

Work Environment & Eligibility

• Remote-based within eligible countries
• Travel required up to 35%
• No supervisory responsibilities
• Offers contingent upon legal work authorization
• Medical clearance required for roles involving international travel

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of countries where CRS operates.

About Catholic Relief Services

Founded by the Catholic community in the United States, Catholic Relief Services operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization delivers humanitarian assistance and development programming in emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and maintains strict adherence to ethical standards and a comprehensive Code of Conduct.

Commitment to Equity & Safeguarding

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, gender, or other protected characteristics.

All staff must adhere to safeguarding principles and uphold the dignity and protection of program participants and communities.

Application Details

• Job Identification: 3002332
• Category: Resource Mobilization
• Posting Date: February 4, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 5, 2026
• Degree Level: Bachelor’s Degree
• Work Shift: Day

This role presents an opportunity for experienced business development professionals to shape institutional funding strategies that support sustainable, high-impact programming across East and Southern Africa.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization hiring for this position. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.