Youth Advocates Zimbabwe (YAZ)
DUE: 27 DEC 2024
RESEARCH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST (RBDS)
Background:
Youth Advocates, Zimbabwe (YAZ) is a youth-led organisation dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of children and young people across East and Southern Africa. Since its founding in 2004, YAZ has been at the forefront of empowering communities to survive, recover, and rebuild in the face of humanitarian challenges. Renowned for its innovative use of technology and forward-thinking approaches, YAZ delivers evidence-based solutions that address the multifaceted needs of adolescents and youth. From providing online emergency support and advancing adolescent health and well-being to fostering skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience, YAZ also plays
a critical role in preventing and responding to violence against children. Guided by bold leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to accountability, YAZ continues transforming lives and creating lasting change, uniquely positioning itself as a trailblazer in youth advocacy and development.
Position Overview:
YAZ seeks a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Specialist to lead the organization’s resource mobilization and partnership efforts. The ideal candidate will identify funding opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and build strategic relationships to sustain and
scale YAZ’s programs. This role requires a self-motivated individual with exceptional communication skills and a proven track record in business development and fundraising in the non-profit sector.
Key responsibilities:
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities from institutional donors, private sector partners, and government agencies.
- Lead the development of high-quality research and grant proposals, concept notes, and innovative social enterprise models.
- Establish and nurture relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders to secure long-term funding.
- Represent YAZ at meetings, conferences, and other platforms to showcase the organization’s work and attract partners.
- Contribute to the organization’s resource mobilization strategy, aligning it with YAZ’s mission and strategic goals.
- Conduct donor mapping and fundraising trend analysis to inform decision-making
- Represent the organization at conferences, workshops and networking events to expand its visibility and engage with potential partners.
- Provide technical support and training to YAZ staff on resource mobilization and proposal development.
- Develop and maintain a database of funding opportunities, proposals, and donor relationships.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors on project outcomes and impact.
- Monitor donor compliance and reporting requirements, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
- Provide input and guidance to the organization’s leadership in shaping strategic directions based on donor interest and funding trends.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of fundraising processes, tools and resources.
Qualifications:
- Priority is an experienced individual to work remotely or onsite
- Masters degree in Business Development, Administration and Public Relations or a related field.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in public and external relations and communication in local or international organizations.
- Proven experience in business development, resource mobilization, or fundraising in the nonprofit or development sector.
- Extensive experience in donor relationship management, proposal writing and grant management.
- Strong understanding of the donor landscape, including government agencies and foundations.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong interpersonal and networking abilities with the capacity to engage with stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to think strategically and identify funding opportunities.
- Strong understanding of donor relations, grant writing, and proposal development.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of organizational and project management skills.
- Knowledge of the youth development sector and an understanding of current trends in funding for youth programs is an advantage.
- Experience working with international donors, foundations, and government bodies is highly desirable.
- Embody Youth Advocates’ values, purpose and mission.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should send their CV, cover letter, and contact information for two references to [email protected] no later than 27 December 2024. Please indicate your salary expectation and the position (RBDS) being applied for in the subject title.