Business Development Manager

(Ref. No. IRS/715/082026)
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Established in 1970 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org) is distinct, being the only research organisation in Africa working primarily on insects and other arthropods. icipe is also the sole institution that combines research and development activities across plant health, human health, animal health, and environmental health. icipe generates world-class scientific knowledge and translates it into insect-based, nature-positive, One Health innovations that sustainably transform millions of livelihoods across Africa and beyond. Additionally, icipe nurtures Africa’s talent and leadership in insect science through the Centre’s long-standing programmes in doctoral and postdoctoral training, advancement of research and innovation in applied sciences, engineering, and technology, and the creation of a bioeconomy in Africa. The Centre has about 500 international and national staff, operations in more than 40 countries in Africa, and over 300 partnerships with diverse organisations across the world.

For additional information, visit: (www.icipe.org).

Please also download icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2026–2030: https://www.icipe.org/content/icipe-vision-and-strategy-2026-2030

icipe seeks to recruit a Business Development Manager in the Director General’s office. The position is tenable in Nairobi at icipe Duduville Campus. This is a two-year contract, renewable subject to continued project needs, funding for the position, and performance of the jobholder. A competitive and generous compensation package that includes housing and transport allowances, education allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance cover, and an offshore retirement package (all payable in US Dollars), will be offered to the right candidate. Furthermore, the incumbent will receive paid annual vacation and return airfare for themselves and their dependents to their nominated home base each year. If the successful candidate is appointed from outside Kenya, he or she will be offered support to relocate and settle in Nairobi. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Living in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, the vibrant capital and largest city of Kenya, is home to over three million residents and offers a dynamic blend of modern conveniences and rich cultural experiences. The city boasts a wide selection of excellent international schools, 24/7 access to quality medical facilities, and easy connectivity through numerous reputable international airlines. Nairobi is a hub for global research and development, hosting several CGIAR Centres, UN agencies, and other international organisations. Known for its warm hospitality, Kenyans welcome newcomers with openness and generosity. With its comfortable lifestyle, diverse amenities, and thriving professional community, Nairobi is an exciting and rewarding place to live and work.

Overall Purpose of the Job
The overall purpose of the position is to strengthen icipe’s fundraising and business development efforts by providing strategic and technical support to management, scientists, programmes and thematic research teams in identifying, developing and securing funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Specific Duties 

• Exercise professional judgement in identifying, assessing and prioritising business development opportunities.
• Analyse donor calls, funding priorities, strategic plans and investment opportunities and determine their relevance to icipe’s mandate, scientific priorities and institutional capabilities.
• Advise Management and scientists on appropriate positioning of icipe’s expertise and value proposition in response to funding opportunities.
• Make recommendations on proposal strategies, partnership approaches and donor positioning within established icipe policies and procedures.
• Resolve complex proposal development and coordination issues through consultation with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to scientists, programme teams and staff involved in resource mobilisation and proposal development.
• Guide and mentor staff and scientists on proposal development, donor requirements, theories of change, logical frameworks, budgeting and donor positioning.
• Build institutional capacity in the preparation of high-quality, competitive and donor-compliant proposals.
• Support the development and strengthening of strategic partnerships that contribute to icipe’s fundraising and institutional objectives.

Requirements/Qualifications

• A degree in Social Sciences with strong Project Management Skills or a related field.
• 15 years of progressive experience in proposal development, business development, programme/project management or a related field.

Core Competencies

• Experience in developing successful proposals and concept notes for institutional, development, philanthropic, private-sector or other funding partners
• Experience reviewing grant calls and aligning institutional capabilities and priorities with donor requirements.
• Experience in quality assurance and compliance review of proposals before submission
• Experience in donor relations.
• Experience in partnership building.
• Understanding of systematic tools and approaches to deliver successfully funded projects.

Reporting

This position will report to the Director General.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted up to 28th September 2026 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Interested applicants should submit: (a) a confidential cover letter; (b) a detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses); (c) a statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/ competencies/abilities and skills.

Candidates are required to apply online through http://recruit.icipe.org or by email: recruitment@icipe.org

icipe is an equal-opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Consideration for employment is given to qualified applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, religion, disability status, national and ethnic origin, or social status.