Business Development Officer at the 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Business Development Officer

Location: Abuja
Reports to: Project Coordinator
Contract Type: 1-year (renewable based on performance and funding)

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.