ACTED is Hiring a Business Development Manager: Exciting opportunity – Apply by 9 March 2026

In today’s rapidly evolving humanitarian landscape, organisations need more than boots on the ground — they need strategic visionaries who can navigate complex funding ecosystems, forge meaningful partnerships, and drive sustainable growth. At the heart of this strategic imperative is the Business Development Manager (BDM) role at ACTED, a global humanitarian and development organisation.

ACTED, or the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, operates across multiple countries, supporting millions of people through initiatives that span humanitarian relief, climate resilience, and long‑term development solutions. Its overarching mission is the pursuit of a 3Zero world — Zero Exclusion, Zero Carbon, and Zero Poverty. This ambitious goal shapes every aspect of its work, from emergency response to innovative financing strategies.

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Why the Business Development Manager Role Matters

The BDM is a key strategic partner to the country leadership, functioning as the primary driver of fundraising, donor engagement, partnership development, and institutional positioning. In an increasingly competitive funding landscape, this role ensures ACTED’s activities remain both well-resourced and aligned with local realities and global priorities.

Unlike traditional sales roles, the BDM in a humanitarian NGO serves as both strategist and storyteller — building bridges between local needs on the ground and institutional priorities among donors. This includes bilateral and multilateral agencies, climate finance mechanisms, foundations, and private sector partners.

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Core Responsibilities of the BDM

The role encompasses a comprehensive suite of responsibilities that go beyond standard business development tasks in the corporate world:

1. Strategic Positioning and Market Analysis

A major part of the BDM’s work is understanding context — not just at the programmatic level, but the socio‑economic and political landscapes that shape donor priorities. By analysing funding trends and emerging opportunities, the BDM contributes to the country programme strategy and ensures ACTED’s positioning is proactive rather than reactive.

This entails stakeholder and donor mapping, identifying gaps in financing flows, and adapting value propositions to resonate with different donor categories. It’s a fusion of analytical research and creative framing — helping to bridge the gap between operational realities and strategic opportunities.

2. Proposal Development and Quality Assurance

At the heart of fundraising lies the proposal. The BDM leads and coordinates the development of all fundraising documents, from initial expressions of interest and concept notes to full proposal submissions. It’s a role that requires careful planning, cross-departmental teamwork, and a deep understanding of donor requirements.

Proposals must be technically sound, financially realistic, and aligned with internal quality standards. This coordination involves programme teams, monitoring and evaluation units, technical leads, and headquarters colleagues, making the BDM the central hub for internal alignment.

3. Fundraising and Long-Term Partnerships

Beyond drafting proposals, the BDM actively identifies, tracks, and pursues funding opportunities across traditional humanitarian donors and emerging climate finance avenues. Each opportunity requires a bespoke approach that reflects ACTED’s mandates and the complexities of local contexts.

Critical here is donor engagement — maintaining frequent contact, representing ACTED in discussions, and coordinating donor field visits. This relational work builds trust and ensures ACTED remains top-of-mind for future funding windows.

4. Grant and Partnership Management

Winning a grant is just the beginning. The BDM also supports grant management throughout the project life cycle. This includes ensuring compliance with reporting deadlines, contractual obligations, and visibility requirements. It’s a task that requires meticulous organization and strong communication skills, ensuring both accountability and quality in program delivery.

5. Internal Leadership and Capacity Building

Effective business development within a large NGO demands strong leadership. The BDM manages the Business Development team, clarifies roles, and mentors staff to enhance skills in donor intelligence, proposal development, and diversified financing strategies. This internal capacity building ensures sustainability and institutional learning over time.

6. External Communication and Visibility

Finally, the BDM contributes to ACTED’s external visibility, working with communications teams to share success stories, position papers, and advocacy messages. Whether through media engagement or donor briefings, this role shapes how ACTED is perceived externally — a critical factor in securing future partnerships.

What Makes This Role Special?

At its core, the BDM role bridges two worlds: humanitarian urgency and strategic sustainability. It’s not just about accessing funds; it’s about weaving ACTED’s operational strengths into compelling narratives that attract diversified financing. The role requires technical expertise in grant writing and donor engagement, alongside empathy, adaptability, and intercultural communication skills.

This expanded role reflects the changing landscape of global humanitarian funding, where traditional aid budgets are supplemented by climate finance, innovative private sector engagements, and blended financing models. The successful BDM must be entrepreneurial — ready to explore new pathways while grounded in humanitarian principles.

Conclusion

The Business Development Manager position at ACTED is a powerful fusion of strategic thinking, partnership cultivation, and humanitarian impact. It positions the incumbent at the intersection of funding strategy and operational delivery — a place where decisions directly shape how support reaches the most vulnerable communities.

As global challenges continue to evolve — from climate change to protracted conflicts — the importance of roles like the BDM cannot be overstated. This position is not just a career opportunity; it’s a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions while shaping the future of humanitarian development.