Grant, Business Development and Communication Manager

Ethiopian Centre for Development (ECD) for its projects implementation currently seeks qualified candidates for Grant, Business Development and Communication Manager Position for Addis Ababa. We are looking individuals with a passion for making a difference in the lives of the others. Please see the criteria below for details.

Job Description: Grant, Business Development & Communication Manager

Position Title: Grant, Business Development and Communication Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Contract Type: Annual contract with the possibility of extension

Women candidates are encouraged

I. Position Summary

The Grant, Business Development and Communication Manager leads the organization’s resource mobilization, partnership development, and external communication efforts. This role oversees donor engagement, proposal development, grant management, and communication strategies to strengthen the organization’s visibility and long-term sustainability. The position ensures high-quality proposals, effective grant compliance, and strategic communication that supports programming and fundraising goals.

II. Key Duties and Responsibilities

Job Responsibility #1: Grant Management

• Oversee the full grant cycle: identification, proposal development, submission, implementation support, reporting, and close-out.
• Ensure compliance with donor rules, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain an up-to-date grant tracking system and ensure timely report submission.
• Coordinate with program, finance, and MEAL teams to prepare high-quality narrative and financial reports.
• Monitor grant performance and advise management on risks or necessary adjustments.

Job Responsibility #2: Business Development & Resource Mobilization

• Lead the identification of new funding opportunities from donors, foundations, corporations, and partners.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, expressions of interest (EOIs), and project budgets.
• Maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, government agencies, and networks.
• Conduct fundraising research and maintain a pipeline of potential funding sources.
• Lead organizational growth strategies aligned with strategic objectives.
• Coordinate business development working groups and maintain proposal calendars.

Job Responsibility #3: Communication & Visibility

• Develop and implement the organization’s communication strategy.
• Manage internal and external communication materials (newsletters, website content, brochures, success stories, fact sheets).
• Oversee social media presence and ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Prepare communication products for donors and partners, including annual reports and impact stories.
• Support documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories.
• Coordinate media engagement, public relations events, campaigns, and visibility materials.

Job Responsibility #4: Partnership & Networking

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with NGOs, donors, government institutions, and private sector actors.
• Represent the organization at meetings, workshops, donor forums, and conferences.
• Facilitate consortium building, partnership agreements, and MOUs.

Job Responsibility #5: Organizational Development & Coordination

• Work closely with program and finance teams to align proposals with organizational capacity and priorities.
• Provide training and capacity building to staff on donor compliance, proposal development, and communication standards.
• Support annual planning, strategy development, and reporting processes.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Development Studies, Communications, Business Administration, International Relations, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 6–7 years of experience in business development, fundraising, grant management, or communications in NGOs or development organizations.
• Proven success in securing funding from major donors.
• Demonstrated experience managing communication strategies, branding, and media engagement.
• Strong proposal writing and donor relationship management skills.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Knowledge of donor regulations and proposal development requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and tasks.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital communication tools.
• Graphic design and social media management skills are an added advantage.

IV. Personal Attributes

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Creative thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

VI. Working Conditions

• Office-based with occasional travel for donor meetings, field visits, and events.
• May require work outside standard hours during proposal peak periods.