Head of New Business Development – Malawi & Zimbabwe Cluster

About the role

Save the Children is seeking a senior leader to drive new business development across its Malawi‑Zimbabwe cluster. The role will design and implement a cluster‑wide funding strategy that aligns with country strategic plans and supports high‑impact programming for children.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for diversification and growth of funding across Malawi and Zimbabwe.
• Lead development and implementation of a cluster‑wide funding strategy and annual funding plan.
• Oversee pipeline, opportunity and proposal management systems for both countries.
• Conduct donor and competitor intelligence, scope opportunities and guide Go/No‑Go decisions.
• Coordinate high‑quality proposal development, ensuring compliance, localisation and MEAL integration.
• Represent the cluster in donor forums, high‑level meetings and with Save the Children regional offices.
• Support humanitarian resource mobilisation and pre‑positioning activities.
• Manage and mentor NBD staff, fostering performance, learning and collaboration.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in International Development, Project Management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of proven experience securing funding from government donors, multilateral agencies, corporate donors or foundations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse funding landscapes and develop programme funding strategies aligned to organisational goals.
• Strong track record of leading large‑scale grant writing and serving as lead writer for complex proposals.
• Experience working in an INGO environment with solid understanding of development and humanitarian funding mechanisms.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking and stakeholder management skills, with fluency in English.