Head of New Business Development – Malawi & Zimbabwe Cluster

About the role

Save the Children is seeking a senior leader to head new business development for its Malawi‑Zimbabwe cluster. The role will shape and implement a cluster‑wide funding strategy, mobilise resources for high‑impact programmes and support localisation of resource mobilisation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive funding strategy aligned with Country Strategic Plans and the organisation’s Theory of Change.
• Identify, scope and capture strategic funding opportunities across government, multilateral, corporate and foundation donors.
• Oversee high‑quality proposal development, serving as lead writer or quality assurer for complex, high‑value grants.
• Maintain real‑time pipeline visibility, conduct scenario‑based portfolio analysis and drive Go/No‑Go decisions.
• Represent the cluster in donor forums, high‑level meetings and regional coordination mechanisms.
• Provide line‑management, coaching and mentorship to NBD staff and foster a culture of performance and learning.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in International Development, Project Management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of proven success securing funding from government, multilateral, corporate or foundation donors.
• Extensive experience in funding landscape analysis, programme funding strategy and grant writing.
• Strong understanding of development and humanitarian funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated people‑leadership and senior‑management team experience.

Required skills

• Excellent proposal writing and lead‑authoring capabilities for large‑scale grants.
• Advanced networking and donor relationship management.
• Critical thinking, analytical decision‑making and stakeholder engagement.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.