Business Development Manager

About ESAWAS Regulators Association

ESAWAS Regulators Association is a pan-African organization uniting water and sanitation regulatory authorities throughout the continent. Its goal is to foster effective, efficient, and sustainable water and sanitation service delivery. The Association acts as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity enhancement among its members, aiming to strengthen regulatory frameworks and sectoral performance. ESAWAS collaborates with governments, utilities, development partners, and other stakeholders to promote universal access to safe, reliable water and sanitation services. It emphasizes evidence-based decisions, innovation, and continuous sector improvements across its regulatory activities.

Role Overview

This position is a full-time hybrid opportunity based in Lusaka Province, Zambia, allowing some remote work flexibility. The Business Development Manager is expected to source and cultivate new funding and partnership opportunities including grants, donor initiatives, and joint ventures aligned with ESAWAS’ strategic goals. Key duties involve relationship management with stakeholders, preparing detailed proposals and concept documents, as well as drafting presentations and reports for varied audiences. The role requires monitoring market and sector trends, aiding in the design of new programs and services, and contributing to annual and strategic planning efforts. Day-to-day tasks include managing the development pipeline, sustaining member engagement, detecting funding prospects, and representing ESAWAS externally at events and meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, Communications, International Management, International Relations or closely related disciplines.
• At least eight years of professional experience, with a minimum of five years at a senior level within international organizations, membership-driven bodies, industrial entities, or government institutions.
• Proven extensive experience engaging diverse stakeholders and forging partnerships among government bodies, private sector, civil society, donors, and research institutions aimed at achieving development objectives.
• Strong understanding of regulation, along with knowledge of the water supply, sanitation sectors, and related service industries.
• Successful track record in developing and securing funding proposals of significant value.
• Familiarity with sector policies, membership organizations, and regional/sub-regional agreements.
• Leadership capabilities including recruitment, and management of multi-disciplinary, geographically dispersed and virtual teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English (both spoken and written) and proficiency in French at an independent user level.