Job Number One:
Job Title: Business Development Manager, County Wide Sanitation Activity
Based in Monrovia, Liberia
Reports to: Sanitation Markets and Supply Chain Lead
*Contingent upon funding
Who we are
GUSCEMAN is a Liberian owned corporation that focuses on business development and institutional support services and capacity building. Our team has a combined experience across sectors, ranging from business development, financial management, Agriculture, construction & engineering, logistics and fleet management, project and program management, capacity building and training and information technology (ICT). Our multi-sectorial knowledge and skills certainly provide solutions and technical skills for all new projects we undertake.
Join us!
Gusceman seeks a Business Development Manager (BDM) for a National wide Sanitation Activity project, the five years project is planned to be hopefully supported and funded by USAID. The overall objective is to develop technical skills for identified SMEs in selected counties, design and rollout trainings in business Development Plan, marketing, business development services, and market development strategies. The BDM is expected to conduct regular mentoring and coaching services as well as pear learning activities. The project will be based in five counties: including Bong, Grand Bassa, rural part of Montserrado, Nimba, and Lofa. The BDM will provide technical support to assist identified businesses, the private sector, and government to improve sustainable sanitation services and ensure access to basic services, improved hygienic and durable sanitation facilities to all households in the five counties.
The objectives to achieve this goal are (1) increased access to, and uptake of, market-based improved sanitation products and services; and (2) increased viability of sanitation service providers including masons and artisans, sanitation entrepreneurs, retailers, and manufacturers to support uptake of durable products and high-quality services. (3) increased effective sales, marketing, and promotional efforts to enable households to be aware of sanitation product and service offerings and make decisions to upgrade, purchase and maintain their facilities. Ultimately, the local private sector would be expected through this project to deliver products and services that customers are paying for, eliminating the need for ongoing donor support.
Objectives of this role
- Design, and rollup business development trainings, mentoring and coaching;
- Ensure that selected SMEs have an organized organizational development structures and concept for good business environment;
- Coordinate with stakeholders that are relevant to the SMEs sustainability;
- Manage both the existing sales pipelines and the development of new business opportunities;
- Take a lead role in developing new-business proposals and presentations that create and nurture opportunities and partnerships;
- Identify trends and customer needs, building a sales pipeline for short/medium/long term in accordance with targets;
- Develop strategies and positions by analyzing new-venture integration;
- Assist in the coordination and implementation of marketing strategies, and delegate tasks to achieve strategic goals;
- Motivate the team, track performance, and report metrics;
- The BDM will lead and build strategies for a sustainable and robust market and ensure an effective intersection of product offering, sales and marketing approaches, and an efficient delivery system. In addition, they will provide mentoring and business advice, such as training, sales supervision, marketing assistance, introducing innovative technology, and facilitating access to financing options to help small businesses improve their performance and consumer interest and ability to pay for durable and desirable sanitation facilities;
- The BDM is responsible for the overall quality of the sanitation project activities in Liberia and will bring expertise in business model development and experience supporting service delivery models to be sustainable;
- The BDM will also support institutionalizing such mentoring and coaching services within the Liberian context;
- The BDM has deep experience developing small businesses and entrepreneurs in Liberia, a passion for and a deep understanding of sustainability, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and a positive and action-oriented attitude.
What are we looking for?
- The Business Development Manager is expected to have an MBA in in finance, sales, marketing, business administration, or related field;
- At least ten years experience, with seven years in a position with similar responsibilities in helping businesses become more viable;
- Goal focused with experience in the development, implementation, and execution of plans to grow small and medium-sized businesses;
- Experience with sanitation, market development, and improving service delivery
- Understanding of Liberian sanitation sector desirable;
- A track record of improving women’s participation in business desirable;
- Strong negotiation skills with a demonstrated track record of working with businesses and entrepreneurs;
- Sales and marketing support supervision experience;
- Creative thinker to see new routes to market and unique ways to develop existing opportunities;
- Knowledge and understanding of USAID relevant policies, goals, and strategies;
- Excellent diplomatic, oral/written skills and presentation abilities;
- Fluent in English (spoken and written);
- Be a Citizen of Liberia;
- References will be required.
Job Number Two:
Job Title: County level Business Development Advisors, County Wide Sanitation Activity
Based in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Bassa and Monsterrado counties -five positions
Reports to: Business Development Manager
*Contingent upon funding
The County level Business Development Advisors are responsible for identifying new business opportunities, pitching the products and services of the organization, and maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and stakeholders. In addition, business development professionals generate new revenue by identifying new markets, building new partnerships, and finding new ways to reach existing markets.
Work so closely with client organizations that they also play an important role in helping to determine the market fit of new products and services that are being developed. Ensure that business development is inherently target driven and often social, involving client contact over the phone as well as lunches or dinner meetings, or attending events and conferences. However, it also requires robust organizational and administrative skills, and the need to regularly provide feedback to senior management.
Key responsibilities
- Identifying new business opportunities – including new markets, growth areas, trends, customers, products and services;
- Researching the needs of other SMEs and identifying who makes purchasing decisions;
- Contacting potential clients via email or phone to establish rapport and set up meetings;
- Understanding the needs of new and existing clients, and responding effectively;
- Using digital and data technology to create interest from and engage with clients;
- Setting aims and objectives to develop and improve the business;
- Planning and overseeing new marking initiatives;
- Attending conferences, meetings, and industry events;
- Contacting clients to inform them about new developments in the company’s products;
- Developing quotes, proposals and contracts;
- Negotiating and renegotiating by phone, email and in person; and
- Providing management with feedback.
Person specification
The applicant is expected to have a bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, sales, marketing, Rural Development, business administration, or related field, an MBA could be considered;
At least five years experience, with three years in a position with similar responsibilities in helping businesses become more viable;
Business development professionals are tenacious and target-driven, with excellent collaboration skills. Individuals must have strong time management and organizational abilities with good attention to detail;
Excellent Insight skills across all the capabilities;
Increasingly, excellent use of a range of digital analytical tools is required, as well as the ability to produce and deliver high-quality reports and presentations.
Note: Please mention your prefer county of Assignment in your submission.
Job Number Three:
Job Title: District level Business Development officers, County Wide Sanitation Activity
Based in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Bassa and Monsterrado counties
Reports to: County level Business Development Advisors
*Contingent upon funding
District level Business Development Officers
District Business Development Officers typically work with SMEs across the Districts to manage business development initiatives that promote the longevity of a SMEs. Work closely with upper management and members of the business development team to follow up with leads and determine new SMEs. The job is to communicate with potential SMEs, mentor, and coach them on new business development or sales professionals and monitor market trends for inspiration. They may also review financial statements to determine areas for the SMEs to save money or expand operations.
District Business Development Officer skills and qualifications
A successful candidate for the District Level Business Development Officer’s role needs to have a strong skill set to handle their required job duties. Some of their most important skills and qualifications include:
- strong knowledge and experience interpreting SME establishment and improvement
- ability to effectively research new markets
- collaborate with SMEs, develop work plan, and implement tracking on Business development, Organizational development, and marketing
- develop and roll out mentoring and coaching plans for the SMEs-on-SMEs sustainability
- excellent writing and ability to conduct training and communication skills
- analytical and detail- oriented
- strong negotiation skills
- advanced time management and organizational skills
- decision-making and leadership skills
District Development Officer education and training requirements
In general, the District Business Development Officer should have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, accounting, finance, or another related field.
Excellent Insight skills across all the capabilities;
Increasingly, excellent use of a range of digital analytical tools is required, as well as the ability to produce and deliver high-quality reports and presentations.
Note: Please mention the preferred county of Assignment in your submission and mention the position you are applying for in the subject of the email.
All applications should be submitted to:
Attention: The Recruitment Committee
Gusceman Business Development and Support Services
Monrovia, Liberia
Email To: [email protected]
Deadline for submission: September 12, 2022 @6pm GMT.