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Souktel Director of Business Development - Washington, DC


SOUKTEL MOBILE INNOVATIONS www.souktel.org
ABOUT US: In 2006 Souktel changed the face of development and aid in the Middle East, by launching the region’s first services that linked communities with jobs and aid by cell phone. Today, we design and deliver mobile solutions for more than 20 leading development and aid organizations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This ground-breaking work has earned us praise from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and it’s helped us win accolades at the World Economic Forum and the Silicon Valley Tech Awards. Building on these achievements, in late 2012 Souktel received $1m in growth capital from Sadara Ventures--a fund backed by Google.org, Cisco, the Skoll Foundation and the Soros Economic Development Fund.
YOUR JOB: The Director of Business Development – Washington, DC will lead Souktel’s outreach to the development and aid sectors, driving new business growth and partnerships with DC-based funders and implementers. You’ll also help shape our corporate growth strategy and develop new mobile solutions. This position is full-time, based in Washington, DC, with periodic travel to Souktel project sites and its Middle East regional office. The Director of Business Development – Washington, DC reports directly to Souktel’s senior management, and may be responsible for managing additional staff. Compensation is competitive and includes stock options.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government/corporate/foundation funders and with contractors & implementers active in the “Mobiles for Development” and “ICTs for Development” sectors.
• Work closely with the CEO to develop long-term corporate growth strategies for development/aid sector funding streams.
• Monitor new sector trends, funder strategies and funding solicitations; identify key opportunities and develop strategic plans & quarterly pipelines/bidding targets in response.
• Lead pre-bid data gathering and positioning: Carry out competitive analyses for new bids, develop “win themes” and technical approaches; negotiate teaming agreements/MOUs with implementing partners.
• Lead bid preparation (including technical and cost components), submission, and follow-up negotiations.
• Lead the development of core technical resource materials for funders and implementing partners.
• Manage high-value Souktel client accounts and special projects.
• Represent Souktel at key global events (eg. Clinton Global Initiative, World Economic Forum).
• Serve as a spokesperson to major media outlets (eg. Washington Post, Wall Street Journal).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Advanced degree in business administration, or relevant development/aid sector-related field.
• 5+ years’ proven track record building successful funder and implementer relationships, and securing project funding through large scale solicitations. Focus on “Mobiles for Development” or “ICTs for Development” strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience leading bid and proposal processes, from pipeline phase to contract signature.
• Detailed knowledge of proposal rules and regulations; strong knowledge of donor budget processes.
• Prior field experience (Middle East or Africa preferred) managing business development and/or projects for large-scale international implementers.
• Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking, and relationship-building skills; strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work without direct daily supervision, under tight deadlines, on multiple/ simultaneous bid efforts.
• Native-level proficiency in English; authorized to work in the US. 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Knowledge of/experience with mobile software development cycles.
• Experience managing CRM platforms (Salesforce or similar).
• Proficient spoken/written Arabic and/or French.
How to apply:
To Apply: Please email your CV, a professional writing sample and contact details for two professional references to jobs@souktel.org. Application period ends at 5 pm EST, Fri. Jan. 18, 2013.