Regional Business Development Director

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

The Opportunity

The Regional Business Development Director serves as a strategic catalyst and enabler for Country Offices across the WACA region. The role drives both traditional ODA funding and non‑traditional financing, including innovative climate finance, development banks, Middle East donors, commercial contracts, CSR, blended finance, and philanthropic foundations. In response to a rapidly evolving donor landscape, the role strengthens CO competitiveness by brokering high‑value partnerships, enhancing market positioning, and developing multi‑country investment opportunities aligned with country priorities.

Anchored in a country‑driven and sub‑regional approach, the role is central to advancing Plan International’s ambition for diversified, sustainable, and locally led programming. The Director works to unlock new financing pathways, expand regional influence, and position Country Offices as partners of choice in delivering transformative impact for children and communities across the region.

What you’ll do:

The role operates in a highly networked and matrixed environment, collaborating closely with colleagues across the Plan International federation. It requires someone who can confidently set priorities across multiple stakeholders, provide strong strategic leadership on resource mobilisation, and drive results without close day‑to‑day supervision.

The successful candidate will be an experienced external influencer, skilled in representing Plan International to high‑level partners, and highly effective in attracting, cultivating, and securing funding from diverse donors and financing mechanisms.

• Lead donor engagement across the region and build strategic partnerships
• Unlock innovative financing models and emerging donor markets
• Support COs with high‑quality, multi‑country proposal development
• Strengthen BD capacity, market intelligence, and resource mobilisation strategies
• Represent Plan International with governments, donors, and intergovernmental bodies

What we’re looking for:

• 10+ years’ experience in fundraising, partnerships, or business development
• Strong track record securing non‑traditional and innovative funding
• Deep knowledge of African donor landscapes
• Excellent relationship‑building, negotiation and communication skills
• Fluent in English and French
• Ability to thrive in a matrixed, multicultural environment

Please respond to the requirements of the role in your cover letter.

Only CVs and cover letters in English will be accepted.  

 Location: Hybrid working. This role must be based in Dakar, Senegal.

We strongly encourage Senegalese nationals to apply.

Applications from international candidates within the West and Central Africa region are also welcome. This is a global recruitment and support with relocation is available if required. 

Type of Role: 3-year fixed term contract

Reports to: Regional Director for West and Central Africa 

Closing Date: 10th April UK Midnight

Anticipated 1st round interview: Week commencing 20th April

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.