B2b Business Development Manager

ABOUT US

Bridge for Billions is one of the largest entrepreneurship networks worldwide. We partner with corporations, foundations, development agencies, and public institutions to co-create entrepreneurship programs that foster job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

Since 2015, we’ve supported more than 7,000 entrepreneurs across 100+ countries. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Ashoka, and Acumen , we operate as a social enterprise —mobilizing both public and private funding to design programs 100% free for entrepreneurs.

Headquartered in Madrid with a LatAm hub in Guatemala and a distributed global team of ~50 people (25 nationalities), we’re committed to reshaping entrepreneurship ecosystems to be more just, inclusive, and eff ective.

JOB MISSION

We are looking for a motivated B2B partnerships professional to join our Partnerships & Business Development team, with a specific focus on growing Bridge’s programs in Africa.

Although the programs will be delivered in Africa, our partners are primarily global organizations : corporations, foundations, and development agencies based in the US, EU, and beyond. The role is not limited to African institutions. You will be the engine of Bridge's Africa pipeline.

You will find the right partners, open the right doors, and keep every relationship moving until it is ready for a proposal. You will own our lead generation, nurturing, and pipeline goals, represent Bridge at relevant events in Africa, and turn conversations into introductions and proposals.

You will work directly with the Business Development Director/Regional Director for Africa, co-leading discovery calls and co-developing proposals, and grow into a senior partnerships role.

ROLES & CONTRIBUTIONS

1. Prospecting & Lead Generation (30%)

Own prospecting end-to-end as a core part of the role. Research, map, and qualify partners across corporates and their foundations, international foundations, family offices, development agencies, and DFIs that fund entrepreneurship, jobs, and inclusive growth in Africa. Grow a structured, high-quality pipeline that feeds Conecta Africa and our direct programs.

• Develop targeted prospect lists for campaigns, events and priority funding windows.
• Run sequenced outreach (cold emails, LinkedIn, follow-ups, meeting requests and preparation) that turns prospects into meetings.
• Use events and your own network in Accra and beyond to secure warm introductions to decision-makers at high-fit funding organizations.
• Screen RFPs and calls for proposals against Bridge's go/no-go criteria before any work begins.

1. Pipeline Management & Nurturing (30%)

Own the health of the Africa pipeline from first contact to decision. Every opportunity has a nurturing plan, a dated next step and an owner, and no deal is left to go stale. Partners experience Bridge as responsive, reliable and precise.

• Co-lead discovery conversations with the BDD, owning the preparation, partner research and next steps.
• Design a nurturing plan for each opportunity, built on the partner's priorities, timing and decision process.
• Follow up relentlessly and with care, and see every open action through to closure.
• Bring each opportunity to a clear decision with the BDD to push, pause or close.

1. Proposal Development & Deal Support (30%)

Co-own the drafting cycle for concept notes and proposals with the BDD, from RFP screening through final submission. Manage submission logistics end-to-end, including procurement registrations, compliance documents, and deadline tracking.

• Draft concept notes and own agreed proposal sections, growing to lead full drafts with the BDD's review.
• Coordinate inputs from Programs and Finance so every submission is high-quality and on time.
• Check every number, name, and date for accuracy and consistency before anything is submitted.
• Maintain and improve reusable proposal content and templates to increase speed and quality.

1. Reporting & Sales Optimization (10%)

Function as the operational backbone of the Business Development function, enabling the Director, who also functions as Regional Director, to focus on complex proposals and regional growth.

• Log all outreach and meetings in real time and follow up with colleagues to ensure their partner interactions are captured consistently.
• Contribute execution-level insight and pipeline visibility in team meetings and internal discussions
• Flag stale deals, data gaps and pipeline anomalies, and act on them.
• Produce weekly pipeline reports, activity summaries and funding digests for the BDD and leadership.
• Contribute pipeline insight in team meetings, and support renewals with Programs.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED

About You

This role is for a partnerships/BD manager professional eager to grow in a mission-driven environment. You are motivated by impact, curious about how entrepreneurship can drive social change, and excited to connect with organizations committed to sustainability and inclusive growth. Your enthusiasm for cultivating corporate and philanthropic relationships is matched by a proactive, driven capacity to drive new funding opportunities into revenue.

Who You Are

• Owner: you take responsibility for outcomes and finish what you start.
• Driven and hardworking: you are energized by targets and you put in the work to meet them.
• Proactive: you spot the opportunity and act on it, and you align with your manager before changing direction.
• Diligent: you notice the detail, keep your records clean and meet every deadline.
• Connector: you love networking and you are generous with introductions.
• Purpose-driven: you believe entrepreneurship can change lives and economies, and you embody our values of Courage, Grit, Empathy and Gumption.

Must-Haves

• 2–4 years’ experience in business development, fundraising, partnerships, or international development.
• Demonstrated ability to independently draft, edit, and submit high-quality proposals, concept notes, or similar submissions in response to RFPs and Calls for Proposals without significant oversight
• Strong research skills, with the ability to identify non-obvious funding prospects
• Experience building and managing prospect pipelines, outreach lists, and structured databases
• CRM proficiency, with discipline for real-time data entry, regular updates, and record accuracy; experience as a power user or super user of CRM preferred
• Excellent written and spoken English (native-level or very fluent).

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience working with development agencies, multilateral institutions, or corporate foundations.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or French.
• Familiarity with HubSpot, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, or other outbound tools.
• International exposure or work experience in emerging markets.

How We Work at Bridge

We look for people who are:

• Purpose-driven and aligned with our mission.
• Courageous, resilient, and eager to learn.
• Empathetic collaborators who take ownership.
• Clear communicators with a startup mindset.

OFFER AND LOCATION

Transparent salaries and fair compensation structure, mid-range for the social sector:

• Compensation: of USD 26K - 28K gross per year (paid in USD), depending on profile plus Bonus based on achievement of targets
• Location: Accra. Hybrid work. 3days in off ice and 2 days flexible
• Starting Date: ASAP
• Type of contract: Full-time permanent position, with an initial trial period of 6 months. Continuity after the trial will be confirmed based on performance.
• Benefits : 23 vacation days + public holidays, flexible working, MacBook, global retreats and paid travel to global events, referral bonuses, feedback-driven culture.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

1. Apply: Submit your application.
2. Initial Chat: A brief 30-45 minute conversation to discuss your interest and understand the role.
3. Business Case: You'll receive a challenge to complete within a set time frame.
4. Technical Interview: If your challenge is satisfactory, we'll discuss it further and assess your technical skills.
5. Mutual Interview: An open discussion where you can ask us any questions to ensure our company is the right fit for you.
6. References: With your consent, we'll contact two of your references for feedback.
7. Offer: If all goes well, you'll receive a job offer from us.