Manager Business Development – Full time – Abidjan 

About ESPartners 

Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESPartners) is a company which aims at enabling innovative, scalable, and profitable enterprises to build prosperity. Created in 2010 in Washington DC, ESPartners’ mission is to “Provide entrepreneurs in Africa with the keys to sustainable success.” 

ESPartners supports people, companies, institutions, and nations in articulating, implementing and disseminating solutions to their economic challenges, and in facilitating private sector development and supporting MSMEs across Africa. ESPartners has worked with multiple clients: entrepreneurs, MSMEs, governments, and development partners, including the World Bank Group / IFC, Mastercard Foundation, the African Development Bank. 

Our firm operates across the African continent through two regional offices: in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, covering West and Central Africa, and in Kigali, Rwanda, for East and Southern Africa operations. 

At ESPartners, we believe in people. We live by the idea of constantly delivering services at the cutting edge of business practices, but also, of bringing into our team, the most talented, adaptable, qualified, driven and diverse people available. 

ESPartners’ approach is to provide « Intelligent CapitalTM », meaning the right combination of insights and capital, to address critical societal issues, by providing advisory services and solutions to diverse clients, via two practice areas, and to deliver on varied aspects of our mission: 

• SCALE – It facilitates the passage of entrepreneurs to scale throughout structured processes,combining support at any stage of maturity (ideation, incubation and acceleration), and accessto financing solutions (debts, grants and equity).
• INSIGHTS – Consulting services aimed at creating and implementing innovative solutions forsustainable development through the competitiveness of value chains, business strategies,leadership and change mentality.

ESPartners has four core values expressed via P.A.C.E.: Passion, Agility, Collaboration and Equity.

About ESPartners’ Growth and Partnerships team 

Our Growth and Partnerships (G&P) team is responsible for driving the firm’s growth, leading on opportunities identification and proposals preparation drawing on inputs from our senior leadership and practice leads teams, as well as ESPartners’ proprietary methodologies. The team is responsible for developing clients and partners’ relations. We also work closely with network partners – seasoned experts in creative and cultural industries, regenerative and circular economies, carbon trading or green investment vehicles, etc. 

In line with its targets, the G&P team aims to secure programs (multi-year, multi-million and recurring initiatives) and projects (smaller, shorter engagements), mainly across West, East and Central Africa. ESPartners’ G&P team is also in charge of the firm’s corporate communication, both internal and external, and of the communication about the programs and projects.

We are excited to put together the G&P team by bringing together talents from around the world, animated by the vision of “A prosperous Africa for all, thanks to its entrepreneurs”, and embodying our values with our clients, partners, consultants, entrepreneurs and colleagues. 

Position overview 

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Business Development Manager to join our dynamic G&P team in Abidjan. This senior role is pivotal in driving ESPartners’ business expansion and client acquisition across Africa, focusing on securing high-value programs and strategic partnerships that align with our mission of empowering African entrepreneurs. 

Keys roles & responsibilities 

New Client Acquisition and Business Development 

• Lead new client acquisition initiatives in collaboration with the Growth Manager
• Identify and pursue high-potential prospects across West, East and Central Africa
• Develop and execute strategic client acquisition plans targeting multi-year, multi-milliondollar programs
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including governments, developmentpartners, and private sector clients

Pitch and Proposal Development 

• Design and develop comprehensive technical and financial proposals for complexengagements
• Lead proposal writing process, ensuring alignment with client needs and ESPartners’capabilities
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver compelling, competitive proposals● Present proposals and pitches to C-level executives and senior decision-makers

Lead Qualification and Nurturing 

• Implement systematic lead qualification processes to identify high-value opportunities
• Nurture relationships through the entire sales cycle from initial contact to contract signature
• Facilitate co-creation sessions with clients and partners to develop innovative solutions
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships across multiple organizations and geographies

Market Analysis and Intelligence 

• Conduct comprehensive market opportunities analysis across target sectors and regions
• Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities
• Develop market intelligence reports to inform strategic decision-making
• Identify new market segments and growth opportunities for ESPartners’ service

Team Leadership and Management

• Oversee and manage business development analysts and junior team members
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development support
• Coordinate team activities to ensure alignment with growth objectives
• Monitor team performance and provide regular feedback and coaching

Key Performance Indicators 

• Annual revenue growth targets achievement
• Number of new clients acquired and value of contracts secured
• Proposal win rate and conversion metrics
• Quality and timeliness of market intelligence reports
• Team performance and development outcomes

Qualifications 

Education and Experience 

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Development, or relatedfield
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in business development, consulting, orsimilar roles
• Proven track record of securing high-value contracts and managing complex clientrelationships
• Experience working with international development organizations, governments, ormultinational corporations

Technical Skills 

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities
• Excellent proposal writing and presentation skills
• Proficiency in CRM systems and business development tools
• Financial modeling and business case development expertise
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools

Industry Knowledge

• Deep understanding of African markets, particularly West, East and Central Africa
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship ecosystem, MSME development, and private sector growth
• Familiarity with development finance institutions and donor funding mechanisms
• Understanding of ESPartners’ practice areas: SCALE and INSIGHTS

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills 

• Proven leadership and team management experience
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills in French and English
• Ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across different African contexts
• Strong networking and relationship-building capabilities

Additional Assets

• Existing network within African entrepreneurship and development ecosystem● Experience with World Bank Group, African Development Bank, or similar institutions● Background in management consulting or advisory services
• Understanding of impact measurement and sustainable development goals

We offer: 

Professional Impact and Growth 

• Senior leadership role in a growing, mission-driven organization
• Opportunity to shape the future of entrepreneurship across Africa
• Direct access to high-level decision-makers and industry leaders
• Platform to drive significant social and economic impact

Compensation and Benefits 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and performance
• Performance-based incentives and bonus structure
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Communication and travel allowances
• Professional development budget and opportunities
• Annual leave days according to local legislation

Career Development 

• Clear pathway for advancement within ESPartners
• Exposure to international best practices and methodologies
• Access to ESPartners’ global network of partners and experts
• Opportunities to lead high-profile programs and initiatives

How to Apply 

Send your CV and cover letter to: esptalent@espartners.co 

Reference: Senior Manager Growth 

Required Documents: 

• Detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and achievements
• Cover letter explaining your motivation and fit for the role
• Two professional references from senior-level contacts
• Portfolio of successful proposals or business development achievements (if available)

ESPartners is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups in the development and consulting sectors.