Manager Business Development
Abidjan
Full-Time
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 careers@espartners.co
Reference: Manager Business Developer
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.