BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

(Ref. No. NRS/721/102026) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Established in 1970 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org) is distinct, being the only research organisation in Africa working primarily on insects and other arthropods. icipe is also the sole institution that combines research and development activities across plant health, human health, animal health, and environmental health. icipe generates world-class scientific knowledge and translates it into insect- based, nature-positive, One Health innovations that sustainably transform millions of livelihoods across Africa and beyond. Additionally, icipe nurtures Africa’s talent and leadership in insect science through the Centre’s long-standing programmes in doctoral and postdoctoral training, advancement of research and innovation in applied sciences, engineering, and technology, and the creation of a bioeconomy in Africa. The Centre has about 500 international and national staff, operations in more than 40 countries in Africa, and over 300 partnerships with diverse organisations across the world. For additional information, visit: (www.icipe.org).

Please also download icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2026–2030: https://www.icipe.org/content/icipe- vision-and-strategy-2026-2030 icipe seeks to recruit a Business Development Officer within the Director General’s Office / Digital Earth Africa. The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. This is a two-year contract, renewable subject to continued position needs, funding for the position, and performance of the staff member. This is a nationally recruited position. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Overall Purpose of the Job In 2026, the Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) programme moved to icipe. DE Africa (https://digitalearthafrica.org/) is a pan-African program providing free and open access to analysis- ready Earth observation data and decision-support tools for the African continent. Through continental-scale services, national partnerships and capacity development, DE Africa enables governments, civil society, researchers and institutions to transform satellite data into actionable insights for decision making across many areas, including flooding, drought, soil and coastal erosion, agriculture, land use and land cover change, water availability and quality, and changes to human settlements. In February 2026 icipe commissioned a sustainment review from an external professional firm to inform the DE Africa sustainment plan. The DE Africa sustainment plan is designed to support DE Africa’s future operational model and successful transition towards a financially sustainable, widely used and African-owned platform. icipe is seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Officer to lead DE Africa business development and related strategic partnership development. Specific duties The successful candidate will undertake tasks that include but are not limited to the following:

• Support the roll-out of DE Africa sustainment plan with stakeholders and develop long-term institutional capability partnerships.
• Establish and manage a systematic pipeline of funding, programme and partnership opportunities.
• Develop and package the DE Africa value proposition to position DE Africa as the EO data analytics and infrastructure layer within larger development programs.
• Develop sector-specific propositions around areas such as agriculture, climate, water, land degradation and health.
• Produce investment briefs, concept notes, pitch materials in priority evidence domains (e.g. agriculture and food systems, climate adaptation, water, disaster risk, land degradation and One health).
• Position DE Africa in co-creation processes with funders.
• Reporting and tracking against DE Africa sustainment targets. Requirements/ qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as social development or business administration.
• 7 years of progressive experience in business development, resource mobilization or investor relations in sectors relevant to DE Africa.
• Experience in climate finance.
• Experience in developing funding prospects and case for investments.
• Experience in co-creation and partner relations.
• Familiar with international development financing and rapidly evolving funding landscape.
• Excellent coordination and organization skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven ability to prepare high-quality documents and reports.
• Excellent negotiation and presentation skills.
• Excellent skills in digital technologies and data analytics.
• Excellent knowledge of English (Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage).
• Technical knowledge on Earth observation and data-driven development solutions is an added advantage. Other required attributes:
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a multicultural and team environment.
• Strong client relationship skills.
• Excellent organization and planning skills.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accuracy and ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to creatively solve problems.
• Good analytical skills in developing and implementing sustainment activities.
• Ability to work effectively in teams.
• Initiative taker, self-motivation and a commitment to continuously work towards results.

Reporting This position reports functionally to the icipe Resource Mobilization and Advocacy Manager under the oversight of the DE Africa Director. How to apply Applications will be accepted up to 9 th November 2026. Interested applicants should submit: (a) a confidential cover letter; (b) a detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses); and (c) a statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/competencies/abilities and skills. Candidates are required to apply online through: http://recruit.icipe.org or by email: recruitment@icipe.org (Kindly quote the Ref. No. and the position title on the email subject).

(In your application, please include your current and expected basic salary per month. This is a mandatory requirement.)

icipe is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity.