Head - Business Development

Job ID : HQ01849

Location

Philippines

Closing Date

30-Nov-2025

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice‑growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice‑growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.

Working with in‑country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.

IRRI is forging ahead with a new and integrated institutional strategy that would require more effective and innovative fundraising; stronger engagement with IRRI’s traditional funders, while building relationships with new donors, investors, high net worth individuals, foundations, etc., who have not supported IRRI in the past. This wider engagement will unlock greater investments to IRRI in different forms, including but not limited to grants.

The Business Development Lead is responsible for creating and coordinating the execution of the fundraising strategy for IRRI. The Lead is responsible for analysing the funding landscape through donor mapping and assessment activities, exploration, and engagement. The Lead will lead in the creation of different strategies and engagement plans tailored to different types of funders, including traditional and new / emerging donors. S / he will engage with funders, partners, and other stakeholders to initiate or strengthen institutional relationships in support of fundraising / business development and raising awareness about IRRI.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and is open for international applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, coordination and implementation of business development and resource mobilization strategies, aligning them with organizational goals and objectives.
• Develop, refine, implement and enforce policies, guidelines, processes, standards and templates to increase efficiency and quality in business development / funding opportunities.
• Innovate and adapt business development / funding tools and systems, structures and processes to improve intelligence gathering and decision‑making for funding opportunities.
• Oversee and manage the identification of funding opportunities from both traditional and innovative sources, ensuring effective donor engagement and relationship management.
• Make informed decisions on the pursuit of funding opportunities, ensuring proposals meet quality standards and are developed through appropriate institutional mechanisms and stakeholder collaboration.
• Research and analyze market intelligence on donor and investor strategies, priorities, and stakeholders to identify new funding opportunities that align with organizational goals.
• Manage the preparation of concept notes, expressions of interest, and formal proposals, collaborating with teams to ensure timely and high‑quality outputs.
• Lead and manage the unit / team by coaching and guiding staff, conducting performance reviews, and offering learning opportunities to cultivate a respectful and high‑performing work environment.
• Advise and guide internal stakeholders on donor / investor strategies and engagement opportunities to align with the organization’s strategy and enhance business development efforts.
• Oversee guidance provided to research teams throughout the proposal development and submission process, ensuring alignment with donor expectations and organizational standards.
• Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with donors, partners, and stakeholders to enhance the organization’s visibility and expand its funding opportunities.
• Represent the organization in high‑level meetings with donors, national authorities, and partner organizations to advocate for its mission, build networks, and identify new opportunities.
• Oversee the dissemination of funding prospect knowledge to enable early identification of opportunities and ensure proposals are submitted within deadlines.
• Develop and monitor team workplans and budgets to ensure activities are executed on schedule and within allocated resources. Manage and oversee the creation of viable and impactful funding concept notes and proposals aligned with organizational strategy, incorporating log frames, Theories of Change, and Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks.
• Lead the development and implementation of a business development and proposal management system that enables data‑driven insights and informed decision‑making.
• Conduct financial analysis, cost‑benefit assessments, and revenue forecasting for business development initiatives and existing programs, tracking key performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness.

Qualifications

Mandatory

Preferred

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally‑covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

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