The senior-level position will support IOI’s work to increase investment in and adoption of open infrastructure, helping strengthen equitable access to and participation in research.
The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director and work within IOI’s distributed, fully remote team.
Job Summary
- Employer: Invest in Open Infrastructure (IOI)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Business Development
- Salary: US$139,256 annually with benefits
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and implementation of IOI’s strategic plan.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with IOI’s mission, vision and goals.
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities.
- Support market research and analysis to identify new opportunities for growth.
- Lead and mentor a blended team of staff and contractors, currently including a Development & Communications Coordinator and Horizon Europe Strategist.
- Set direction, manage deliverables, support professional growth and foster a collaborative working environment.
- Develop strategies to increase and diversify revenue.
- Identify sustainable funding opportunities.
- Cultivate relationships with mission-aligned organizations, corporations and foundations.
- Manage existing donor, client and funder relationships.
- Develop fundraising plans, proposals and grant applications.
- Explore new fundraising and revenue models.
- Track the funding pipeline and provide recommendations to senior leadership and the Board.
- Work jointly with the Executive Director to coordinate IOI’s marketing and communications strategy.
- Oversee communications activities, guide brand positioning and messaging, manage communications capacity and contribute directly to content production where necessary.
- Participate in teams delivering client engagements, contributing expertise in: Business development strategy, Fundraising strategy, Product-market fit, Sustainability strategy.
- Contribute to the scoping, costing and preparation of proposals for client engagements.
- Build and maintain relationships with donors, clients, partners and other key stakeholders.
- Collaborate on partnerships and joint initiatives designed to expand IOI’s reach and impact.
Requirements
- At least eight years of experience developing and implementing long-term fundraising and partnership strategies.
- Leadership experience within a small, cross-functional and collaborative team.
- Experience managing teams of approximately 2-5 people.
- Knowledge of membership or subscription models, fee-for-service opportunities, grants and philanthropic support.
- Experience building relationships with mission-supporting ventures.
- Experience costing proposals and conducting market research and business analysis.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience preparing proposals, donor and client correspondence, presentations and research.
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and maintain strong internal relationships.
- A high degree of autonomy, accountability, discretion and confidentiality.
- Interest in working within a dynamic, mission-driven and technology-focused organization.
Salary
US$139,256 annually with benefits
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Director of Business Development role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field, with an MBA or similar postgraduate qualification being highly preferred. You typically need 8-10 years of progressive experience in business development, sales, or strategic partnerships, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in infrastructure, technology, or investment sectors is often specifically sought after for IOI-related positions.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Director of Business Development in Zimbabwe?
Your daily activities include identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building relationships with government agencies, investors, and international development partners, and leading proposal development for funding or partnerships. You will also oversee market research, manage a small team, and report to executive leadership on pipeline progress and revenue targets. Travel within Zimbabwe and occasionally to regional hubs like Johannesburg or Nairobi is common.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for senior roles in Zimbabwe compared to international organizations?
Zimbabwean employers, particularly in the NGO and development sector, often blend formal hierarchical structures with relationship-driven business practices where personal networks and reputation carry significant weight. Punctuality and professional dress are expected, but flexibility around local challenges like power outages or transport issues is usually understood. Senior directors are expected to demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills and cultural sensitivity when working across diverse local and international teams.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as a Director of Business Development in Zimbabwe?
Successful directors commonly advance to Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, or Country Director roles within international NGOs, development finance institutions, or regional African organizations. Some transition into consulting, launch their own advisory firms, or move into senior government positions shaping national infrastructure policy. Building a track record with organizations like IOI can also open doors to global roles based in Geneva, London, or other major hubs.
What benefits are typically included in senior business development roles with organizations operating in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage for you and dependents, pension or retirement contributions, and annual leave ranging from 20-30 days depending on the employer's policies. Many international organizations also provide housing allowances, education support for children, and hardship or location premiums given Zimbabwe's economic context. Always confirm whether benefits are denominated in USD or local currency, as this significantly impacts their real value.
What should I emphasize in my application to stand out for a Director of Business Development role with an organization like IOI?
Highlight quantifiable achievements in securing multi-million dollar partnerships or grants, particularly from bilateral donors, development finance institutions, or private sector investors. Demonstrate deep understanding of open infrastructure, digital public goods, or technology policy in African contexts, and showcase existing relationships with relevant stakeholders in Zimbabwe's government or regional economic communities. Tailor your CV to reflect experience with results-based management frameworks and cross-cultural team leadership.
