Head of Business Development and Partnerships

About the role

WaterAid, a global federation working for clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030, is looking for a Head of Business Development and Partnerships in Kampala, Uganda. The post reports to the Country Director, sits in the Senior Management Team and supervises the Business Development Officer. It works with internal teams and external stakeholders such as donors, government officials, civil society organisations and partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop and implement the Country Programme funding strategy and annual business development plan.
• Use market intelligence, donor trends and competitor analysis to shape investment and funding decisions.
• Strengthen fundraising culture and donor literacy, monitor pipeline performance and build the pipeline through donor mapping and prospecting.
• Maintain a diversified funding portfolio and identify underdeveloped donor segments and underfunded aims.
• Lead bid/no-bid decisions and coordinate concept notes, EOIs, proposals and pitches, including contract negotiations and co-financing arrangements.
• Maintain accurate pipeline data, forecasts and conversion metrics in WAPS.
• Coordinate external engagement, briefings and follow-ups, and champion WaterAid policies, equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Required profile

• Degree in Project/Programme Management, social sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Health or equivalent professional experience; a master's degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum 7 years of experience raising funds from donors such as the EU, DFID, SIDA, NORAD, DANIDA and managing those funds.
• Experience raising multi-million contracts from institutional, corporate, philanthropic and private donors, and building consortia and negotiating contracts.
• Experience working across country, regional and global teams.
• Eligibility to work in Uganda; pre-employment checks follow Ugandan law.

Required skills

• Strong networking, relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Analytical, strategic thinking and market intelligence capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and time management under pressure.
• Ability to assess strategic fit, risk, full cost recovery and financial sustainability.
• Strong IT fluency and use of emerging technologies.

The contract is fixed and renewable based on performance and funding. Applications close on 6 November 2026; candidates must submit a cover letter in English and a CV, and WaterAid advises against using AI in the application.