One growing network. One shared mission. Includovate (Include+Innovate) incubates inclusive and rigorous research talent. That talent will help to create an equal world free from biases where knowledge is co-created, and justice is clearly defined. Are you passionate about inclusion and equality and ready to make an impact in a startup organisation? 

We believe that your attitude matters more than your experience. We are looking for an ambitious, motivated, passionate individual who wants to make the world more equal. We are a mission-first and salary-second organisation.

Our fast-paced organisation values collaboration, capacity building, and a growth mindset. We look for people who are lifelong learners, hard workers, empathetic, and supportive. We promote excellence at Includovate. This is not a conventional job. Includovators improve the world by removing data biases, power imbalances and discriminatory mental models through evidence and learning. We guarantee interesting work.

Job Summary: 

As the Business Development Head, you will be responsible for driving business growth, building business pipelines, and expanding our client base within the development sector. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leadership role requires deep expertise in securing funding, particularly from international donors such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The ideal candidate is a feminist with a strong understanding of research and evaluations, committed to promoting gender equality and inclusive practices. You will leverage your extensive network and experience in proposal writing to achieve sales targets and mentor the business development team, fostering leadership and professional growth. Additionally, you will mentor and lead the business development team, providing guidance on professional growth and developing future leaders. A key component of this role involves reviewing proposals to ensure high-quality submissions that align with our mission and goals. We prefer candidates who have worked in the Australian market and possess a strong network and contacts within the region. This role is crucial in helping Includovate expand its presence in Australia.

• Business Development & Management :
  
  • Tender Search: Conducts weekly searches of tenders, RFPs, and other call-outs for consultants, compiling a list of proposals in the pipeline for the BD team.
  • Develop Includovate-specific strategies for funding and partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability and competitive advantage.
  • Lead the end-to-end business development process, including prospecting, qualification, proposal development, contract negotiation, and closing deals.
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities through proactive lead generation, market research, networking, and engagement with potential clients.
  • Shape new business opportunities and execute winning capture strategies that align with company capabilities and experience.
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to identify opportunities
    for business growth.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with government partners, international organizations, thought
    leaders, and major donors.
  • Manage the Proposal Writing process for short-term (STO) and long-term opportunities (LTO), ensuring high-quality standards.
  •  Effective management of the Business Development team consisting of Proposal Writers, Program Managers, Bid Owners, Team Composer etc., ensuring we have a solid pipeline of diverse proposals.
  •  Oversee the management of Includovate’s CRM systems for clients and subcontractors.
  • Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on success metrics, pipeline status, an revenue forecasts.
• Team Building and Mentorship: 
  
  • Lead and mentor the business development team, focusing on team building, professional growth, and developing future leaders. 
  • Create and implement growth plans for team members, providing regular feedback and support to enhnace their skills and career progression 
  • Foster a positive and inclusive team environment, encouraging collaboration and continuous learning. 
  • Proposal Allocation: Ensures proposals are reviewed, completed, and submitted to clients on time

• Collaboration: 
  
  • Assist in negotiations with current and potential clients, building trustworthy relationships for future Cooperation
  • Collaborate with research teams to develop tailored solutions and proposals that meet specific clients needs. 
  • Oversee the transition of won contracts to program management.
  • Increase Includovate’s client base and maintain strong relationships with existing clients.
  • Prepare Program Managers (PMs), Researchers, and external team members for client interactions.
• Partnerships:
  
  • Manages various processes, including team composition, proposal progress, CRM boards, resources, and proposal costs. Develop and pitch proposals to secure new clients and partnerships.
  • Attend conferences, meetings, and industry events to expand the network of personal and professional relationships.
  •  Conduct tender searches and collaborate with the marketing and partnerships teams to diversify the client base.
  • Contribute to the development of Includovate’s business plan and align key goals with the strategic vision.
  • Work with the broader Operations and Marketing Team to develop engagement plans and
    partnership assessments/approaches.
  • Manage the Senior Proposal Writer and the business development team, stepping in when needed.
  • Establish strategic partnerships with major development organizations to collaborate on joint long-term projects, thereby accelerating our growth, especially in areas where we may not have the capacity to win projects independently.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualifications) in business management, development studies, economics, education,
  law, management, public administration, sociology, and/or statistics.
• Minimum 5 yrs of relevant work experience in business development ideally in proposal management with minimum
  2 yrs of experience in managing a team.
• Ideally, you will have experience in proposal management, proposal writing, team composition and coordination.
• Strong organisation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Fluency in English (being bilingual is an advantage, optional).
• Familiarity with using software to manage projects and run reports/analytics is preferred.

• You listen well, instead of reacting fast, so you can better understand.
•  You’re concise and articulate in your communications
• You are good at planning and implementing even small tasks.
• You learn eagerly and rapidly.
• You are a democratic and reject command-and-control structures.
• You take smart risks, creative and curious.
• You think of critical feedback as a growth opportunity
• You believe in gender equality and equal opportunity
• You are a feminist

• Work Location: Preferably based in Australia. Remote work with flexible arrangements is available. Candidates must have a computer/laptop with a high-speed internet connection.
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full time position.
• Work hours: Flexible working arrangements apply, with some work falling outside core business hours to accommodate time zone differences.
• Remuneration: Competitive, based on the candidate’s location and role suitability.