Program Development Officer

Primary Objective/Position Summary  

The Program Development Officer is an integral member of CNFA’s Program Development Team contributing to the business development process in the construction of winning proposals enabling the organization to grow strategically. 

General Responsibilities 

The PDO will be responsible for a wide range of functions, including but not limited to: 

• Engage in networking, research and analysis to collect information that contributes to our ability to: make strategic and informed decisions regarding new business opportunities; position the organization with donors and partners given evolving trends in the agriculture arena of international development; and identify and respond to specific upcoming proposals; 
• Provide coordination, management and development of business planning activities across various countries and sectors.  
• Act as Proposal Manager to lead the development of proposals to ensure full and final submission of complete proposal and addenda; and convene and facilitate post-submission debriefs. This includes but is not limited to working with the team in managing all phases of the proposal development process from the capture to the submission, including consultant and partner management, proposal conceptualizing and writing, personnel recruitment, budgeting, proposal compliance and overall process and content management, etc.; 
• Contribute to the creation of institutional systems that provide: improved methods of forecasting upcoming business opportunities and develop plans at the country and regional levels; ensure that templates and tools for proposal development are developed, and staff is adequately trained in various aspects of our work; work to smooth collaboration across the organization in the functionality of proposal team methodologies; actively coordinate and participate in planning and/or status meetings to ensure proper adherence to good proposal management practices; 
• Represent CNFA at conferences, workshops, client meetings and other relevant industry gatherings; and 
• Perform a variety of other related duties as required. 

Qualifications: 

Education  

Minimum Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; Masters in a related field preferred.   

Experience 

Minimum three years of experience in proposal preparation or related profession. 
Two or more years of relevant international development experience highly desirable. 

Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities 

• Excellent conceptual, verbal and written communication skills. 
• Proven experience new business development and/or fundraising. 
• Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.  
• Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.  
• Ability to develop strong trusting relationships in order to gain support and achieve results. 
• Ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities. 
• Ability to work in an environment with international objectives. 
• Ability to be flexible and interpersonal skills to interact with employees at all levels. 
• Ability to travel as required. 

CNFA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of CNFA to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, veteran status, or on the basis of personal favoritism or other non-merit factors, except where otherwise provided by law. 

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION & CONTACT INFORMATION CNFA provides a reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact the CNFA Home Office Human Resources Department via email at accomodation@cnfa.org or via phone at 202-296-3920 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job with us.