CAREER OPPORTUNITY: Business Development Officer Organization: International Business Connect Network for Economic Development (IBCN4ED) Location: Harare, Zimbabwe Position Type: Full-Time
About the Role IBCN4ED is seeking a dynamic, results-oriented Business Development Officer to drive our mission of socio-economic transformation. You will be instrumental in expanding our network, facilitating trade, and securing sustainable growth opportunities for SMEs, women-led businesses, and youth enterprises, fully aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and NDS2 strategic priorities.
Duties and Responsibilities
-Strategic Business Development Expand our member base across Startup, and Corporate tiers. -Spearhead initiatives across core pillars: Agribusiness (climate-smart training), International Trade (export-readiness), Green Economy (solar/clean energy), Digital Economy (e-commerce/ICT), and Mining Formalization (compliance). -Cultivate partnerships with investors and development agencies to co-design and fund high-impact programs. -Monitor KPIs focusing on measurable revenue uplift, job creation, and informal sector formalization. -Empowerment & Capacity Building Facilitate training in opportunity identification, business assessment, and sustainable model development. -Deliver leadership & mentorship programs focusing on decision-making, operations management, and team leadership. -Provide practical startup support, including business planning and operational improvement. -Manage networking forums to connect members with peers, mentors, and collaborators. -Capacity building to prepare participants for leadership roles in business and community initiatives.
Qualifications and Experience
-Proven professional experience in business development, project coordination, or community mobilization. -International Trade Expertise: Demonstrated track record in sourcing international suppliers, negotiating with vendors, and managing end-to-end import/export processes. -Market Development: Experience attending and trading at international business fairs, trade expos, and exhibitions. -Technical Trade Knowledge: In-depth understanding of freight forwarding, shipping documentation, customs duty calculations, and cross-border trade compliance (permits/licenses). -Strong analytical understanding of the Zimbabwean economic landscape. -Exceptional networking and communication skills with a professional commitment to Transparency, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Sustainability. -Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Development Studies, or a related field.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter detailing their experience relevant to our strategic pillars to: [email protected]
