Business Development Support Services Specialist 

USAID TLM Project 

2023 – 2026 

Job Location: Rwanda

Open to applicants from: Rwanda

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Start date: September 2023

Project Description 

The primary purpose of the 3-year, USAID Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) Supply Chain cooperative agreement in Rwanda is to strengthen the market system for teaching and learning materials and increase the quantity, quality, affordability, and accessibility of books and other reading materials (physical and digital) in schools, homes and communities, contributing to improved reading outcomes.

This proposed activity uses a market systems development approach to bring together stakeholders, identify points of leverage, and optimize the market’s functionality to strengthen the book supply chain in Rwanda and address the “business side of literacy.”

To become literate, children and families need access to reading materials; yet there is limited availability and irregular supply of reading materials in Rwandan schools and communities. This activity builds upon evidence and experience from USAID, the Global Book Alliance in Action (GBAIA), and the World Bank’s Results in Education for All Children (REACH) Trust Fund projects at the country level.

The Opportunity 

Room to Read (RtR) is a global non-profit organization focusing on primary school literacy and gender equality in education. We are seeking a Business Development Support Services Specialist for the anticipated three-year, $6 million USAID-funded Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) Supply Chain cooperative agreement in Rwanda.

The Business Development Support Services Specialist reports directly to the Book Supply Chain Technical Expert and leads improvements to the capacity of the Rwandan private sector to identify market opportunities, develop and grow their respective businesses.

What You’ll Do  

Marketing and Business Development 

  • Conduct extensive market research to identify book industry trends, potential investment opportunities, risk assessment, and competitive analysis.

  • Support preparation and facilitation of capacity building initiatives that drive industry-wide and segment-targeted advertising towards market expansion and business development.

  • Support the activities team on businesses’ private sector-led marketing and advertising campaigns.

  • Establish linkages and manage relationships with key stakeholders across components while acting as the point of contact for business development activities.

  • Coordinate updating of relevant databases of diverse stakeholders that influence business development.

Obtain Financing 

  • Co-develop and execute a targeted outreach strategy for businesses to engage with potential financing institutions.

  • Work with Rwandan bank(s) to establish improved financing arrangements for printers and publishers.

  • Support businesses in developing presentations and investor-targeted pitch decks for potential financiers.

  • Support financing process with the businesses from negotiation to closing of deals.

  • Collaborate with the activity, Education Development Centre, and Room to Read teams to gather activity-related information, financial data, and other necessary details for stakeholders’ presentations.

Other 

  • Monitor and report progress on investor engagement, financing targets, and key performance indicators.

  • Contribute to the activity’s workplans, progress reports, and other reporting requirements.

  • Be up to date with industry regulations, legal requirements, and compliance guidelines related to financing activities.

  • Support circulation of relevant thought leadership content to businesses.

  • Collaborate with Education Development Centre (EDC) and Room to Read teams to ensure success of the learning activities.

What You’ll Bring 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Strategic Management, Education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

  • Minimum 5-8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in business development, financing, and designing capacity building initiatives with a strong focus on securing investments.

  • Knowledge of USAID approaches, policies, and regulations and experience working with donor-funded projects.

  • Experience in the Rwandan or East African publishing context is required.

  • Demonstrated expertise in book supply chains, market systems development and private sector engagement.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with businesses, commercial banks, business advisory services, business development services providers.

  • Expertise working with relevant government institutions, the national guarantee scheme, public funding, and grants.

  • In-depth knowledge of investment strategies, financial analysis techniques, and investor relations.

  • Knowledge of relevant legal and compliance requirements in the investment industry.

  • Excellent business writing skills and exceptional presentation and negotiation abilities.

  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.

  • Strong analytical and research skills.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Kinyarwanda is required.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

To be successful at Room to Read, you will also: 

  • Have passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization.

  • Be a proactive and innovative thinker who achieves results and creates positive change.

  • Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.

  • Embrace diversity and a commitment to collaboration.

  • Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment.

Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled 

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