The Research and Development Manager will play a key role by serving as a catalyst for portfolio development and growth by driving innovation and advancing high-impact philanthropy and fundraising initiatives within the organization. The role holder will be responsible for spearheading the development of creative and high-impact project ideas to support our philanthropy and fundraising initiatives that drive positive social change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement Research & Development strategies for High-Impact Project Ideation in alignment with organizational goals and objectives, to achieve portfolio growth.
• Conduct in-depth research on current trends, emerging issues, and best practices within the social development sector to stay abreast and inform on Research & Development (R&D) initiatives.
• Identify gaps in existing philanthropic and fundraising initiatives to derive statistical measures and opportunities for innovation and portfolio growth.
• Develop innovative, high-impact, and sustainable project ideas that address identified needs within the social development space in alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional units (Business Development, Projects, Impact & Communications) to refine and develop project ideas, ensuring alignment with organizational values and standards.
• Lead the product/project life cycle by conducting feasibility & needs assessments and development of business cases & concept notes to evaluate the potential impact, scalability, and sustainability of project ideas.
• Catalyze portfolio growth through the support of the Business Development Unit with information to prepare compelling pitches and proposals to secure funding and support for selected project ideas.
• Liaise with the Projects Unit to ensure the implementation of funded projects is aligned with project sustainability and impact objectives.
• Continuously learn from project successes and failures, adapting strategies as needed and incorporating feedback into future project development processes.
• Stay updated on relevant funding opportunities, grant programs, and partnership opportunities within the social development sector to support product/project development activities.
• Prepare and present regular reports to the senior leadership on R&D activities, outcomes, and impact.
• Lead an R&D Team as needed to ensure quality and consistency with work output.
• Perform any other related tasks as assigned by the Senior Manager, Business Development, and Head, Portfolio & Operations.

Education Qualifications

• Minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Information Technology, Project Management, Nonprofit Management, or any related discipline; a Master’s Degree will be an added advantage.
• PMP/PMI Certifications will be a high-added advantage.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of working experience in Project/Product Development or Business Development, preferably in a nonprofit or diplomatic mission-related industry, with at least 3 years in a managerial position.
• Strong understanding of social development issues, philanthropy, and fundraising principles.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing innovative and high-impact projects or initiatives.

Knowledge Requirements

• Strong Knowledge of Research Methodologies
• Knowledge of Philanthropic & Donor compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Legal & Ethical Considerations in Research
• Strong Knowledge of project management and impact monitoring practices.
• Project/Product Lifecycle Management
• Knowledge of business development and fundraising best practices
• Financial Management Knowledge
• Technology & Innovation
• Knowledge of Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc) and Shared Drive Management (Google Drive). Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word) is also preferred.

Skill Requirements

• Creativity & Innovation Skills
• Planning & Organization Skills
• Excellent Communications Skills (Written & Oral)
• Negotiation and Influencing Skills
• High Attention to Detail
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Leadership/People Management Skills
• Highly Tactful & Professional
• Strong Strategic Thinking & Management Skills
• Adaptability & Resilience
• Time Management Skills
• Team Building and Interpersonal Skills
• High sense of Integrity & Confidentiality