Business Development Advisor

Job Title:                                       Business Development Advisor

Department:                               Business Support Department

Location:                                      Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Position Reports to:                 Country Director (CD)

Position Type:                            Fixed-Term (1 year with potential extension), Full-time

CARE INTERNATIONAL IN LAO PDR

CARE International is a global NGO working to end poverty and achieve social-justice. We rebuild and improve the lives of the most vulnerable groups, especially women and girls who are often the most marginalized individuals in their communities and face unequal access to social and economic rights. In 2024, CARE worked in more than 100 countries around the world, supporting 200 million people from vulnerable communities to fight poverty and social injustice. To date, CARE supported over 52 million participants to promote lasting change in their lives, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

CARE International in Lao PDR began its operations in 1992 and has worked since then to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in both rural and urban areas, particularly the ethnic minority communities. CARE works in partnership with community members, the government, local civil society organisations, and the private sector. CARE currently implements projects in seven provinces: Vientiane Capital, Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Salavan, Champasack and Sekong.

CARE’s “Marginalized Women and Girls” program empowers women and girls to exercise their rights, to lead and make decisions, and benefit from socio-economic justice through thematic focus on women’s health, women’s economic empowerment and women’s resilience and climate change. CARE has extensive experience and expertise in both of these areas and will continue to pursue evidence-based practices to deliver long-lasting solutions effectively and sustainably.

Job Summary / About the Role

The Business Development Advisor (BDA) is responsible for driving the growth and sustainability of CARE International in Lao PDR (CIL) by leading all resource mobilization and business development efforts. This position’s core objective is to diversify and increase funding streams by developing and overseeing comprehensive resource mobilization strategies, with a strong focus on securing both institutional grants, exploring private sector partnerships and other pilot innovative initiatives. Ultimately, the Business Development Advisor is expected to collaborate closely with the program department to contribute to CIL’s capacity to implement its programs and achieve its mission based on the designs. This will ensure program quality, foster sustainable growth, and contribute to funding diversification and long-term sustainability.

The position involves collaborating with different CARE offices, particularly CARE USA and relevant CARE Member Partners.  The position also connects closely with Resource Mobilization position at the Asia Regional Office.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master Degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, Business Management or equivalent relevant fields.
• At least 5 years’ experience working in business development/resource mobilization role;
• Sound understanding of development in the context of Lao PDR.
• Demonstrated and relevant overseas field experience in leading program development and program planning.
• knowledge of development programme cutting edge thinking, concepts, analysis and tools, in one or more of CARE international in Laos’ thematic priorities including health, women economic empowerment, gender-based violence, climate change resilience or civil society development.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity strengthening of staff and proven ability to lead, manage and mentor or coach staff and partners in different contexts and needs.
• Demonstrated understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment and a commitment to CARE’s approaches and values including ethnic diversity and cultural sensitivity.