Manager - Business Development

ABOUT ASI 

ASI (Adam Smith International) is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. We develop strategies and design, deliver and evaluate programmes that stimulate economic growth, stability and good governance. 

For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development. Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed. 

This is an exciting time to join Adam Smith International and become part of a team of bright, dynamic and committed people, determined to transform lives for the better. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We are seeking an energetic and motivated professional with experience in the international development sector, who thrives in fast-paced environments and brings a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to business growth. 

As a Manager within Pakistan’s Business Development team, you will play a pivotal role in driving business growth and securing new opportunities. You will play a key role in the development of high-quality project proposals, focusing on both technical and commercial aspects. A core part of your role will be managing and contributing to priority tenders and bids, ensuring that all submissions are competitive, compliant, and strategically aligned with our business goals. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop winning strategies, craft compelling proposals, and strengthen client relationships 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS 

Internal: 

• Head of Pakistan as well as other team Business Development Team members.  

• Technical and Client Team Leaders as well as others involved in leading bids.   

External: 

• External Consultants  

• Consortium Partners  

• Clients  

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING 

• Lead and support on business development activities such as scoping missions, opportunity research, and pipeline management.  

• Lead small and medium sized bids, including planning and coordination of effort across proposal teams and provide effective bid leadership and support large bids, in the preparation of technical and financial proposals. As part of this process, incumbent could be required to step into technical drafting and will likely be required to participate in all parts of the bid development and bid writing process.  

• Formulate competitive commercial proposals ensuring value for money, effective risk mitigation and adherence to corporate financial objectives.  

• Build a strong understanding of client priorities, market trends, relationships and communications with potential consortium partners.  

• Build and maintain an understanding of our competitive positioning and those of our key competitors.  

• Search for, identify and engage high-quality associate consultants and following on from this, lead on the contract management/personnel management of those consultants (initiating NDAs/PTAs etc).  

• Produce high quality marketing material, including case studies from our previous and ongoing programmes.  

• Ensure management information is accurately and fully maintained.  

• Ensure that all ethical policies are followed, including identifying and managing any potential conflicts of interest 

• Following on from above, there may also be programme management opportunities within the company as and when work is secured. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• High quality technical and commercial proposals.  

• Strengthened competitive position of the company   

• Improved success rate in the conversion of proposals to wins.  

• Effective collaboration between teams and efficiency in the production of proposals and other business development activities.  

• Improved collection and sharing of business development resources and lessons. 

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Desirable – Masters in a relevant subject 

• Good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject 

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 

• Experience in the development consultancy sector, in producing successful bids, in particular FCDO, EU, World Bank.  

• Desirable - Experience in drafting Public Financial Management, Climate, governance and economic development proposals 

• Pakistan donor market experience and experience in understanding client requirements 

• Strong stakeholder engagement experience  

• Strong communication and presentation skills  

• Ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines  

• Strong prioritisation skills 

• Previous work experience with donor clients would be an advantage. 

COMPETENCIES: 

• Planning and delivering results 

• Quality and accountability 

• Continuous improvement 

• Exceptional writing and bid writing skills 

• Managing complexity 

• Innovation and change management 

• Communication and knowledge management 

• Leadership and direction 

• Collaboration and teamwork 

• Personal impact and effectiveness 

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Some understanding of the company’s technical services.  

• Some political, social and cultural understanding of the contexts we work in.  

• A strong understanding of the clients. Including:    

• priorities and aims  

• funding structures and agencies  

• Corporate structures  

• Ability to research and put together information needed for proposals.  

• Design of commercial proposals for smaller projects or contribution to larger/complex commercial structures.  

• An understanding of client procurement processes.  

• Some understanding of how to balance operational needs with budgets.  

• Knowledge of our duty of care responsibility as it relates to proposal development and project needs.  

SKILLS: 

• Ability to write clear, concise, comprehensive and persuasive proposals.  

• Budget, finance and forecasting skills.  

• Ability to build effective, credible client relationships and networks.  

ATTITUDE: 

• High level of emotional intelligence in the following areas:  self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, relationship management.  

• Strong sense of business ethics  

• Cross-cultural awareness 

• Excellent relationship building skills.  

• Proactive, self-starter, resourceful.  

• Open-minded, flexible approach to problem-solving.  

• Resilient to changing circumstances and challenges.  

• Achievement oriented.  

• Determination to complete work.  

• Trustworthy, reliable, professional, conscientious and accountable. 

WHAT WE OFFER YOU 

Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions – your ideas, expertise and unique perspective will shape our future.  

We offer: 

• Group Income Protection 

• Group Life Insurance 

• Gratuity  

• Private Medical Insurance 

• Travel Insurance (personal and professional) 

• 4 x mental health ½ days 

• EAP service 

What makes ASI a great place to work at: 

Impactful work: Lead and innovate in high impact portfolio of programmes that drive reach change. 

Grow with ASI: We offer dedicated support to develop your skills and progress in your career. 

Team That Inspires: Collaborate with brilliant, passionate colleagues in a dynamic environment. 

Diverse Workforce: Through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board, we ensure ASI is a place where you can be yourself and succeed. 

Flexibility That Works for You: We recognise the importance of your life outside of work and support flexible working. 

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU    

Excited to join us? Submit your CV (no more than two pages) and a one-page cover letter setting out your motivations and suitability. The deadline for applications is 30/OCT/2025.  

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.  

ASI encourages applications from candidates of all social backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and orientations.