Principal Officer Business Development

About this role

The East African Development Bank is recruiting a Principal Officer, Business Development to lead its business development function across four member states. Reporting to the Country Manager within the Business Development and Operations Directorate, the post-holder drives growth strategies, identifies new market opportunities, builds partnerships and manages client relationships to expand the bank's footprint and revenue base. The officer develops business development strategies aligned with organizational goals, conducts market and competitive research to identify emerging trends, and sets team targets and growth plans. They secure new clients across sectors and regions, deepen relationships with existing clients, and lead contract negotiations to deal closure.

The role also builds alliances with financial institutions, government agencies, NGOs and private sector players, and manages joint ventures. The officer supervises and mentors business development staff, oversees training initiatives, and prepares performance reports and market intelligence for senior management. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance or a related field, plus a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline. At least seven years of experience in business development, project finance or investment management is required, including three years in a supervisory, client-facing role.

Experience working with government agencies, private sector players and development partners is essential; relevant professional certification is an added advantage. EADB also expects strong negotiation and presentation skills, strategic thinking, leadership and team management experience, and a results-driven, customer-focused mindset. The position is full time and office-based in the host country, which may be Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania or Rwanda, with frequent regional travel and field visits to project sites and partner offices. The grade is D2 and the role has one direct report, a Senior Officer, Business Development.

Compensation is not stated, but applicants must indicate expected gross salary. Applications should be sent to recruitment@eadb.org by 23 October 2026, quoting the position and country in the subject line.