Business Development Officer

Project Background: RSPN is implementing the project titled ‘Balanced Energy Protein (BEP) Pakistan Rural Market Test’ in three districts of Punjab and Sindh Provinces, i.e., Bahawalpur, Kambar ShahdadKot and Jacobabad. The project is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and focuses on sensitization of organized communities, in the three districts, on Health, Hygiene and Nutrition products through implementation of Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health and Nutrition approach (IRMNCH+N). RSPN is working with organized communities for the identification of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) who conduct door-to-door visits for sensitization of the communities on IRMNCH+N issues and sale of Balanced Energy Product (BEP), health and hygiene products. Currently, RSPN is working with 300 CRPs. 

Based on the learnings from the three project districts, RSPN intends to expand to other districts and provinces in the long run and is in the process of developing a Long-Term Business Plan for this purpose. The concept is to build upon existing rural outreach of RSPN to develop technology oriented and economically empowered, rural women sales forces, to deliver products and services for a range of commercial companies, donors as well as the government, while achieving financial sustainability.

Position Summary: Business Development Officer will play a vital role in overseeing and optimizing the commercial aspects of the project's operations. His/her primary responsibility will be to manage and enhance profitability, performance and business growth through strategic planning, effective negotiations, and strong relationship management with vendors and stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities shall include:

• Review BEP’s existing business model and make suggestions for improvement.
• Conduct market research and analysis to stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and customer needs.
• Identify new business opportunities, potential clients, and markets to expand the project's customer base.
• Develop and implement strategies to penetrate new markets and acquire new customers.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with suppliers / partners and industry associations to enhance business opportunities and stay updated on industry developments.
• Collaborate with BEP project team to ensure a seamless flow of information and effective coordination.
• Build the capacity of BEP project team on commercial / business development aspects of the project.
• Monitor CRP sales, analyze sales data, and implement improvements to optimize CRP’s sales performance.
• Develop project’s sales and marketing strategy with target audience in mind.
• Conduct analysis of sales of each product in the basket in each district and customize baskets in line with data received.
• Design promotional strategies for different products and train CRPs to improve sales.
• Determine pricing strategies based on market analysis, cost considerations, and profit margins.
• Review the current product mix and suggest changes keeping in view customer needs while ensuring profit maximization.
• Review and negotiate contracts with suppliers / partners, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that align with the RSPN / project's objectives and mitigate risks.
• Set performance goals / sales targets, conduct performance evaluations / progress reviews, and implement strategies to enhance project’s productivity and efficiency.
• Monitor financial performance, analyzing sales figures, costs, and expenses. Prepare and present regular financial reports and forecasts to senior management, highlighting key metrics, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify and assess potential risks, such as market fluctuations, regulatory changes, or contractual issues, and develop strategies to mitigate them. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and RSPN / donor policies.
• Assist Project Manager BEP in collaborating with consortium partners’ teams to develop proposals, presentations and sales pitches.
• Support Project Manager BEP in developing and regularly updating project’s Long-Term Plan.
• Attend various donor and committee meetings and assist Project Manager BEP in presenting business development strategies and Long-Term Plan at such meetings.
• Perform any other task assigned by Project Manager BEP and/or COO RSPN.

Skills & Abilities:

The role requires a combination of business expertise, sales acumen, in-depth understanding of competitive market, strong negotiation skills and strategic thinking.