Job Description

• Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
• Grade: S2
• Department: Business Development & Marketing
• Location: Head Office

Internal Relationship    

• Chief Executive Officer 
• Subsidiary/Functional Heads
• Business Development & Marketing Team 
• Departments

External Relationship    

• Foreign Business Delegates & Partners
• Multi-National Organizations/Agencies
• Ghanaian Entrepreneurs/Private Businessmen 
• Corporate Organisations/Clients
• Regulatory Agencies
• GIPC 

Key Result Areas

• Sales & Market Strategy & Policy 
• International Business Development Initiatives
• Business Analysis 
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Stakeholder  Relations & Management  
• Financial & Audit Management
• Information & Reporting
• Employee Performance & Development

Role Purpose

• To identify and lead the Company’s international business opportunities to maximise profit, shareholders value and improve on the growth of the Company.
• Scope of work includes providing technical advice in research, identification and formulation of business opportunities, initiatives and partnerships for the development of viable services/products for implementation. 

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Marketing Strategy & Policy 

• Provide technical expertise in the development and implementation of strategy/business plan for the International Sales & Marketing Unit as input into the overall corporate strategy of the Company.  
• Provide input into the development of policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work plans and other support systems including monitoring mechanisms in managing the International Sales Marketing Unit to achieve targeted objectives. 
• Participate in developing and implementing strategy for international sales and marketing that is appropriate to the current needs of the Company and take advantage of opportunities available globally.
• Lead in the implementation of comprehensive global strategy and tactical plan for business development, income generation and awareness-creation for the Company.
• Participate and provide technical expertise in the overall process of management and corporate decision-making to ensure the Company maximises its short, medium and long-term profitability and shareholder returns. 

Sales & Marketing Initiatives 

• Prepare action plans for effective search for international sales leads and projects
• Initiate and coordinate the development of action plans to penetrate international markets.
• Design and propose international sales and marketing programmes
• Set short and long term international sales strategies
• Develop and maintain international business contacts
• Work closely with the project, design, marketing and service delivery teams to ensure customer/client requirements are met on a timely basis

International Business Development Initiatives

• Provide leadership and technical expertise in the conception and formulation of international business ideas into saleable projects and identify potential partners for off-taker agreements in line with the Company’s long-term vision and business strategy. 
• Review, analyse and evaluate approved business strategies/plan for international business initiatives and provide detailed financial models to examine value of income generating business model ideas in line with the Company’s overall strategy/plan.
• Stay abreast with global market policy interventions on emerging bi-lateral and multi-lateral economic/social development initiatives and advise on potential business opportunities.
• Lead the International Sales & Marketing team in sourcing, managing and implementing new business opportunities/initiatives in line with the Company’s overall business strategy.
• Provide leadership in the development of international business proposals and major bids in line with required specifications (technical, regulatory, etc.) and service/project management standards.
• Review and analyse the operating business lines/markets of the Company and government’s development agenda regarding private sector participation and/or initiative and initiate action to position the Company for business opportunities.
• Provide technical expertise and advice to Management/Board on the Company’s business operations and other interventions to expand operations to become more competitive and viable.
• Develop innovative ideas and approaches to improve the Company’s business and service delivery.

Market & Business Analysis 

• Spearhead the marketing effort/functions of the Company’s to maintain a visible and active presence in the international market to enhance new business acquisition whilst supporting existing relationships.
• Direct research activities on existing markets and competitors to identify strength, weakness, opportunities and threats for the Company and develop measures to minimise the impact of threats and take advantage of the identified opportunities to maximise market share and profit.
• Provide leadership and direction in researching on the changing needs and expectations of customers/clients (existing and prospective) to inform the development of new products, services and projects for the Company’s business operations.
• Lead/direct and provide technical expertise in the development of marketing campaigns for new products and services and monitor its implementation to ensure compliance with approved strategies and policies.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Monitor potential international business opportunities and decide on which opportunities to pursue in close collaboration with all stakeholders and identify avenues for project financing.

Stakeholder  Relations & Management 

• Establish and maintain professional relationship and liaise closely with policy makers, and other business executives to explore business opportunities and advise Management and/or Board as appropriate.
• Forge/facilitate the development of strategic partnerships with potential business investors (international) for the Company’s businesses.
• Network with key stakeholders and other organizations (NGOs, private companies, and government) to generate ideas, create partnerships and implement business models.

Financial & Audit Management

• Responsible for the preparation of the annual budget for the International Business Development & Marketing Unit and monitor its implementation to ensure compliance.
• Participate in the negotiations for the award of contract to suppliers, consultants and contractors.
• Certify and recommend for payment invoices, claims, receipts etc. 
• Coordinate all internal and external audit programmes at the Department and follow-up to ensure that audit queries are handled expeditiously.

Information & Reporting

• Stay abreast with business-related legislations, rules and regulations in Ghana and countries of potential/current business partners and advise appropriately. 
• Responsible for the development of comprehensive database to track and provide information on all projects and other business initiatives undertaken by the company.
• Keep Managing Director and/or Board informed of potential business initiatives and emerging trends and best practices in project financing and management. 
• Prepare monthly/quarterly and annual business development report(s) to Management, Board and other relevant stakeholders to aid in decision making. 

Employee Performance & Development

• Maintain a professional staff with sufficient knowledge, skills, experience and professional certification. 
• Hold direct reports accountable for managing their assignments to ensure the department’s goals are achieved.
• Conduct performance appraisal and provide input for career development and recommend performance incentives for direct reports.
• Identify training needs and facilitate training for direct reports.

Required Skills or Experience

• At least a Master’s Degree or its equivalent professional qualification in Business Administration/Management, International Marketing, Economics or related field.
• Membership of a recognised professional body.
• Seven (7) years relevant work experience with at least 4 years in a similar role.

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough understanding of international business strategic development.
• Proven ability to articulate, package and present project/business proposals and clinch deals.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of business development, international policy, international marketing and information technology.
• Entrepreneurial drive, passion and ability to help shape the organisation’s international business development and marketing strategy.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills in English, French and Portuguese are essential.
• Strong international exposure and ability to work across international cultures and across multiple levels of authority.
• Consultative approach and ability to build strong stakeholder relationships relevant to the development of international business potential /partnerships to support business objectives.
• Considerable knowledge of Ghana’s Trade Policy, GIPC regulations and other regulatory bodies/agencies with regard to business operations and/or relations with foreign content. 
• Proven knowledge and understanding of project management.  
• Ability to set clear priorities between competing demands for resources and manage own tasks and priorities effectively. 
• Ability to review and analyse budgets and financial reports to see implications in the implementation and management of international business initiatives. 
• Strong networking and influencing skills
• Strong leadership, managerial and interpersonal skills in a "team" setting.
• Superior critical thinking skills to solve complex problems.
• Ability to work under pressure, in a target driven environment. 
• Advanced skills in the use of Ms Office suite