OTT is a global consultancy and platform for change. We support and strengthen the work of research organisations, foundations, governments and non-governmental organisations in support of better-informed decision-making.
Through our consultancy work, we develop tailored solutions to specific challenges. With services spanning research, learning facilitation, strategy and evaluation, we partner with organisations to drive evidence-informed change.
Through the On Think Tanks platform we build, nurture and support a global community of people working in, with, and funding think tanks.
OTT is a fully remote global organisation. Our consultants, associates and partners are from all around the world, and from different disciplinary and cultural backgrounds.
OTT is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and do not allow discrimination on grounds of race, gender, religion or age. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
The role
You will lead the development and implementation of OTT’s growth strategy in close coordination with OTT’s Executive Director and working with OTT’s Finance Director, Communications Director and Senior Associates.
The growth strategy will include two dimensions: (1) business development– acting as the commercial lead in bid writing and management, and client relationship management and (2) organisational development– ensuring OTT has the right people, skills, processes and systems to respond to business opportunities and grow sustainably. A key aspect of the role is to maintain a healthy balance between both external and internal growth.
Key roles and responsibilities
Business development
Develop and execute a business development plan and budget to support the organisation’s financial sustainability and growth.
We expect this to include:
- setting revenue targets, managing budgets and forecasts.
- convening regular business development meetings.
- reporting regularly to the Senior Management Team on progress against stated goals.
- improving systems to track new business leads and active bids.
- supporting the team in donor/client prospecting, cultivation and stewardship.
Commercial lead-in proactive and reactive fundraising activities (bids).
We expect this to include:
- identifying potential new sources of institutional and project funding.
- overseeing bid submission timelines and processes.
- managing relevant due diligence, and organisational and staff information for proposals.
- supporting technical leads to write strong proposals and prepare budgets.
Lead on client relationship management, including reporting requirements.
We expect this to include:
- supporting the team to understand donor/client accountability requirements,
- supporting technical leads to writing donor/client reports that meet requirements,
- working with the OTT Programme Manager to improve systems for tracking projects, and delivery from proposal to final report submission.
Organisational development
Develop and execute an organisational development plan.
We expect this to include:
- identifying gaps in team skills and experience and how best to address them.
- managing OTT’s community of consultants to best respond to opportunities.
- reviewing and improving employment/contractual arrangements.
- reviewing and improving partnership arrangements and terms.
- improving, developing new, and communicating policies and processes.
Financial and administrative support
We expect this to include:
- supporting the Director of Finance to develop the annual organisational budget.
- tracking staff time across projects.
- helping to develop quarterly management performance reports.
Experience and skills
- We are looking for someone who will help us take this role forward. We will be learning and relying on you and your experience!
- Experience in a business and organisational growth role or context.
- Experience and ability to work in partnership with OTT technical leads.
- Strong experience in monitoring projects and budgets.
- Experience working with research and evaluation projects would be highly desirable.
- Familiarity with the field of international development, its main donors and actors. It would be bonus if you were familiar with the field of evidence informed policy.
- Experience working with US foundations, EU and/or USAID projects is highly desirable.
- Experience/capacity to learn relevant UK regulations.
- Excellent forecasting/planning, organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to use own initiative with minimum supervision and make decisions.
- Excellent communication skills, including good written and spoken English.
- Multitasking skills in a high-pressure environment and able to work to strict deadlines.
- Knowledge of a language other than English is desirable.
- Advanced IT/computer skills – in particular excellent command of Excel.
- High level of numeracy.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
Other useful information
Conditions of employment
- Long-term consultancy contract estimated at 220 days per year. If UK-based you will be employed full-time.
- OTT being a networked organisation, you’ll be expected to work from home or in your own workspace.
- OTT will provide any necessary software and online services as well as reimburse you for costs related to printing, posting and other necessities. You will need to provide your own computer.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
The closing deadline for applications is 28 July 2022
Interviews will be held with Enrique Mendizabal