Business Development and Proposal Manager

Who We Are

It all started with a simple idea in 2011: Let’s build a development consultancy firm where the only priority is to help those in need. Profit, image and politics are all secondary.

Today, MzN International operates as a social enterprise, helping NGOs and international organisations in 50 + countries around the world do good – better – and making business operations, models and strategies more sustainable. We are guided by a strict ethical code and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

• A social enterprise We operate as a financially sustainable enterprise. All the work we do generates a surplus with which we finance investments in continuous improvement and research.

• Our ethical code We are committed to strict ethical guidelines, including the Red Cross Code of Conduct and other international standards. We refuse to work with organisations that undermine these standards and values.

• Challenging conventional thinking We think outside the box, continue to challenge assumptions and invest in research and innovation. In 2014, we worked with the University of Bristol to develop a new concept of beneficiary-led aid. In 2015, we worked on the co-developed Humanitarian Impact Bonds to help close the gap in funding for humanitarian assistance worldwide.

• A bit dfferent Because we are a professional services and development consultancy firm operating as a social enterprise, we do things a bit differently. Instead of a lengthy set of rules for our employees, we promote autonomy and self-responsibility. This keeps internal red tape to a minimum. In fact, our employee guidelines fit on just one page.

• We operate digitally We work digitally. Our digital infrastructure allows us to work flexibly, asynchronously and to hire the best, most diversified talent, regardless of where they are located.

• 100% carbon negative Like every year, in 2023, we calculated our carbon footprint and are planting trees through The Generation Forest cooperative to double offset our carbon emissions.

About Human Planet

Visit the Human Planet website

Our Core Offerings

We deliver transactions and strategic advisory to investors, asset managers, companies, donors, and organisations by mobilising capital to support development, humanitarian, and climate projects worldwide.

For Capital Providers

Deep expertise, robust networks, and end-to-end support for structuring and monitoring investments.

For Capital Seekers

Tailored advisory for fundraising, project design, expansion, and impact creation.

For Governments & Donors

Strategic advice that shapes policies and unlocks sustainable impact.

Learn more

A career that fits you

We are problem solvers and creative thinkers, facilitators and analysts. We work with non-profits and corporates across the globe towards the SDGs. Doing good is hard work. We know that it needs to be done better.

We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate and pragmatic about what they do. What makes us different is our unwillingness to settle and our unrelenting drive to make doing good better.

If you match this mind-set and have the relevant thematic and regional expertise, then we would like to hear from you.

We only accept applications for the vacancies below and we look at each application. You will be kept informed about every step of the review process. MzN is an equal opportunity employer. All our offices are barrier free.

Whether you are an experienced professional or recent graduate, working with MzN International could be a rewarding and challenging next step. We come from a wide variety of backgrounds. What unifies us is our unrelenting drive to do better.

Diversity and inclusion

Inclusion and diversity is not just an important topic to talk about. It is a right. And we know that diversity is our strength as a global team. To put this into practice, we designed a transparent career ladder, an open remuneration structure and work in open digital spaces where every team member can contribute.

The job has to fit your life. Not the other way around.

We think that your friends, family and health come first. Always. We therefore build a work structure that is digital first, office and location free and based on self-responsibility. There are no official working times, no fixed location requirements and flexible holiday arrangements. We have no more offices and you can work when and where you want.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• Flexible working arrangements – work anytime
• Paid parental and carer leave
• Work anywhere with full employment benefits – available in over 160 countries
• Additional contributions to your pension, health insurance and other social security where needed
• Bonus and equity scheme

Good work starts with the right opportunity. Development and climate funding is moving fast: DFIs, multilaterals, foundations and NGOs are all looking for partners who can deliver. The best contracts go to those who prepare early, choose well and write clearly.

We are a group of two brands under common ownership. MzN International has helped more than 300 NGOs in over 35 countries since 2011. Human Planet, including Human Planet Carbon, helps NGOs, foundations, development agencies, DFIs, founders and companies mobilise private capital for a healthier, fairer, greener and more just planet.

We are now looking for a Business Development and Proposal Manager, part-time or full-time. The purpose of the role is to find the right bidding opportunities, position us early, and turn the expertise of our whole team into winning proposals.

We work with advanced AI agents that scan the market, filter opportunities and help draft. They make us fast. They do not make decisions. People do. You will be the human judgement at the centre of that system.

Role:

You will run the business development cycle for both brands: from spotting and qualifying opportunities, through pre-positioning, to compliant and compelling submissions. At the heart of the role, you draft and submit high-quality proposals every week.

You bring the commercial acumen and the process. The technical content comes from our partners and experts across the group, in blended finance, carbon markets, NGO strategy and organisational development. You draw it out, shape it and hold it to a deadline. You have weekly access to all partners.

Our AI agents do much of the scanning, sorting and first drafting. You direct them, check their work and make every call that matters: what we bid for, who we team with, what we promise and at what price, with the partners signing off.

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