Exchange is a Belgian not-for-profit organisation (in Dutch ‘vereniging zonder winstoogmerk’), active in the North South development cooperation. It was founded in 2001 and is based in Antwerp (Belgium). The organisation has operational teams in its 8 countries of activity in Africa: Malawi (since 2010), Mozambique (2018), Rwanda (2007), South Africa (2001), Uganda (2007), Ghana (2021), Morocco (2022), and Tanzania (2023). The organisation is funded by subsidies and grants, gifts from private companies and income it generates through services to partner organisations and companies in the North. Every operating cycle of 3 years is concluded by an audit, which may result in changes in strategy and methodology. The new operating cycle starts in January 2024 and will terminate in December 2026.

Since Exchange’s establishment in 2001, the organisation has been supporting the growth ambitions of African private, SME-scale enterprises. Exchange and its funders strongly believe that the private sector is key to creating welfare and prosperity by offering jobs and social interaction. Supporting this sector in its growth and realisation of new opportunities results in social progress.

Job Purpose

Members of the South teams of Exchange vzw. in the focus countries are called Business Development Managers (BDMs).BDMs are the local contacts of Exchange in the country, in which they operate and represent the organisation. Business Development Managers are accountable to the Programme Manager (PM) of their specific country in the North team.
BMDs are responsible for liaising between the North Team in Belgium and the owners of programmes of cooperation in their country.

• BDMs follow up the ongoing growth programmes on a regular basis, creating the best conditions for them to thrive.
• They welcome and accompany Exchange team members and volunteer experts during their missions, while, if needed, taking care of the organisational aspects and support of the volunteers’ activity.
• BDMs are proactively gathering information on business environment, economic opportunities and social evolution in the country, supporting the PM in drafting the Country Strategy Paper and updating him/her on important events and political decisions with impact on the economy of the country.
• On occasional basis, they are requested to complete contextual tasks. In the strategic cycle 2024-2026, this will include studies and contact search in support of a pilot project Exchange is hosting on partnerships between African and Belgian enterprises,working name ‘Company Partnership Platform’.

In the operating cycle 2024-2026, Exchange will focus on two specific domains of the North South cooperation. First, the exchange of expertise, niche of Exchange’s activity since its founding in 2001 and presented in the introduction and on the website. And next to that, the carrying out of a pilot project, ‘CPP’ (Company Partnership Platform), aimed at bringing private companies 

a) North and South together in partnerships. The domain of expertise exchange remains the main focus of Exchange. In that context, the Business Development Manager: Is local contact of Exchange vzw. in the focus area (for South Africa, Gauteng or Cape) and represents the organisation

• Reports to the country Programme Manager in the North team
• Is responsible for liaising between the North Team and the contacts, entrepreneurs and institutions in the focus area
• Follows up ongoing growth programmes (longer term cooperation agreements between Exchange and South entrepreneurs)
• Participates in an Exchange bi-annual North South staff convention and workshops meeting abroad
• Accompanies the programme manager, programme coaches, sector coaches, volunteer consultants and other Exchange’s associates during their visits in the country. Organises their transport, accommodation and meetings when requested (approximately 15 days per year)
• Screens new possible partner companies and organisations, looking for new opportunities and presenting them to Exchange.
• Audits the preselected companies to see if they can suit Exchange’s approach and inversely, checks whether the South company or partner can have real benefit from cooperation with Exchange.
• Programme managers can ask to focus on specific sectors or areas, such as manufacturing, agro-business, circular economy, ICT-sector, tourism, and logistics, Exchange’s six focus sectors.
• Takes up research for the ‘Country Strategy Paper’. Gathers data on the economic situation and on doing business.
• Updates proactively the programme manager on meaningful events, trends and opportunities in the country.
• Prospecting and networking: takes part in events to broaden Exchange’s network, presenting Exchange appropriately
• Sends in monthly report of activities done and planning for the next month, as well as ad-hoc high-quality reports of the work to the PM.

b) In the context of the pilot project ‘Company Partnership Platform’, that Exchange takes up in the operating cycle 2024-2026, the Business Development Manager will be asked to participate in the elaboration of the project, as well as taking up specific tasks. The BDM might also be asked to relay CPP related tasks to specialists in the country (eg. marketing studies, specific prospects).

The Business Development Manager should hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, preferably in relevant subjects including economics and business studies.

The BDM should possess the following skills:

• Good communication skills
• Good business knowledge
• Negotiation skills
• Tact and diplomacy
• Creativity
• A good grasp of numbers and the ability to write documents in a professional style
• Organizational skills
• A hunger to stay up to date with economic matters
• The ability to keep objectives and goals firmly in sight
• The ability to remain flexible and seek alternative options to problems
• any previous experience in sales, marketing, or private sector development is valued
• Deliverables and reporting
  
  BDMs send a monthly report of their activities. The PM sets specific deliverables, which are discussed and agreed upon beforehand.
  
  Economic aspects and compensation
  
  The BDM works under a Memorandum of Understanding (no employment contract) with Exchange, and is considered a volunteer. He/she receives a fixed fee per month as compensation for his/her expenses and efforts. This lump sum is paid every month, independently of possible holidays or months without specific activity. The sum is paid upon reception and validation of the BDM’s monthly reports by the programme manager.
  
  The average workload expected will vary, but the compensation paid represents a maximum of 80 workdays per year or an average of 6 to 10 full days per month, but again, the engagement will vary according to periodical needs.
  BDMs cooperate with Exchange while possibly having an employment contract with other companies/organisations, meaning this position can be perfectly combined with other jobs, given its part-time nature.
  3/4 Exchange vzw. – job description BDM – v.NOV23
   BDMs receive corporative business cards, an Exchange e-mail address and use of office environment and promo material. His/her name appears also on the official website of Exchange as contact person in their country.
  
  Duration and terms
  
  This MOU is at-will and may be modified by mutual consent of authorized officials of Exchange vzw. This MOU shall become effective upon signature by the candidate and a representative of Exchange vzw.
  The relationship between the BDM and Exchange vzw has to be understood as a gentlemen’s agreement, based on mutual respect, trust and unity of purpose. It can be interrupted at any time by both sides without formal justification. The BDM and Exchange vzw commit to respect their agreement, placing the ethical purpose of Exchange’s mission above personal interests.