Application Guide

How to Apply for Call for Head of Business Development

at Crest Point for Consultancy and Development

🏢 About Crest Point for Consultancy and Development

Crest Point for Consultancy and Development (CPCD) is a specialized independent consulting firm focused on third-party monitoring, evaluations, applied research, and capacity strengthening for UN agencies, INGOs, and institutional donors across MENA, East Africa, and Eastern Europe. Their lean, remote-first structure offers significant autonomy and direct impact on high-stakes humanitarian and development programs.

About This Role

As Head of Business Development, you will own CPCD's growth strategy, managing the full proposal lifecycle from opportunity identification to submission while leading a small BD team. This role is critical to expanding CPCD's portfolio and deepening partnerships with key donors like USAID, FCDO, and UN agencies, directly influencing the firm's trajectory and mission reach.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing the BD pipeline and prioritizing opportunities with your team, then jump into a capture planning call for a USAID evaluation solicitation. Afternoon could involve negotiating a teaming agreement with a local partner in East Africa, followed by mentoring an intern on compliance review of a draft proposal. Your day balances strategic planning, hands-on proposal management, and relationship building.

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🎯 Who Crest Point for Consultancy and Development Is Looking For

  • Proven track record (5+ years) in business development for international development consulting, with specific experience in TPM, evaluations, and research proposals for USAID, FCDO, UN, or EU donors.
  • Expert in managing end-to-end competitive proposals, including go/no-go decisions, capture planning, partner consortium building, budget coordination, and compliance review.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience supervising and mentoring BD teams, interns, and cross-functional proposal teams, including performance management and capacity development.
  • Established network of relationships with INGOs, local NGOs, research firms, and consultants in MENA, East Africa, or Eastern Europe, with skill in negotiating teaming agreements and MOUs.

📝 Tips for Applying to Crest Point for Consultancy and Development

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific donor-funded proposal wins (e.g., USAID, FCDO) and your role in each, quantifying success (e.g., win rate, value of awards).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly name 2-3 donors you have experience with and describe a complex multi-partner proposal you led.

3

Demonstrate familiarity with CPCD's sectors (monitoring, evaluation, research) by mentioning relevant methodologies (e.g., mixed-methods, remote monitoring).

4

Show your leadership style by including examples of how you've developed junior BD staff or improved team processes.

5

Research CPCD's recent projects (from their website or LinkedIn) and reference one in your cover letter to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience leading successful bids for TPM, evaluations, or research contracts with donors like USAID, FCDO, or UN agencies.', 'Highlight your ability to manage the full proposal lifecycle and build strategic partnerships across diverse geographies (MENA, East Africa, Eastern Europe).', 'Showcase your leadership and team management skills, especially in mentoring and capacity building.', "Convey your understanding of CPCD's niche as an independent consulting firm and how you can drive growth while maintaining quality."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CPCD's website for their project portfolio, especially recent evaluations and research studies in MENA and East Africa.
  • → Look up CPCD's key staff on LinkedIn to understand team structure and areas of expertise.
  • → Check their donor partnerships: which UN agencies, INGOs, or bilateral donors have they worked with?
  • → Read any publicly available reports or publications by CPCD to understand their methodological approach and quality standards.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you led a go/no-go decision for a complex opportunity. What factors did you consider?
2 How do you prioritize opportunities across multiple donors and sectors? Walk us through your pipeline management approach.
3 Tell us about a proposal you managed that required building a consortium with local partners. How did you negotiate the teaming agreement?
4 How have you developed the skills of junior BD staff or interns? Give a specific example.
5 What is your experience with USAID's proposal requirements (e.g., ADS 303, cost volume)? How do you ensure compliance?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't reference CPCD's specific focus on TPM, evaluations, and research.
  • Avoid listing experience with only corporate or non-donor-funded BD; this role requires deep donor understanding.
  • Don't overlook the leadership aspect: failing to provide examples of supervising or developing a team will weaken your application.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 12, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Crest Point for Consultancy and Development!

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