Application Guide

How to Apply for West Africa Business Development Manager. (Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal)

at BURN

🏢 About BURN

BURN is the world's leading manufacturer of efficient cookstoves, uniquely combining environmental impact with commercial success across Africa. Their innovative biomass stoves reduce carbon emissions by up to 60% while saving households money on fuel, creating a powerful dual mission of sustainability and poverty alleviation. Working here means joining a proven social enterprise that has already transformed millions of lives while operating at scale.

About This Role

This role drives BURN's expansion across four key West African markets by building the distribution network for biomass stoves and cookware. You'll be responsible for recruiting and managing national importers, negotiating exclusive agreements, and converting LPG stove importers to BURN's products. Your work directly expands access to clean cooking solutions while managing P&L for new markets.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day typically involves video calls with potential importers in Ghana, negotiating contract terms with a trading group in Dubai, analyzing market data for Senegal expansion, and collaborating with BURN's Nairobi HQ on product adaptations for West African markets. You'll spend significant time building relationships across cultural and linguistic boundaries while driving concrete commercial outcomes.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who BURN Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of business development experience specifically in Sahel and Francophone West Africa markets (not just general African experience)
  • Possesses established relationships with senior decision-makers at major trading groups/importers in West Africa's home appliance or consumer goods sector
  • Is well-connected within the Indian and/or Lebanese business communities in West Africa and global hubs like Dubai
  • Has proven experience negotiating complex distribution partnership agreements and managing multi-country P&L

📝 Tips for Applying to BURN

1

Quantify your West Africa experience: specify which countries you've worked in, revenue generated, and number of partnerships established in the region

2

Name-drop specific trading groups or importers you have relationships with in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, or Senegal

3

Highlight any experience converting traditional fuel appliance distributors to cleaner alternatives

4

Mention your connections within the Indian or Lebanese business communities in West Africa specifically

5

Include examples of negotiating exclusive importer/distributor agreements with clear commercial terms

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience in Sahel and Francophone West Africa markets with concrete examples', 'Existing relationships with home appliance importers/trading groups in the target countries', 'Experience negotiating complex distribution agreements and managing P&L for new markets', "Understanding of both the commercial and social impact aspects of BURN's mission"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → BURN's specific product lines and how they differ from traditional cookstoves
  • → The current distribution footprint in West Africa (which countries have established presence)
  • → Carbon credit mechanisms and how they impact BURN's business model
  • → Competitive landscape for cookstoves in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would approach recruiting national importers in Côte d'Ivoire versus Nigeria
2 Describe a time you converted a competitor's distributor to your product line
3 How would you structure a Joint Business Plan with a new distributor to ensure mutual success?
4 What strategies would you use to engage LPG stove importers who may be hesitant about biomass products?
5 How do you maintain relationships with decision-makers across multiple countries and cultures?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only general African experience rather than specific Sahel/Francophone West Africa expertise
  • Failing to demonstrate existing relationships with relevant trading groups or importers
  • Focusing only on sales metrics without showing understanding of partnership development and P&L management

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

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 BURN!

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