Business Development Officer

Job Type: Contract (Full time contract for 1 year with possibility of renewal based on performance)

Job Location: Hybrid (80% remote, 20% onsite).

Travel: Up to 95% with cost to company

About Us:
Afro Technologies is a pioneering ed-tech startup dedicated to revolutionizing education in Africa with innovative technology solutions. We are driven by a dynamic team, committed to empowering learners and institutions with comprehensive ed-tech products, services, and consultancy. Our work environment fosters growth, innovation, and meaningful impact in education. We are on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to join our mission in transforming education across Africa. As part of our team, you will collaborate with top professionals, engage in cutting-edge projects, and contribute to educational transformation. We offer diverse career paths, continuous learning, and a supportive culture, all committed to educational excellence and success in Ghana and beyond. We provide competitive compensation, benefits, professional development, and a vibrant company culture. Join us and be part of our growing company team mission to create impactful educational experiences and revolutionize education in Africa!

Position Overview:
The Business Development Officer at Afro Technologies will play a key role in the expansion and growth of our company. The candidate will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and contributing to the overall revenue growth. This role demands a combination of market research, strategic analysis, and strong relationship-building skills. This role requires frequent travel and at short notice sometimes. The ideal candidate has the confidence to approach high-profile education executives and leaders and communicates excellently. You will most likely succeed in this role if you are tech-savvy, think outside the box and can see opportunity in problems. If you possess very good emotional intelligence, low ego and view constructive feedback as stepping stones for growth, then you are also most likely a fit for this role and you should consider applying. 

What you will do (your core responsibilities)
Market Intelligence and Opportunity Identification

• Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the edtech sector.
• Analyze market data to pinpoint potential areas for business expansion and product development.

Strategic Business Planning

• Formulate strategic business plans tailored to the unique needs and opportunities in the edtech industry.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align these strategies with the company’s overall objectives.

Client Acquisition and Relationship Management

• Actively seek new clients and partnerships to expand Afro Technologies’ reach and impact.
• Nurture and maintain relationships with existing clients, ensuring their needs are met and exploring opportunities for upselling or cross-selling.

Sales Performance and Revenue Growth

• Drive sales initiatives to meet or exceed set targets.
• Regularly review and report on sales performance, adjusting strategies as necessary to optimize revenue growth.

Collaborative Initiatives and Partnership Development

• Identify and engage with potential partners that align with Afro Technologies’ mission and values.
• Negotiate and secure partnerships that enhance business growth and product offerings.

Brand Representation and Networking

• Represent Afro Technologies at industry events, conferences, and networking meetings.
• Build a strong professional network to support business development efforts and increase brand visibility.

Product Knowledge and Client Education

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Afro Technologies’ products and services.
• Educate potential and existing clients about the benefits and features of our edtech solutions.

Feedback Integration and Continuous Improvement

• Gather client and market feedback to inform product development and business strategies.
• Collaborate with the product development team to ensure our offerings meet market needs and expectations.

What You Will Bring: Core qualifications you will possess 
Preferred Educational Background

• MBA with a specialization in Marketing and at least 2 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree in Education focusing on Higher Education Management and Administration OR
• Master’s in Computer Science with a strong background in technology sales OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with at least 4 years in a similar role OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science coupled with a robust technology sales background.

Industry Experience

• Proven experience in business development, preferably in the EdTech sector.
• Familiarity with the educational technology landscape and its evolving trends.

Strategic Thinking and Analytical Skills

• Ability to analyze market data and translate it into actionable strategies.
• Competence in identifying emerging market opportunities and crafting strategic plans.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent communication abilities, both verbal and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective networking and relationship building.

Sales and Negotiation Expertise

• Demonstrated ability in sales, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
• Skilled in negotiation and closing deals.

Technological Proficiency

• Comfortable with the use of technology in business processes and familiarity with EdTech products.

Team Collaboration

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, contributing to collaborative efforts.

Leadership and Initiative

• Leadership qualities with the capacity to take initiative and drive projects forward.

Adaptability and Learning Orientation

• Willingness to adapt in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Continuous learning mindset to stay updated with industry changes and advancements.

You’ll Impress Us If You…

• Have a Proven Track Record in Closing B2B Business Deals: Your experience in successfully securing significant business agreements, particularly in the EdTech or related sectors, will stand out.
• Possess Strong Familiarity with the Higher Education System and Operations: In-depth insights into the higher education landscape, its operational intricacies, and how they can be leveraged for business opportunities.
• Bring Experience in EdTech Sales or Implementation: Demonstrated involvement in the sale or implementation of educational technology solutions within educational institutions, showcasing your practical industry knowledge.
• Can Innovate in Marketing: Your ability to craft and execute marketing strategies that have tangibly enhanced brand presence and sales.
• Showcase Exceptional Networking Skills: Established connections within the education sector and a proven history of utilizing these contacts effectively for business growth.
• Exhibit Leadership in Strategic Partnerships: Prior experience in initiating and leading partnerships that have resulted in significant business advancement.
• Utilize Data-Driven Decision Making: A knack for making informed, analytical decisions that drive business success.
• Are an Innovative Problem Solver: A creative approach to resolving complex challenges in business development and client engagement.
• Demonstrate Effective Communication and Persuasion Skills: The capacity to clearly articulate ideas and persuade stakeholders, leading to successful business outcomes.
• Thrive in Fast-Paced Environments: A proven ability to adapt and excel in dynamic, evolving business settings.

What to Expect When You Are Hired
Within the First Week

• Immersion and Understanding: Dedicate time to understanding Afro Technologies, including our mission, vision, and key software products. This will involve engaging with team members, reviewing existing materials, and participating in introductory sessions.

Within the Second Week

• Development of Business Plan: Develop and present a detailed and aggressive business development and marketing plan. This plan should include clear strategies, targets, and a comprehensive budget for executive leadership approval.

Week Three or Earlier

• Commence Client Sourcing: Start actively sourcing potential clients. This involves networking, initiating contacts, and setting up meetings to discuss potential partnerships or sales opportunities.

Probation Period – First Three Months

• Proving Your Capabilities: The probation period is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and value to the team. You are expected to actively work on moving the business development pipeline.
• Closing a Deal: Successfully closing a deal during this period will be a significant achievement and will certainly impress the team.

Ongoing Expectations

• Continuous Growth and Engagement: Stay proactive in identifying new opportunities, refining strategies, and building relationships that contribute to the growth of Afro Technologies.
• Regular Reporting and Feedback: Keep the leadership team informed of your activities, progress, and any challenges you encounter. Seek feedback and use it to improve your strategies and approaches.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work collaboratively with other departments to align business development goals with the company’s overall objectives.

Compensation
You will receive an annual gross salary between GHC60,000 and GHC96,000 depending on your experience and qualifications. A myriad of factors will determine your final compensation for this role. In addition to your salary, you will receive a one-time professional clothing allowance to get you started. You will be provided with 24 hr access to the internet while you embark on business-related travel across the country. This package comes with all work-related equipment and tools you will require to be successful in your role. You will also be eligible for performance bonuses if you exceed your targets.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement 
At Afro Technologies, we believe that diversity is the catalyst for innovative and effective solutions in educational technology. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspective and skills. Our aim is to foster a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and the students and educators who benefit from our services. 

We recognize that inclusion is not about assimilation, but rather about honoring and celebrating the varied backgrounds, experiences, and ideas that each team member brings to the table. By actively embracing diversity in all its forms — including race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and cultural background — we cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect, collaboration, and continuous learning. 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of our corporate culture and integrated into our policies, programs, and practices. We are dedicated to continually developing a diverse talent pool, promoting equitable opportunities for all, and creating a workplace where all employees can thrive and drive innovation in educational technology.

Join us at Afro Technologies as we work together to build an inclusive, dynamic, and diverse team that leads the way in revolutionizing education through technology. Your voice, your ideas, and your passion are integral to our shared success and the impact we make on education worldwide.