JOB TITLE: Business Development Manager – Strategic Partnerships
COMPANY: Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB)
REPORTS TO: Director of Destination Marketing
ABOUT RWANDA CONVENTION BUREAU (RCB)
The Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) is the national body mandated to position Rwanda as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). RCB works closely with public and private sector stakeholders to attract international events, develop strategic partnerships, and grow Rwanda’s global competitiveness in the MICE industry.
POSITION SUMMARY
RCB is seeking a highly strategic and results-driven Business Development Manager – Strategic Partnerships to lead the development and execution of business growth strategies for Rwanda’s MICE sector. The role will focus on identifying, attracting, and securing strategic partnerships and multi-year events that contribute to MICE revenue growth and industry development.
The incumbent will play a key role in positioning Rwanda as a preferred destination for international organizations, conferences, and business events while strengthening RCB’s global partnerships network.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategy Development and Implementation
- Develop and implement RCB’s business development and strategic partnerships strategy in alignment with organizational objectives.
- Design annual and multi-year business development plans and budgets to support MICE growth targets.
- Identify emerging global trends in the MICE industry and integrate them into strategic planning.
2. Strategic Partnerships Development
- Identify, pursue, and secure high-value strategic partnerships that contribute to MICE revenue generation and industry development.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with international associations, event organizers, corporate clients, and global MICE stakeholders.
- Actively attract and negotiate multi-year events and long-term partnership agreements.
3. Business Growth and Market Expansion
- Develop strategies to diversify MICE revenue streams and expand Rwanda’s market share in the global events industry.
- Collaborate with internal departments, including Industry Development Division (IDD), to align business development efforts.
- Identify and target regional and international organizations suitable for hosting events in Rwanda.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Networking
- Represent RCB in regional and international MICE platforms, exhibitions, and industry forums.
- Build strong linkages between RCB and global MICE players, including associations, PCOs, and destination management companies.
- Strengthen collaboration with local stakeholders to enhance Rwanda’s MICE ecosystem.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of MICE partnerships and events hosted in Rwanda.
- Provide regular reports on business development activities, pipeline progress, and revenue impact.
- Track industry trends and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making.
6. Relationship Management
- Maintain long-term relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders to ensure repeat business.
- Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and engagement throughout the partnership lifecycle.
KEY DELIVERABLES
- Approved business development and partnership strategy
- Pipeline of secured strategic partnerships and multi-year events
- Revenue growth and diversification of MICE portfolio
- Regular market intelligence and industry analysis reports
- Strong international and regional MICE network for RCB
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, International Business, or related field with at least 5 years of experience in business development or strategic partnerships in an international context.
OR - Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field with at least 7 years of relevant experience in a similar role.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Proven track record in developing successful international business relationships
- Strong negotiation and deal-closing skills
- Excellent strategic planning and execution abilities
- Strong analytical skills with ability to identify investment and growth opportunities
- Deep understanding of the MICE industry and global event landscape
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple high-value projects simultaneously
- Strong leadership skills with ability to work independently and within teams
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French and Kinyarwanda is an added advantage
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial mindset
- Results-driven and highly proactive
- Strong networking and relationship-building abilities
- High integrity and professionalism
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, international environment
Click here to visit the source
