Title: Executive Business Development Consultant – Indo-Pacific Region
Proposal Submission Instructions: Respondents should submit proposals with a workplan, approach, and costed budget as outlined in this document. All proposals must be submitted electronically to internationalops@fcm.ca by the specified deadline.
Proposal Submission E-mail: internationalops@fcm.ca
Procurement Advisor: Tariqul Islam
Closing date: December 15, 2025

STATEMENT OF WORK
Background
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is looking to expand its international engagement in the Indo-Pacific. As Canada has been deepening its strategic presence in the region, emphasis is placed on inclusive economic partnerships, trade facilitation, climate-resilient infrastructure, municipal governance, and engagement with key international funders, including governments, multilateral institutions, and major philanthropic actors.
As a recognized leader in decentralized cooperation, FCM leverages Canada’s municipal expertise to advance local governance, economic development, climate resilience, asset management, and now increasingly, trade-enabling development.
In this context, FCM is seeking a senior Business Development Executive, based in or with strong networks in the Philippines, Indonesia, or Vietnam, to lead business development efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. This position will focus on identifying strategic opportunities, fostering funder relationships, and co-developing high-quality proposals aligned with Canadian and regional priorities in governance, infrastructure, climate, and trade.
Objective & Key Deliverables
The objective of this engagement is to support FCM’s business development in the Indo-Pacific by identifying funding opportunities, cultivating relationships with key international and regional funders, and designing concept notes/proposals that align with FCM’s mission.

Key Deliverables:
 

1. Opportunity Mapping Report
   • A report (6–8 pages) identifying active and upcoming funding opportunities in the Indo-Pacific related to municipal development that includes climate resilience, governance, local economic development, asset and urban planning management and trade facilitation.
   • Focus on bilateral donors, multilateral institutions, and large foundations.
2. Funder Engagement Plan
   • A strategic engagement plan identifying priority funders, decision-makers, and providing advice and recommendation on partnership pathways in the region.
   • Includes relationship-building strategies tailored to Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with attention to donors supporting local governance, with a focus on climate resilience and mitigation, local economic development, asset management and trade facilitation.
3. Concept Notes & Proposal Inputs
   • Lead the development of at least two (2) high-level concept notes or early-stage proposals in collaboration with FCM staff and partners.
   • Concepts should reflect funder interests, trade and development linkages, and regional needs.
4. Pitch Deck & Partnership Material
   • A funder-facing pitch deck (10–12 slides) summarizing FCM’s municipal value proposition for the Indo-Pacific region.
   • Includes sample programming models, results stories, and alignment with the priorities in the region.
5. Final Consolidated Package
   • Submission of all materials (report, plans, concept notes, pitch deck) in a clean, organized format for internal and external use.

Scope of Work
The Business Development Executive will carry out the following tasks:

1. Market & Funder Intelligence
   • Analyze donor trends, development priorities, and procurement approaches in the Indo-Pacific region.
   • Track relevant strategies from GAC, banks including ADB, national development agencies, and foundations supporting the field of local governance and decentralized cooperation focusing on asset management, climate adaptation and mitigation, local economic development, and inclusive governance.
2. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Engage with regional offices or representatives of key donors, development banks, and foundations.
   • Conduct informal consultations or relationship-building meetings, with support from FCM staff.
3. Proposal and Concept Co-Development
   • Develop concept notes/proposals with the support of FCM team.
   • Collaborate with FCM’s program design and technical teams to conceptualize high-quality, funder-responsive program concepts.
   • Contribute to technical content development, theory of change, and outcome framing.
4. Strategic Positioning
   • Advise FCM on how to strengthen its positioning in the Indo-Pacific market through partnerships, visibility efforts, or strategic alignments.
   • Provide recommendations on long-term donor and trade funder cultivation strategies in the region.

General Work Process & Schedule

Phase	Timeline
Regional scanning and funder mapping	Days 1–7
Stakeholder consultations and meetings	Days 8–18
Concept development and pitch materials	Days 19–30
Review and revisions with FCM team	Days 31–35
Final package submission	Days 36–40

The Executive is encouraged to maintain regular communication with FCM staff and share drafts iteratively throughout the process. Flexibility is expected to accommodate key meetings with stakeholders or shifts in donor timelines. The work plan may be adjusted by mutual agreement based on emerging opportunities or priorities.
Reporting and Coordination

• Reports to: Gaby Senay, Director, International Programs | G&D - Capacity & Sector Development
• Work Arrangement: Remote, with preference for candidates based in Philippines, Indonesia, or Vietnam
• Languages: English (required); knowledge of regional languages is a strong asset

EXPERTISE REQUIRED

• Minimum 15 years of experience in international development, donor engagement, or business development
• Strong experience with municipal governance, asset management planning, and climate resilience is a significant advantage.
• Deep familiarity with the Indo-Pacific development and economic landscape, including ADB, bilateral agencies, and philanthropic donors.
• Strong networks with government, multilateral, and non-governmental stakeholders in Southeast Asia
• Demonstrated experience in developing proposals, partnership strategies, or funding concepts for large institutional donors.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, and writing skills

ESTIMATED LEVEL OF EFFORT & BUDGET
Estimated Days 30-40  
Note:
Submissions must include the proposed daily rate in USD. The daily rate should be inclusive of all professional fees, applicable taxes, and related charges. Limited travel may be required; any travel must be pre-approved through FCM’s internal process prior to booking.