At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business development and global program management strategies in exciting frontier markets.
- Company: CrossBoundary Advisory, a leading investment advisor focused on underserved markets.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, network with industry leaders, and contribute to impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your skills in a dynamic, global environment.
- Qualifications: Current MBA or graduate student with a passion for international development and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: 12-week summer commitment in Washington DC or London with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
About CrossBoundary Advisory
CrossBoundary Advisory, part of CrossBoundary Group, is a leading investment advisor focused on unlocking private capital in underserved markets. We have advised on US$12+ billion of closed transactions across agriculture, health, education, manufacturing, ICT, infrastructure, and clean power. Our clients include governments, development finance institutions, foundations, private equity firms, corporates, and research institutions. With 180+ professionals in 20+ offices across Sub‑Saharan Africa, the Middle East & North Africa, Asia‑Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Latin America & the Caribbean, we combine local presence with global expertise to structure bankable transactions and scalable programs.
Who We Are
The CrossBoundary team is a unique group made up of people who are genuinely excited by the opportunity to make a difference in some of the most challenging yet exciting markets in the world. Team members come from diverse backgrounds but share a number of qualities: curiosity, humility, integrity, a drive for excellence, and a bias for action.
What You’ll Do
CrossBoundary Advisory’s Corporate Development team is hiring an MBA associate to support business development (BD) and global program management (GPM) strategy based in Washington DC or London. Experience in management consulting, blended finance, and/or international development is preferred. The role supports internal strategic growth, covering global business development, internal strategy, program management. You will own projects such as designing, developing, and presenting in-depth analysis, new processes, and resources for senior leadership across the firm. Projects include analyzing pricing strategy, supporting BD across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, identifying trends in opportunity sourcing, and conducting market research on development finance industry funding activity and indicators. You will conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, synthesize recommendations, and support business development pursuits. Position begins early June and continues until early August: 12-week commitment.
Primary Responsibilities
- Business Development & Global Expansion
- Lead and support strategic BD efforts, including global bids, task orders, and high-value opportunities aligned with corporate mandates.
- Conduct market and competitor analysis, leveraging internal data and external intelligence to inform positioning strategies.
- Participate in industry events and networking forums, representing CrossBoundary and building relationships with donors, primes, and strategic partners.
- Build internal capacity on donor market dynamics and competitive strategies to win new clients.
- Global Program Management Support
- Assist in implementing global frameworks and mandates, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy.
- Coordinate cross-functional projects requiring collaboration across regions and service lines.
Who you are
- A current MBA or graduate student in a relevant field.
- Self‑starter who is passionate about creating lasting change in frontier markets.
- Deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities businesses face in frontier markets, and macro‑economic trends that impact them.
- Past exposure to Development Finance Institutions and/or development agencies is particularly relevant.
- Comfortable with ambiguity; able to operate effectively in a changing context.
- Prior experience in consulting, growth strategy, business development in international development is preferred.
- Willing to work in Washington DC or London for the summer.
- Strong presentation, quantitative, and analytical skills: can think clearly, structure problems logically, and design implement solutions focused on core issues.
- Willing to take on new types of work, even without prior experience or direct supervision.
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to deliver high‑quality output within time constraints.
- Familiarity and comfort with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CrossBoundary is an equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to recruiting@crossboundary.com.
Application Process
Please submit only one application. In your application, you will have the opportunity to indicate your top 2nd and 3rd region or team preferences. Applicants who are shortlisted for interviews will be notified by mid-January 2026.
MBA Associate 2026 - Corporate Development (BD & Global Program Management) employer: CrossBoundary Group
Contact Detail:
CrossBoundary Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MBA Associate 2026 - Corporate Development (BD & Global Program Management)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field. Don’t be shy to introduce yourself and share your passion for development finance; it’s all about making those valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your analytical skills! Prepare to discuss your past experiences with quantitative and qualitative analysis. Be ready to present your findings clearly, as this will demonstrate your ability to think critically and solve problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Be adaptable! The role requires you to be comfortable with ambiguity, so highlight your experiences where you’ve thrived in changing environments. Share examples of how you’ve tackled challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in frontier markets.
We think you need these skills to ace MBA Associate 2026 - Corporate Development (BD & Global Program Management)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for making a difference in frontier markets.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission and can connect their background to what we do at CrossBoundary.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your analytical and presentation skills! We’re looking for someone who can think clearly and structure problems logically, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CrossBoundary Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into CrossBoundary Advisory's work and their impact in underserved markets. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and understand the challenges they tackle in sectors like agriculture and clean power. This knowledge will help you connect your experiences to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves quantitative and qualitative analysis, be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully used these skills. Think of a time when you conducted market research or developed a strategy that led to measurable results. Highlight your ability to structure problems logically and deliver high-quality output.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Development
CrossBoundary is looking for self-starters who are genuinely excited about making a difference. Share your motivations for wanting to work in frontier markets and how your background aligns with their goals. This could be through past experiences or academic pursuits related to international development.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the company’s strategies and future projects. Ask about their approach to business development in different regions or how they measure success in their initiatives. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.