Business Development Manager (Dutch speaker)

Job purpose

The Business Development Manager leads the identification and development of new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships for WaterAid Netherlands. The role contributes to the design of high-quality programmes focusing on WASH, Water security and climate in collaboration with WaterAid member offices and country programmes. The roles support the diversification of income with a core focus on institutional funding and large philanthropic donors.  

Working within WaterAid’s federated model, the postholder strengthens WaterAid’s positioning in the water and WASH sector and ensures effective partnership development in line with organisational strategies, policies and values. 

Team description

The Business Development Manager is part of part of the Knowledge, Influencing and Programme Development team (KIPD).  They  works closely with the Corporate Fundraiser, Policy Advisor, and the two Managing Directors to build networks in the corporate, government and civil society sectors. They will repport to one of the Managing Director.

Accountabilities

- Business Development, Strategy & Planning 

Identify and assess new funding opportunities, market trends and strategic entry points in the Netherlands for WaterAid with a core focus on institutional donors. 

• Contribute to organisational planning, forecasting and pipeline development for new programmes and partnerships. 

• Ensure strategic alignment of opportunities with WaterAid’s global vision, thematic priorities and country strategies. 

- Funding & Account Management 

• Lead and coordinate institutional fundraising efforts, including engagement with governments, philanthropy and the water sector in the Netherlands. 

• Support the development of high-quality, competitive funding proposals and bids, working closely with WaterAid country programmes, member offices and technical teams. 

• Explore and support the development of innovative programs within the water sector in the Netherlands to diversify income sources.  

• Ensure all funding and partnership development complies with WaterAid policies, donor requirements and quality standards. 

- Partnerships & Relationship Management 

• Strong account management on key accounts and build relationships with key donors  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, contractors, consultants and private sector actors in the water and WASH sector in the Netherlands. 

• Initiate partnerships with other relevant CSO’s  

• Identify new trends and developments specifically in the water and climate sector, relations, and potential partnerships relevant for WA NL  

• Participate in relevant network events in the Netherlands and internationally to WaterAid NL 

• Identify opportunities for fundraising on key thematic area’s Water security, climate and gender 

• Represent WaterAid Netherlands in relevant sector networks, forums and events, strengthening WaterAid’s profile and influence. 

• Support the development and management of new and existing partnerships, including collaboration on joint bids and initiatives. 

- Cross-Organisational Collaboration 

• Work collaboratively with programme, technical, finance, advocacy and communications teams across the WaterAid federation. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor and partner engagement using WaterAid systems, including CRM.

Essential skills

• Fluent in Dutch and English (must have)
• Significant experience in institutional fundraising and programme development within the WASH, water security, climate and gender sector (8+ years of experience)  
• Significant experience in the Dutch water sector and brings a large network (8+ years)  
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage strategic partnerships across public, private and civil society sectors. 
• Experience working in international, federated organisations. 
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences. 
• Ability to work independantly and take initiative  
• Capacity to collaborate at the organisation and the federation level
  

Desirable skills

• Experience working with innovative financing mechanisms  
• Strong knowledge and expertise on gender and climate justice   
• Experience with locally led adaption programme developement 
• Familiarity with CRM systems and donor management tools. 

What do we offer ?

You will receive a 1 year contract for 36 hours per week with possible extension. The salary is depending on your experience within a range of EUR 3969,03 to EUR 5782,13 gross/month. 

Other benefits include:

• 5 weeks’ leave plus 2 additional holidays
• 8% holiday allowance
• Commuting allowance or NS Business Card
• Pension scheme
• Disability and income insurance
• Attention to wellbeing: weekly bootcamp sessions, team activities, and opportunities for professional development.

Our office is at Naritaweg 135, Amsterdam, five minutes from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. We work hybrid, with two days in the office and the rest from home.

How to apply ? 

Upload your motivation letter and resume (in English, max. 4 pages) before May 24nd  via the application button.

The recruitment process consists in 2 interviews, a reference check, and a certificate of good conduct (VOG).

Safeguarding is a priority: the safety of our partners, employees, and communities is fundamental. Safeguarding is integrated into our policies, and checks are part of the recruitment process

 We are an equal opportunity employer and actively welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Do you have questions about this position? Please contact Camille Grasset, HR Manager

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We welcome applications from all backgrounds and especially encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.

The safety of children, staff, partners, and the communities we work with is a top priority. Any form of abuse is not tolerated, and safeguarding is part of our recruitment process.

By applying, you confirm your information is accurate and that you have no history of criminal offenses, misconduct, or Code of Conduct violations. If selected, the process includes financial crime screening, reference checks (including standardized misconduct checks), and a recent Criminal Records statement (VOG, Netherlands).