Business Development Manager

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

Together with the Knowledge, Influencing and Programme Development team (KIPD) you will works to strengthens WaterAid’s positioning in the water and WASH sector and ensures effective partnership development in line with organisational strategies, policies and values. )

About the role

As our Business Development Manager, you will leads the identification and development of new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships for WaterAid Netherlands. You will contributes to the design of high-quality programmes focusing on WASH, Water security and climate in collaboration with WaterAid member offices and country programmes. You will work closely with the Corporate Fundraiser, the Policy advisor and the two Managing director to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Identify new funding opportunities, market trends, and strategic partnerships in the Netherlands, aligning them with organisational priorities and long-term planning.
• Lead institutional fundraising efforts and support the development of high-quality proposals, ensuring compliance with donor and organisational standards.
• Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with key donors, partners, and stakeholders across the water, climate, and WASH sectors.
• Develop and support innovative programmes and partnerships to diversify income and expand impact.
• Collaborate across internal teams and represent the organisation in networks and events to enhance visibility and influence.
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

To be successful, you will need:

• 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

 Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• 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. 

View the full job description: JD Business Development Manager

Closing date:

Applications close 12:00 PM NL time on 24MAY. Interviews will be planned on a rolling basis and the application may close earlier.

How to apply:

Click Apply to upload your CV only and Cover Letter. The recruitment process consists in 2 interviews, a reference check, and a certificate of good conduct (VOG).

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.

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

Our People Promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!