International Director – Business Development and Innovation

Cordaid is an international organisation for development and humanitarian assistance, working especially in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Christian values of human dignity, justice, compassion, and care for the earth guide our work. Our mission is to work towards a world without poverty and with equitable opportunities for all.

More than 1.9 billion people live in these regions. Their quest is universal: to live in dignity. Cordaid addresses the root causes of fragility. We listen to people's needs and support locally-led programmes to strengthen and improve healthcare, education, agrifood and justice systems. Where disaster strikes, we join our partners in humanitarian action.

Cordaid is rooted in the Netherlands and has office branches in 15 countries in Africa and Asia with decades of in-country expertise. Approximately 1,000 employees dedicate themselves every day to fulfilling Cordaid's mission. We are also a member of international networks and alliances, such as Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, and CIDSE.

Cordaid is looking for a

International Director – Business Development and Innovation (based in The Hague)

What you do

The International Director of Business Development and Innovation will play a critical role in ensuring the organization’s financial sustainability and global growth. Has an in depth knowledge of the sector with a growth mindset. By driving strategic fundraising, fostering innovation, enhancing advocacy efforts and positioning, and strengthening communication strategies, this role strengthens the organization's ability to respond to evolving global challenges. The Director will leverage regional partnerships to expand the organization's reach and influence, ensuring alignment with its dual mandate and long-term mission.

This leadership position will be instrumental in achieving the organization’s growth ambitions, strengthening its reputation, and fostering collaboration across teams and geographies.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement strategies to grow and diversify funding sources, including private donors, institutional donors, corporate partnerships, and social enterprises.
• Lead advocacy and lobbying efforts to strengthen regional and global influence, focusing on partnerships Cordaid wide.
• Enhance the organization’s visibility by promoting its dual mandate and leveraging growth opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, CFO, and International Director of Impact to align business development initiatives with programmatic impact goals.

Business Development and Fundraising

• Oversee private and institutional fundraising efforts to achieve financial growth targets.
• Strengthen donor relationships, ensuring sustained and diversified funding streams.
• Lead the development of proposals and partnerships for new funding opportunities.
• Monitor trends in the nonprofit sector to identify emerging challenges and opportunities.

Innovation and Expertise

• Promote innovation by identifying and leveraging cutting-edge approaches to enhance program delivery.
• Oversee the development of innovative programming, ensuring alignment with donor priorities and organizational goals.
• Integrate technology and data-driven models into program design to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring alignment with Cordaid’s financial sustainability goals and prioritizing innovative solutions for locally driven development.

Advocacy and Lobbying

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies that influence policy and funding environments in key regions.
• Represent the organization in high-level forums, building partnerships to advance its mission and influence.

Humanitarian Assistance

• Develop vision and set goals for Humanitarian Assistance including support Country Offices for strategy and programme development, acquisition and technical support.
• Strengthen relationship with (global) partners for interventions and collaborate with local civil society organisations to respond to acute crises.

Positioning and Communication

• Strengthen the organization's positioning in key donor and funding markets by creating and executing a comprehensive communication strategy.
• Oversee the development of a consistent narrative for Cordaid’s dual mandate, ensuring alignment across all external communication channels.
• Guide the Team Positioning & Communication in promoting the organization's identity and fostering trust with key stakeholders.
• Enhance Cordaid’s reputation through thought leadership, impactful storytelling, and proactive engagement with media and other external audiences.

Team Leadership and Coordination

Provide leadership to the following teams:

• Team Marketing & Private Fundraising
• Team Positioning & Communication
• Team Programme Expertise & Innovation
• Team Humanitarian Assistance
• Team Institutional Fundraising

Profile

• A strong understanding of regional fundraising landscapes, with a least 15 years of experience.
• Proven success in fundraising, business development, and innovation within the nonprofit sector.
• Extensive network with local government bodies, international donors, institutional funders, and corporate partners.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement growth strategies that secure diversified funding.
• Experience integrating innovative approaches and technology into program design and fundraising initiatives.
• Strong advocacy and lobbying experience with a proven track record of influencing funding and policy environments.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on achieving financial sustainability and organizational growth.
• Expertise in positioning and communication strategies to enhance organizational visibility and reputation.
• A strategic inspirational leader capable of shaping and driving an ambitious business development and innovation agenda.
• Skilled at building and sustaining relationships with institutional, private, and corporate donors.
• A creative leader who can integrate innovative approaches and technologies into fundraising and program delivery.
• An excellent communicator with a strong ability to influence policy and funding environments in Europe and North America.
• A go-getter who works seamlessly with program, finance, and impact teams to align business development efforts with organizational goals.
• Must be legally authorized to work in The Netherlands.

Our offer

• A global organization with a focus on social entrepreneurship.
• Excellent employment terms and remuneration package aligned with seniority of the position and regulations of The Netherlands.
• A position for 1 year with the possibility of extension, starting as soon as possible.

Information and Application

Applications including a motivation letter and CV in English for the attention of Marie van Grotenhuis, Senior Manager Human Resources, including the contact details of references at the last two employers can be uploaded through our website.

For information on the content of the advertised position you may contact Human Resources through humanresourcesgo@cordaid.org.

Your application must be received 25 March 2025 at the latest.

Cordaid is fully committed to a safe working environment and the highest integrity standards. To read more on our commitment to Integrity, click here: https://www.cordaid.org/en/who-we-are/integrity-and-code-of-conduct/ An integrity screening will be part of this application procedure. Cordaid signed up to the IASC Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Applicants must be nationals of an European Union member State, or have a valid work permit for the European Union and reside currently in The Netherlands.

An assessment and / or a presentation of a “case study” can be part of the selection procedure.

For more information about Cordaid, please visit our website: www.cordaid.org.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.