Do you want to join this mission by mobilising resources, partners and networks? Are you passionate about international cooperation and developing propositions and proposals for our work? Then we encourage you to apply for the role of Strategic Partnership Lead!

Your role?

In this position you are responsible for developing proposals and strengthen our relationships with important (potential) funders, such as institutional donors and foundations, and for creating partnerships with civil society organisations and other (consortium) partners. You take a key role in securing new income to sustain and grow our portfolio in the areas of resilient livelihoods, inclusive education and global health by coordinating and writing winning proposals and developing competitive propositions. In terms of donors, VSO’s primary focus is on the EU, ECHO and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addition to a focus on expanding to other European governments and a number of foundations. In the role of Strategic Partnership Lead, you will be responsible for:

Developing winning propositions and proposals for institutional donors

  • Raising VSO’s programme income, by coordinating the internal development process fornew proposals and initiatives, possibly with (local) partners.
  • Monitor key donors of VSO for latests trends, developments and opportunities and engage when opportune.
  • Developing capture plans that highlight VSO’s unique proposition for specific opportunities of institutional donors and foundations
  • Actively contributing to the writing process to arrive at competitive and innovative propositions and proposals.

Building strong relationships with donors and partners

  • Taking the lead in positioning VSO towards the European Union and towards key European donor countries and EU and European missions in programme countries, in order to position VSO for opportunities. Monitoring and/or influencing donor policies and trends.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with important contacts within donor organisations and their representative country offices (embassies, delegations). Support and advise others (e.g. country teams) within VSO regarding relationship management.
  • Establishing cooperation agreements with strategic partners regarding funding opportunities. Maintain relevant networks.
  • During the implementation of programmes, ensure the relation with a donor is carefully maintained, financial and other (reporting) guidelines are properly implemented, in collaboration with financial colleagues.

With whom?

In this role, you will be working closely with global thematic experts on education, health and livelihoods, programme development specialists, business pursuit colleagues in programme countries and a range of other VSO colleagues, including our country teams, with the aim of developing solid and competitive proposals, in line with VSO’s strategy. You will also work with (local) strategic partners if VSO decides to partner with them in the development of a proposal or proposition.

You will be working as part of the enthusiastic, diverse and international team of VSO Netherlands (25 colleagues) in Utrecht, with other colleagues in the partnership team. You are also part of the global business development team of VSO, which is dispersed over our offices in the United Kingdom, East Africa, Southeast Asia and the United States, with a matrix line to the head of this team.

Your profile

  • At least 5 years of relevant experience and expertise in the field of institutional fundraising and business development.
  • You have worked extensively with key European donors, experience with the EU or ECHO is a pre.
  • Able to demonstrate previous success in securing institutional funding and building relations with key donors.
  • Demonstrable expertise in the field of international development cooperation and with civil society, preferably in the areas of education, health and/or livelihoods. VSO’s focus is mainly on East Africa and Southeast Asia. Experience in these regions is preferable.
  • Able to drive the development of exciting and inspiring propositions and to lead key account management.
  • Strong in building relationships. You pay attention to careful follow-up in relationship management and are experienced in negotiating collaboration agreements.
  • You have excellent communication skills, are persuasive and easily create support for your ideas. High degree of organisational sensitivity and can work well with people from different backgrounds.
  • You work easily under pressure and can manage tight deadlines.
  • Excellent and provable writing skills in English.
  • Opportunity to travel.
  • As this role is based in Netherlands, you have the right to work in Netherlands.

Our offer

  • Working in a dynamic international organisation towards an inspiring mission, with many opportunities for personal development.
  • An opportunity to develop innovative and effective proposals together with VSO colleagues in Africa and Southeast Asia
  • A contract of 32-36 hours for 1 year with a possibility of extension.
  • Excellent working conditions; Collective Labour Agreement for Social Work.
  • Salary: depending on experience, scale 10 minimum €3.285,- maximum € 4.927,- based on 36 hours.
  • A monthly accrued individual budget (IKB); made up of 18% of the gross salary.
  • A personal training budget.
  • Possibility to work (partly) from home.
  • VSO is located in Het Nieuwe Kantoor (HNK), an inspiring and contemporary environment within walking distance of Utrecht CS.

Apply now!

Are you enthusiastic about this role and do you meet the criteria in our profile, do not hesitate and apply immediately! Mail your motivation and CV in English no later than 22 May 2023, stating: vacancy Strategic Partnership Lead to Anita van Dijk: personeelszaken@vso.nl.

If you would like to know more about this position, please contact Irene Sleven, co-director VSO Netherlands: 030 2320600. A reference check will be part of the recruitment process.

VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.