Business Development Officer

Company Description

About SNV

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. Driven by a vision of a better world where all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably, SNV strengthens capacities and catalyses partnerships that transform agri-food, energy, and water systems. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises. With 60 years of experience and a team of approximately 1,600 people, we support our partners in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia, tailoring our approaches to different contexts to achieve large-scale impact and create more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

About DFCD project

The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) is a €440 million fund, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Commission, aimed at financing climate adaptation projects in developing and emerging economies. It helps businesses develop scalable climate solutions by:

• Providing finance and technical assistance to climate-focused projects
• Mobilizing private sector investments
• Improving resilience for vulnerable communities and ecosystems

DFCD is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between leading NGOs, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and impact investors. Through its Origination Facility, the fund identifies and supports early-stage climate projects, particularly in OECD DAC Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Netherlands’ development priority countries.

DFCD operates through a blended finance model, leveraging the expertise of WWF-NL, SNV, FMO (DFI), and CFM (a private equity fund manager). It consists of three facilities:

• Origination Facility (OF): Led by WWF-NL and SNV, identifying and developing early-stage climate projects until they become investment-ready.
• Land Use Facility: Managed by FMO, investing in sustainable land use, agroforestry, and climate-resilient food production in vulnerable regions.
• Water Facility: Managed by CFM, focusing on water supply, sanitation, and ocean infrastructure projects with climate resilience benefits.

Since its launch in 2019, the Origination Facility has supported 40 projects and developed a strong investment pipeline. However, to ensure financial sustainability, DFCD is now prioritizing new funding mechanisms, particularly basket funding (pooled funding) and repayable grants.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a:

Business Development Officer to drive strategic fundraising efforts for DFCD’s Origination Facility (OF).

This role is critical in securing additional funding for DFCD’s next phase (beyond 2027) ensuring financial sustainability, and expanding its impact. You will lead resource mobilization at both global and regional levels, focusing on basket funding strategies involving international donor agencies, philanthropical foundations and other public/private organizations that can provide grant resources.

This joint position, hosted by SNV, is designed to support fundraising efforts for the Origination Facility which is managed by both SNV and WWF collectively. The BDO will report hierarchically to SNV while maintaining an operational line to the DFCD program managers of both SNV and WWF-NL. Collaboration with colleagues from both organizations is a key aspect of this role. The BDO can benefit from resources, tools, and expertise from both SNV and WWF.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising & Resource Mobilization: Identify funding opportunities, build relationships with donors, and lead proposal development to secure an additional €10 million per year for the Origination Facility
• Business Development Strategy: Align fundraising efforts with DFCD’s long-term financial sustainability goals, working closely with SNV and WWF global and regional teams
• Donor & Partner Engagement: Build and maintain a network of potential funding partners, including DFIs, private investors, and institutional donors
• Proposal Coordination: Lead or support high-quality funding proposals, ensuring alignment with donor requirements
• Contract Negotiations: Oversee contracting processes, manage risks, and ensure compliance with DFCD’s financial strategies
• Market Intelligence & Lessons Learned: Track global climate finance trends, evaluate past funding success, and enhance DFCD’s fundraising approach

Qualifications

We are looking for a driven and versatile professional who not only has the right experience, but also the ability to make an impact in a dynamic and international environment. As a candidate, you will bring with you the following:

✔ Experienced Business Development Professional – At least 5+ years in international fundraising, business development, or climate finance, preferably within DFIs, investment banking, or impact investing, and a proven successful track record in fundraising

✔ Strategic & Entrepreneurial – Able to drive fundraising efforts, identify new revenue streams, and develop innovative funding models.

✔ Network Builder – Proven skills in building partnerships with donors, DFIs, and private sector investors

✔ Proposal & Bid Expert – Experienced in leading complex, high-value funding proposals and bids.

✔ Negotiator & Deal Closer – Strong skills in contract negotiations, commercial bidding, and pricing strategies.

✔ Results-Driven & Impact-Oriented

✔ High level of understanding of blended finance, climate (finance) and/or sustainable development, with the ability to collaborate effectively with experts

Additional Information

Working at SNV

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a stimulating work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our team members benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of experts.

SNV strives to be an inclusive employer, thriving on the diversity of its people and does not discriminate on the basis of disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation, etc.

Additionally we offer:

• Contract Type: Fulltime (40 hours per week)
• Contract Duration: 2 years contract with potential for extension
• Expected Start Date: May 2025
• Duty Station: The Hague, The Netherlands