Head of Business Development

Internal vacancy

Scope: Global

Hours: 40 hours per week

Reports to: CEO

Term: 4 years

Office: All Hivos locations

Deadline: December 12th, 2025 (Midnight UTC)

About the Role

The Head of Business Development (HBD) reports directly to the CEO and is a member of Hivos Core Leadership Team (CLT) and responsible for managing the Business Development (BD) team.  As a member of the CLT, the role carries collective responsibility for leading the entire organization—working collaboratively with the CEO and fellow CLT members to shape strategy, uphold organizational culture, and ensure coherent, cross-functional leadership.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Business Development (HBD) translates Hivos’ strategy, intervention approaches, and commitment to local ownership into new, often multi-stakeholder, program proposals and secures funding for them. The HBD ensures that Hivos—and particularly its partner organizations and stakeholders—have the financial resources needed to implement projects and activities through which Hivos’ strategy is realized.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire business development process across Hivos.
• Secure donor funding to ensure Hivos and its partners can implement projects as per annual targets
• Monitor tenders and funding opportunities, coordinate co-creation with donors, and manage key donor relationships.
• Implement and streamline the Hivos business development process based on the Shipley approach (a comprehensive framework for business development and proposal writing).
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and effective contract negotiation within the granting process
• Oversee the development of innovative and high-quality program ideas aligned with Hivos’ strategy that also match donor requirement
• Build and maintain strong networks with institutional donors and key stakeholders.
• Represent Hivos at global events and in co-creation platforms.
• Lead, motivate, and develop staff, ensuring teamwork and professional growth.
• Foster collaboration with other departments
• Forging of new partnerships/consortia, whenever these are likely to produce better impact and access to new resources

Skills and Experience

• Relevant academic background and a proven ability to think and operate at a strategic leadership level.
• More than 10 years of progressive experience in business development within complex, international, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong expertise in identifying, shaping, and securing funding opportunities from institutional donors, philanthropic foundations, and other strategic partners.
• Ability to translate organizational strategy and thematic priorities into compelling, innovative, and competitive program concepts and proposals.
• Deep understanding of donor priorities, funding trends, and market dynamics, with the ability to anticipate shifts and secure funding in increasingly competitive contexts.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, financial forecasting, and ensuring alignment between program design and financial viability.
• Proven experience in leading end-to-end business development processes, ideally with familiarity or proficiency in the Shipley methodology.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure compliance with donor requirements and oversee effective contract negotiation during the granting process.
• Excellent networking skills and access to international networks, with the ability to build strong relationships with donors, partners, and co-creation platforms.
• Experience representing organizations in global fora, donor meetings, and partnership-building events.
• Inspiring people manager with a track record of leading, motivating, and developing diverse teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to foster integrated approaches and build strong consortium partnerships.
• Experience working within international organizations or networks, with a solid understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and locally led development.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter (maximum 1 page) and CV (maximum 2 pages) as soon as possible by clicking the ‘Apply here’ button. "Or something extra for applicants.