Key Account Leader – Netherlands/Europe

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.   

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Netherlands/Europe ODA (NL/EU) Key Account Leader includes:

• Direct the integration of IFDC’s business development goals for stewarding the funding relationship with the Directorate-General, International Cooperation of the Netherlands (DGIS) and a select number of ODA (technical cooperation) donors in Europe, chosen based upon their planned funding of programs in IFDC’s core competencies and their delegated cooperation with DGIS and/or Embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands;
• Serve as the main point of contact of IFDC with the funder at the headquarters level and collaborating with the Capture and Proposal Management team, Country Directors (CDs) and Program Managers (PMs) in their day-to-day interactions with the funder’s representatives at the country level;
• Stay abreast of new/changing trends, priorities, demands, and challenges among priority European funders within IFDC’s strategic areas and offer valuable insights and recommendations to IFDC colleagues about growing funding for additional research or programs;
• Support Country Directors to identify appropriate international partners for upcoming opportunities with priority funders (e.g., to meet nationality requirements);
• Ensure the quality and consistency of IFDC’s technical solutions and communications with priority funders throughout the business development and project life cycle to meet funder goals, including:
• Serve on review teams for concept notes, proposals and related budgets submitted to priority funders;
• Negotiate or support negotiations upon notification of a funding award from the priority funder so that project timelines, deliverables and budgets meet funder terms and conditions;
• Participate in the inception phase and work planning, as requested, to ensure alignment between IFDC programmatic implementation and funder requirements;
• Review program performance intermittently to resolve any outstanding implementation issues or concerns with the Program/Project Manager and, if necessary, the VP, Programs or VP/Research (Chief Scientist).
• Pursue contract extensions, renewals and negotiate terms in collaboration with the Country Director and Program Manager. 

Requirements

• MA, MSc., MBA in a discipline related to sustainable agriculture and international development or equivalent advanced degree is preferred;
• Minimum 7 years of experience in business development and strategic partnerships for international development projects with European donors; 
• Proven track record in identifying new business opportunities and leading successful market expansions in IFDC core competencies;
• Proven track record in project/program management for NL/European donors;
• Ability to lead teams and build capacity in business development, including mentoring business development associates;
• A deep understanding of market research, competitive analysis, and trend analysis to make informed decisions;
• Knowledge of donor relations, proposal writing, and grant management in development-focused organizations (e.g., NGOs or international development);
• Proficiency in Dutch required; proficiency in French or German preferred;
• Willingness to travel, as the role involves international business development or regional market expansion;
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for driving innovative solutions and scaling new opportunities. 

Reporting and Work Relationships 

This position reports to VP, Business Development and supervises Business development associate(s) each in West and East Africa (and other regions to be determined in future).  

Location

This is an  international recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Netherlands.