To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Lead Market Development
The role
As Lead Market Development you will chart a vision for the Market Development department based on the vision of Aqua for All and translate that into a strategy that continuously improves the capabilities needed for scaling water and sanitation enterprises in Africa and Asia. You will be responsible for leading our global portfolio through maintaining networks, partnerships and co-creation of impactful interventions. Together with your team you standardize project management processes to make room for flexibility and creativity where needed.
You oversee the gathering of market intelligence and are able to translate the market information into country specific funding proposals, together with the Lead Partnerships and Investor Solutions and in consultation with the other leads. You will lead a team of programme managers, providing coaching, mentorship, knowledge sharing, motivation, and strategic direction, fostering their professional growth and effectiveness.
We are looking for a flexible and hands-on candidate who can represent the Market Development team internally and externally. You are a collegial and strategic sparring partner of other unit leads, working jointly with multinational team members that are based in the Netherlands, Kenya and Ethiopia. The Lead Market Development reports to the Managing Director and is part of the leadership team; setting the strategic direction of Aqua for All, together with other team leads.
Responsibilities
- Oversee a portfolio of partnerships with water and sanitation enterprises and program related activities.
- Take on project management of complex projects.
- Optimizing project management and standardizing processes to deploy the team efficiently and effectively.
- Guiding the team in conducting country scans and gathering market information to determine future interventions that will enable the water and sanitation sector and strengthen local projects.
- Setting the strategic direction of the organisation together with the Leadership team.
- Work with key partners to drive initiatives that strengthen water and sanitation enterprises in MENA, Africa and Asia.
- Strategic and conceptual development and coordination of Market Development programmes.
- Internal and external stakeholder management.
- Support the fundraising efforts in identifying funding opportunities, proposal development, and aligning our fundraising strategy and the implementation.
- With the team, contribute to professional, structured and strategic account management of current and expected institutional donors.
- Support the production of relevant and high-quality content for external dissemination, conferences, events and online communications.
- Represent our unique approach to international development in forums and conferences.
- Team management and providing mentorship to team members.
Key Competencies
- Vision/Strategic Thinking: Capability to support the creation and articulation a clear, long-term vision, and to develop and implement effective strategies to achieve that vision. It involves the ability to think strategically, set goals, and make decisions aligned with the overall direction of an organization or initiative.
- Creativity: Ability to think creatively and develop innovative partnerships and solutions to complex problems, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and fresh ideas within the organization.
- Entrepreneurship: Proactive approach to identifying and pursuing opportunities for program development and growth. Willingness to take initiative and drive innovative solutions to address program challenges.
- Coaching leadership: Ability to guide and support team members in their work and professional development, helping them reach their full potential through constructive feedback, mentorship, and tailored support.
- Organisational sensitivity: Demonstrates emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, adapting communication and collaboration styles to navigate organizational dynamics and foster effective teamwork.
- Analytical ability: Demonstrates strong analytical skills to critically assess complex problems, analyse data, and make informed decisions, contributing to effective problem-solving and strategic planning.
Job requirements
- 8+ years of relevant working experience.
- 2+ years of experience in managing teams.
- Strong understanding of program management principles and the ability to foster a high-performance culture.
- Dedication to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, mentoring, and team development.
- Willingness to travel (also to higher-risk areas).
- Private and public sector experience in comparable role is a plus.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in English (and preferably also in Dutch) to translate insights into actionable recommendations and engage partners & sector stakeholders.
Salary scale CAO Rijk
Scale 13
Interested to apply?
Please send your application with a cover letter (max. 1 page) and CV (max. 2 pages) to: info@aquaforall.org. For this position you need a Dutch residence or working permit.
Please mention ‘Vacancy Lead Market Development’ in the subject line of your email. If you have any questions about the position please reach out to Oluali Titelman (o.titelman@aquaforall.org)