Our organisation operates through a domain-based model, where regional teams work closest to partners and context, supported by specialised domains that provide technical expertise, quality standards, donor engagement and compliance. This interdependent way of working enables us to combine local ownership with strong organisational standards and deliver effective, context-driven programmes.

Regional Business Development Manager

(Fulltime, based in Cotonou, Benin)

As our experienced, visionary, and strategically minded Regional Business Development Manager, you will lead the identification, shaping, and securing of strategic business opportunities within West Africa (currently: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria). In close cooperation with regional leadership, enabling domains, local partners, and international donors, you will drive stable regional portfolio growth, position Cordaid as a partner of choice, and ensure our business development efforts are context-driven, locally led, and financially sustainable. You report directly to the West Africa Regional Director.

What you do

Strategic Opportunity Development: Identify, shape, and pursue strategic funding opportunities aligned with regional growth objectives, donor trends, partner priorities, and locally led development approaches.
Partnership & Donor Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with institutional donors, embassies, multilateral organizations, foundations, and civil society partners to enhance Cordaid’s regional positioning, credibility, and partnership ecosystem.
Proposal Development Excellence: Coordinate and lead the development of high-quality, technically sound, and operationally feasible concept notes, proposals, and business cases that comply with donor requirements and organizational standards.
Pipeline & Portfolio Growth: Manage and maintain the regional funding pipeline, conducting donor mapping, intelligence gathering, and competitive analysis to support long-term financial sustainability across West Africa.
Strategic Positioning & Visibility: Monitor donor developments, highlight Cordaid’s added value in consortia, and position the organization effectively across key sectors such as Health, Agrifood, Climate Change, Governance, and Peacebuilding.
Operational Alignment & Collaboration: Initiate cross-functional collaboration between regional teams and enabling domains (EER, SSU, GPS) to ensure technical quality, robust theories of change, accurate budgeting, and donor alignment.
Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with donor regulations, legal frameworks, and internal governance throughout the business development lifecycle, while identifying and mitigating funding risks.
Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing: Strengthen regional business development capabilities by coaching local partner and programme teams, fostering knowledge sharing, and streamlining proposal workflows.
Who you are

You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Development, Business Administration, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in business development, institutional fundraising, donor engagement, or programme development within international development or humanitarian organisations.
Proven track record in securing multi-donor funding, leading complex multi-stakeholder proposal processes, and managing donor pipelines.
Deep understanding of the institutional donor landscape, including EU-based donors, Dutch funding mechanisms, UN agencies, and regional West African donor dynamics.
Solid experience working in fragile and conflict-affected contexts across West Africa, with a strong understanding of locally led development approaches and partnership ecosystems.
Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Strong knowledge of thematic areas such as Health, Sustainable Agrifood Systems, Climate Change, Migration, Peacebuilding, or Performance-Based Funding.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills in both English and French.
Willingness to relocate to Cotonou, Benin, with flexibility to travel at least 50% of the time within West Africa and to European donor capitals (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg).
You recognize yourself in Cordaid’s mission and values.
What we offer

A high-profile senior leadership position within an international, professional organization with a focus on social impact.
A varied, highly impactful, and autonomous role where strategic initiative and vision are essential.
A global organization with a strong commitment to social entrepreneurship and locally led impact.
Good international working conditions and excellent secondary benefits.
An initial contract for 1 year with the intention of extending, based in Cotonou, Benin.
Hybrid working conditions and a market-conform contract with employment terms and conditions aligned with the responsibilities of the position.

Please send your resume/CV