Senior Business Development & Partnerships Manager – Netherlands

Build funding that creates futures

At SPARK, we believe young people are the driving force of resilient economies — even in the most fragile contexts. Across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, we connect education, entrepreneurship, finance and the private sector to turn talent into jobs and lasting opportunity.

To scale our impact and unlock new forms of financing, we are looking for a senior Business Development & Partnerships Manager who thrives on turning ambition into funded reality

Your Mission

You will sit at the heart of SPARK’s growth. Working directly with the CEO and Management Team, you will transform concrete funding opportunities into strong partnerships and funded programmes — while building innovative blended finance and loan guarantee solutions that mobilise private capital for youth employment.

This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who enjoys shaping strategy, closing deals and building long-term relationships.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

From opportunity to contract

• Convert existing high-potential leads into funded projects
• Build a strong, forward-looking funding pipeline
• Lead strategic donor and partner engagement

Innovative finance for impact

• Design blended finance and Loan Guarantee Fund propositions
• Engage donors and investors around co-investment models

Winning proposals

• Shape compelling concepts and value propositions
• Manage external proposal writers and quality control
• Lead proposal writing where needed

Powerful partnerships

• Grow relationships with institutional donors, foundations and the private sector
• Strengthen SPARK’s presence in the Netherlands, GCC and Europe

Where you’ll focus

Countries

Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, Ukraine

Themes

• Nearshoring & digital/IT skills for global labour markets
• Agribusiness, food security & water solutions
• Green jobs and green transitions
• Blended finance & guarantee instruments

What success looks like

Within six months you will have:

✔ Submitted at least 5 high-quality funding proposals

✔ Launched one private-sector linked nearshoring/tech proposal

✔ Built a €6M+ funding pipeline for 2027

✔ Developed at least one blended finance/LGF proposition with partner interest

✔ Deepened SPARK’s strategic donor and private sector network

Strong performance leads to contract extension.

Requirements and Skills

You bring

• Fluency in Arabic and English and deep understanding of the MENA region
• Proven success with Dutch and GCC donors
• Experience in tech/IT skills development OR blended finance/guarantees
• Strong private sector development expertise
• A track record of winning funding and building partnerships
• Excellent relationship, negotiation and writing skills
• Residence in the Netherlands (Middle East/GCC negotiable)

Bonus if you have

• Dutch language skills
• Experience with EU, SDC and institutional donors
• Experience building flexible or unrestricted funding

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How to Apply: 

Please send your CV & Motivation letter to vacancy@spark-online.org mention “Senior Business Development & Partnerships Manager vacancy” in the subject line, maximum by 02th of March 2026

About SPARK

SPARK is an international non-governmental development organization with over 25 years of experience in fragile and conflict-affected regions. SPARK’s mission is to empower young people through higher education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities. By supporting youth in fragile regions to lead sustainable and peaceful futures, SPARK contributes to systemic change and long-term economic growth.