Helvetas is the largest Swiss NGO dedicated to development cooperation and humanitarian response, and a key partner in Swiss bilateral cooperation. Active in 35 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, Helvetas works for a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner. Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation is one of the seven member organisations of Alliance2015, a strategic network of European NGOs dedicated to humanitarian aid and development cooperation. The position is based in Brussels, Belgium; Alliance2015 will support Helvetas in contracting this position. Expected starting date is 1 November 2026 or upon agreement.
The EU Partnerships and Business Development Representative represents and positions Helvetas towards EU institutions and other relevant organisations in Brussels. The role combines two components of equal importance: (1) working as part of the Eastern Europe Regional Program team to lead and shape EU-related business development, with a focus on specific EU funding instruments, the EU accession agenda, partner identification and program development; and (2) acting as Helvetas' EU Partnerships and Business Development Representative for the organisation and its programs in Asia, Africa and Latin America, with a broader focus on EU business intelligence, positioning and opportunity development. The role includes representing Helvetas within the Alliance2015 Brussels office and contributing to the network's joint EU engagement.
MAIN TASKS
* Lead and coordinate EU-related business development initiatives for the Eastern Europe Regional Program (including Western Balkans).
* Build networks and relationships with EU institutions and potential partner organisations relevant to the EU accession and neighbourhood process and the Western Balkans transition agenda.
* Coordinate with members of the Eastern Europe / Western Balkans regional office to ensure engagement and visibility at relevant EU-related events.
* Represent Helvetas' global work towards EU institutions and other relevant organisations in Brussels and drive access to EU funding sources.
* Act as EU Key Account within Helvetas, compiling and making available information on relevant EU funding instruments (global), events and other business intelligence.
* Build and manage Helvetas' relationships and visibility with EU institutions, INGO networks and other Brussels-based organisations.
* Contribute (approx. 20% of overall time) to the work of Alliance2015, based at the network's Brussels Office.
* Identify synergies between Helvetas' and Alliance2015 members' EU engagement interests and coordinate joint representation where relevant.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
* Advanced university degree in international development, European affairs/EU studies, business administration, political science, or a related field.
* Professional certification in a relevant thematic area of work preferred.
* At least 7 years of experience in business development, fundraising, or program development within an INGO or development organisation.
* Expertise on and experience with EU institutions and programs, proven track record in securing funding from EU institutional donors; experience representing an organisation towards EU institutions in Brussels is a strong asset.
* Familiarity with the EU accession process and the Western Balkans agenda is an asset.
* Experience coordinating multi-country and multi-stakeholder business development efforts and working in complex organisational structures.
* Knowledge of Helvetas, its work and approaches is an asset.
* Working/residing experience in one of the target regions is a strong asset.
* English: fluent written and spoken. French and/or Dutch strongly desired; German or Eastern Europe/Western Balkans regional languages an asset.
OUR OFFER
A one-year contract with the possibility of an extension for one additional year. This is a local, non-expatriate position. The annual gross salary is non-negotiable at EUR 60,000, complemented by attractive benefits such as lunch vouchers and public transport allowance.
Closing date: 2026-09-14
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your complete application (motivation letter, CV, and certifications) via the online portal by latest 14 September 2026. For any questions related to this position please contact Balthasar Stammbach, Head of Acquisition, application@helvetas.org. Applicants must have the right to work in Belgium; Helvetas cannot support applicants with work permits and residence permits.
https://app.jobportal.abaservices.ch/application-process/1ee04370-738a-4235-9bb3-af3dd366b7cf/da0d85fa-33b6-f100-21d9-bc162ea51048?jp=ABACUS