Partnerships & Investor Solutions Manager

 We are looking for a Partnerships & Investor Solutions Manager

 About Aqua for All

Aqua for All is an international foundation committed to catalysing a thriving water and sanitation economy across Africa and South Asia. We believe that market-based scalable solutions, combined with public and private capital are needed to bridge the service and financial gap to achieve SDG 6 – water and sanitation for all.

The approach of Aqua for All’s is to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to deliver sustainable water and sanitation services. We do this by providing catalytic funding and unlocking capital for the water sector. To achieve this Aqua for All needs to actively conduct fundraising activities, develop networks of investors that mobilise capital, use its role as a thought leader to raise awareness and demonstrate the impact of its projects in the water sector in emerging markets. Find more details on our website: https://aquaforall.org/

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Partnerships & Investor Solutions Manager.

About the role

Aqua for All is one of the leading voices globally that draws attention to the importance of catalysing private sector financing for water and sanitation. The goal of this role is to attract diverse funding sources for our activities and those of our partners in Africa and Asia. This is a visible role (externally and internally) and the candidate is expected to be an important representation of Aqua for All.

Aqua for All is looking for a seasoned professional to manage our investor solutions and fundraising strategy and implementation. The candidate has a keen interest in deepening investor relations at all levels by maintaining frequent dialogue and building up genuine relationships with international donors, investors, family offices and other relevant stakeholders. Working closely with all Aqua for All’s teams, you can bring together the right people and information to engage these stakeholders and build solid relationships.  You report to the Managing Director.

Result areas and responsibilities

1. Resource mobilisation strategy

• Develop a resource mobilisation strategy with clearly defined targets and monitoring indicators, including a compellingvalue proposition.
• Conduct a thorough mapping of potential partners and funders, particularly those interested in innovative finance for water and sanitation (governments, corporate philanthropy, family offices).
• Build and strengthen a diverse network of public and private funders, family offices and impact investors.
• Engage and empower team members and key partners in the execution of the fundraising strategy.

2. Market engagement

• Support the Managing Director in conducting business development activities.
• Contribute to building strategic partnerships based on alternative finance solutions for water and sanitation, at the intersection of climate and gender.
• Monitor and analyse funding trends, proactively identify and present funding opportunities, identify gaps in the market and explore partnerships with unconventional funders.
• Maintain clear and concise communications with partners including drafting follow-up notes, creating introductory presentations and sending acknowledgements.
• Develop background information and introductory materials for (potential) donors and partners.

3. Stakeholder engagement and reporting

• Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with our donors and partners by updating them on activities, impact results etc. of Aqua for All.
• Leading the Aqua for All teams to develop timely donor reporting materials.
• Maintain donor records and files.

4. Proposal writing and development of fundraising materials

• Develop impactful proposals, demonstrating a deep understanding of proposal writing, including strategic, technical and regulatory aspects.
• Create powerful, compelling communications for fundraising,
• Build “ambassador” qualities at Aqua for All, by increasing in-house proposal writing capabilities and the development of relevant pitch materials.

5. Compliance management

• Lead the design, maintenance and improvement of internal procedures, systems and tools to ensure compliance with contractual obligations to donors.
• Ensure the provision of necessary contractual documentation to support audit and other compliance processes.
• Conduct internal financial reviews to ensure that donor guidelines are implemented and followed ensuring adherence to donor guidelines across financial, procurement, and administrative aspects, together with the Finance Manager.

6. Communications and brand awareness

• Represent Aqua for All’s unique approach at international forums and conferences.
• Manage the Engagement Manager and the Communications Manager.
• Lead the Communications team in developing and executing a communications strategy that encompasses corporate communication, targeted activities to support fundraising and partnership building increasing our brand value and our role as a thought leader.
• Oversee the drafting and implementation of the annual communication plan, including the production of communication materials.
• Coordinate and provide editorial guidance on all publications, reports and website updates to ensure consistency, quality, and effective messaging.

Key Competencies

• Vision/Strategic Thinking: Support the development and creation of a clear, long-term vision, and to develop and implement effective strategies to achieve that vision ensuring that short- and long-term goals are interconnected.
• Creativity: Develop innovative partnerships and solutions to complex problems, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and fresh ideas within the organisation.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills to convey ideas, information, and instructions clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.
• Persuasiveness: Utilise compelling arguments and tailored approaches fostering consensus and achieving desired outcomes.
• Customer Focus: Display exceptional customer focus providing timely and empathetic support and building positive relationships.

Job requirements

• 10+ years of experience across relevant business fields (investments, emerging markets, business development, international development institutions).
• 5+ years of experience raising funds (> EUR 20 million) for traditional and alternative strategies.
• Experience in sales- and marketing strategy, business development & stakeholder engagement.
• Understanding of emerging markets, financial innovation, performance-linked instruments, sustainable finance, impact and ESG.
• A keen interest in water and sanitation, climate change and gender equity.
• Successful track record in developing business solutions and fundraising strategy.
• Deliver compelling communications materials for different audiences including writing proposals.
• Convey complex ideas through brief, simple materials, in a compelling way,
• Successful track record of securing multiple high-value funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations and philanthropic organisations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including drafting of PowerPoint decks.
• Excellent command of English (Dutch is preferred, French is a plus).
• Willingness to travel.

Salary scale CAO Rijk

Scale 13

 Interested to apply?

If you are interested and have relevant qualifications and experience, please send your application with a cover letter (max. 1 pages) and CV (max. 3 pages) in English to: info@aquaforall.org. For this position you need an EU residence or working permit.

The deadline for applications is 27 September. Please mention ‘Partnerships & Investor Solutions Manager’ in the subject line of your email. If you have any questions about the position reach out to Fenneke Pak (f.pak@aquaforall.org)