Business Development Aquisition Specialist

Are you an experienced professional with a strong network in Brussels and a proven track record in securing EU funding? Do you thrive in high-level negotiations and have a deep understanding of EU external relations and funding mechanisms?

If you are a strategic thinker, a strong networker, and a team player with a passion for local governance and decentralization, we invite you to join us.

Freelance · Brussels

About the job

As a key representative of VNG International in Brussels, you will develop and implement winning strategies to secure EU funding, ensuring alignment with our mission to enhance local governance and capacity building. You will actively engage with EU institutions, including the European Commission, European Parliament, and relevant agencies, to strengthen relationships and position VNG International as a trusted partner.

A crucial part of your role is lobbying to influence EU policies and funding mechanisms in favor of local governance and international municipal capacity building. By closely monitoring EU policy and funding developments, you will translate insights into actionable market and fundraising strategies. You will also collaborate with VNG International’s policy team, which actively participates in EU fora and conferences, to ensure a coordinated approach.

Building and nurturing partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders is essential to supporting new business development. Working alongside internal teams and external partners, you will contribute to the design of innovative products and business models. Additionally, you will identify and pursue new funding opportunities within existing EU programs and through partnerships with EU institutions, while also supporting high-quality project proposals and participating in European tenders and grant applications.

About you

Education & Experience: Master’s degree in Public Administration, International Relations, European Studies, Business Development, or a related field, with at least 7 years of relevant experience in acquisition, business development, and lobbying with the EU.

Languages: Excellent communication and negotiation skills in English; French or Spanish is an asset.

EU Expertise & Lobbying: Strong understanding of the EU’s external relations, funding modalities (services, grants, delegated cooperation), and regulations (PRAG guidelines), including Global Gateway and Team Europe Initiatives, with a proven track record in lobbying and securing EU funding.

Networking & Partnerships: Established network within relevant European Commission DGs, Brussels, and international organizations, with a history of building successful partnerships with EU institutions and other international bodies.

Governance & Local Expertise: Affinity with or knowledge of (Dutch) local government, decentralization, and local governance developments.

Personal Skills: Open, approachable, and able to build trust through honesty, integrity, and authenticity; a strong team player who is stress-resistant and decisive under heavy workloads.

Apply for the job

Are you the influential Business Development Specialist that we are looking for, apply here before the 11th of April.

For questions regarding the function, feel free to reach out to Elger Vermeer, Business Development Manager: Elger.Vermeer@VNG.nl

The first round of interviews will be scheduled for the week of the 14th of April.

VNG International is: ‘committed to strengthening democratic local government worldwide’. We believe that local authorities all over the world profit from looking across borders. Through worldwide connections and networks, often in close cooperation with local organisations and businesses, they learn from each other and develop solutions together. We are part of the worldwide family of local governments. We are an experienced international service provider. The combination of these two roles enables us to cross-fertilize and to provide services for clients which better suit the needs of the beneficiaries. It is part of our identity: we are of, for, and together with local governments.