Business Development Manager

AEIDL, the European Association for Innovation in Local Development, is seeking to recruit a Business Development Manager (Social Ecology and Sustainability) in the field of social ecology, environmental sustainability, community-led transition. We welcome applications from candidates looking for either a freelance or an employee post. The post will be offered on a permanent (open ended) contract. Role and responsibilities The Business Development Manager (Social Ecology and Sustainability) will work under the supervision of the Managing Director, on all tasks necessary for new projects acquisition including, inter alia: · Conduct research to identify new opportunities, partners and experts · Advise on BD strategy, staying abreast of policy developments and identifying business diversification opportunities · Engage with partners and experts on operational level to ensure proper execution of bidding · Take ownership of operational and administrative tasks required for bidding · Draft sections of technical proposals · Co-responsible for data collection and internal reporting · Support in maintaining AEIDL's existing network and in building new contacts, including working with ELIF · Project manage two EU-funded action grants: GRACE (Horizon Europe) and FINESTIA (LIFE) Essential skills and experience · 3-5 years of relevant professional experience · Minimum two years' experience in the design, planning, preparation and coordination of EU-funded tenders or grants · University degree in environmental science, environmental policy, social ecology, sustainability science, or another relevant field. We will consider other educational backgrounds with equivalent processional experience in the one of the core areas · Project management experience, including contractual, budgetary and administrative aspects · Thematic expertise relevant to AEIDL's GECA portfolio, in areas such as: sustainable local development, climate resilience, social ecology, environmental sustainability, community-led transition, nature-based solutions or closely related fields · Project management experience, including contractual, budgetary and administrative aspects · Strong work ethic, dedication, initiative and ability to set and meet hard deadlines with quality work · Ability to operate within international and multicultural teams · A strong team player able to manage other people's inputs · Flexibility and ability to change pace/ react quickly per market developments · Fluency in English (oral and written) Desirable skills · Knowledge of local development approaches and programmes in Europe · Knowledge of EU policy cycle, programming and funding instruments · Experience in designing and delivering capacity building and training activities for a range of stakeholders including local or regional authorities · Experience in communication, dissemination and stakeholder engagement Application process Send your CV in English in the Europass format with a short cover letter to jobs@aeidl.eu with the subject line Business Development and Project Manager by Monday 17 December 2025 18h. Your cover letter should include a description of how you meet the essential requirements of the post. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and that interviews may begin before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged. Working at AEIDL People are the most important asset of AEIDL, and we practice internally what we advocate externally – providing a working environment where we care for our staff in a culture of cooperation and collaboration. At AEIDL we seek to provide a healthy work-life balance, with a strong emphasis on cooperative teamwork. We have a human-centred approach to work, including flexible working hours, options for home working and regular social gatherings. We empower our staff to lead, decide and show initiative, embracing our "culture of co". Our culture of cooperation, co-creation, community-leadership, and caring for the common good is an inherent part of the AEIDL brand. At AEIDL you will benefit from our staff development programme, in which our team members contribute to designing and planning cooperative approaches to learning, mentoring and individual development. We value the development and sharing of skills, knowledge, and experience. We welcome ideas for our working and associative activities. Such staff-led initiatives include team building days, outreach activities, the European Local Innovation Forum (ELIF), and our eco-team, which ensures we practice what we preach. For employees we offer competitive remuneration packages, indexed on an annual basis, including a thirteenth month, double holiday pay (as per Belgian regulation), a home-working allowance, meal vouchers and a contribution to local transportation costs. We also offer affiliation to a private pension plan and a high-coverage hospitalisation insurance. In a standard year, employees are entitled to 20 days of annual leave, 12 days of compensatory rest, 10 Belgian bank holidays as well as Europe day, equivalent to up to 43 days of annual paid leave. Who we are AEIDL is an association that learns from and fosters community-led innovation in areas such as territorial development, employment, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, environment, climate action and green growth. We add value by supporting and facilitating peer learning among local and national actors across Europe, analysing and evaluating relevant EU policies and advocating for enhanced support to community local action to help build a Europe for citizens. The personal data contained in applications sent in response to job offers are collected and recorded by AEIDL's HR/KM departments in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations concerning the protection of personal data. These data will be processed by authorised persons only to be able to assess your application for potential recruitment and will be kept for the time necessary to achieve this purpose. You may request access to your personal data and, if necessary, have them corrected. You also have the right to have them deleted, transferred, request a limitation of their processing or to object to it. These various rights can be exercised by contacting the following address: privacy@aeidl.eu.