Vacancy

About ADE

ADE is one of Europe’s leading consultancies in external relations and development finance. We are based in Louvain-la-Neuve, near Brussels, Belgium.

We support decision-makers in formulating, monitoring, implementing, and evaluating public policies and programmes. Our core values – Excellence, Ethics, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Team Spirit – guide our work.

We specialise in various thematic areas, with our Economic Governance department focusing on providing technical assistance and conducting studies to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programmes in public finance and development finance. Our expertise covers the use of budget support, blending, and guarantees, alongside traditional capacity-building efforts. Through our work, we help inform impactful decision-making.

Our clients include the European Commission, UN agencies, the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, bilateral development banks and cooperation agencies, ministries in Southern countries, private foundations, and NGOs.

We offer a unique working environment at the intersection of research and consultancy, where your contributions help drive meaningful change.

What you will do:

We are looking for a talented Business Developer to our Economic Governance Department team based in our offices in Louvain-La-Neuve.

As Business Developer, your role will include:

Business Development:

• Contribute to our growth trajectory
• Manage ongoing EC Framework Contracts, including coordinating the preparation of technical and financial proposals
• Identify and explore new business opportunities
• Liaise effectively and build relationships with clients, partners, and experts
• Strengthen and expand our network of experts

Project management:

• Engage with clients
• Manage project teams
• Oversee project administration and financial management

Knowledge Development:

• Support ADE’s knowledge capitalisation and dissemination efforts

What we expect from you:

Main skills required:

• Education: Master’s degree in business management, finance, and/or economics
• Expertise in Key Areas: Public finance management, macroeconomic analysis, domestic revenue mobilisation, budget support operations, development finance, private sector development, blending, and guarantees
• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in business development
• Project Acquisition: Previous experience in project acquisition and bid writing, with a proven track record in winning tenders
• Strong Network and Connectionsin relevant industries
• Creative and strategic mindset: Creativity to identify and seize new business opportunities
• Rigor: A high level of rigor with a keen eye on details
• Writing Skills: Excellent written communication skills
• Project Management: Excellent planning, organisational, and management skills, with the ability to multitask under tight deadlines and deliver
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication, negotiation, and teamwork abilities
• Team Spirit & Problem-Solving: A cooperative, supportive, and proactive team player with a “Can Do” attitude
• Work environment: Ability to work independently in a fast-paced commercial environment, with strong stress-resistance
• Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and French

EU nationality or valid work permit is required

Would be an asset:

• Project Acquisition: Previous experience under EC Framework Contracts
• Sector Knowledge: Understanding of external relations, international cooperation, and/or the EU-27 business landscape
• Institutional Knowledge: Familiarity with EU institutions, policies, and international financial institutions (IFIs)
• Additional Language Skills: Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, or other languages is an asset

Interested and think you are a great fit? Click the button and apply!

What we can offer you:

• Attractive salary and advantages. A competitive salary package and a full range of extra-legal advantages
• Personal development. A stimulating learning environment where you will grow and develop your career
• Corporate life. A dynamic, collaborative and international work environment alongside highly qualified colleagues
• Work-life balance with our hybrid work policy, allowing for remote work up to two days per week

How to apply?

Please send a CV and one-page cover letter in English to hr@ade.eu, mentioning the job title in your email subject line.

The sooner the better since applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please indicate in your cover letter a possible starting date, and the channel through which you learned about this opportunity.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.