The Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust) is an international organization dedicated to conserving crop diversity and making it available for use globally, forever, and for the benefit of everyone. Its endowment fund, together with additional project funding, provides critical financial resources to 100+ partners around the world and supports a global system of crop conservation which underpins valuable research and farmer efforts to ensure a resilient food future for us all.  

Now, given a rapidly changing climate, a significant growth in funding is needed to ensure that all unique and valuable collections of plant genetic resources are conserved and used for making agrifood systems resilient, resource-efficient, healthy, and productive.

The Crop Trust is looking to meet this challenge by hiring a senior team member to support us in our outreach.  Therefore, the Crop Trust is seeking an outstanding candidate for the position of:

Resource Mobilization Lead 

Under the overall supervision of the Director of External Affairs, the position will be primarily donor-facing. Key responsibilities will include the development of and engagement with a portfolio of donors for the purposes of partnership building and resource mobilization. The role will prioritize governments, with other funding sources such as foundations or corporations considered as appropriate. To build appetite and interest, the role will require thought leadership as well as creative outreach strategies, given crop diversity often sits on overlapping political agendas but rarely at a prominent level. The selected candidate will also work closely with colleagues in the External Affairs team to i) create engaging materials to be used in fundraising and communications activities; and ii) help shape key events that advocate the importance of crop diversity for agrifood system sustainability.

While it is planned that the donor portfolio focuses initially on Asia Pacific, with priority countries including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan, the portfolio will likely be expanded to other regions. Therefore, candidates with regional networks other than in the Asia Pacific region are likewise encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Craft engagement strategies for priority donors, including identifying and securing meetings with suitable entry points. 
• Assess the potential for strategic engagement with select foundations, corporations, and/or other key stakeholders in the region for the purposes of resource mobilization.
• Act as the key team focal point for relationships with government donors, foundations, corporations, and/or other key stakeholders in the region.
• Identify, assess, and develop new grant and sponsorship funding streams.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising activities to ensure ongoing alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide regular strategic input into the Crop Trust’s resource mobilization strategy to achieve financial targets.
• Communicate effectively to articulate the Crop Trust's mission and garner support.
• Proactively liaise with the Programs team to translate the impact of Crop Trust’s scientific and technical work to existing and potential donors.
• Collect and share market intelligence from donors, key stakeholders and broader discussions in the sustainability and agrifood systems space within the Crop Trust to inform future outreach strategies and messaging.

Qualifications, Skills and Experiences 

• At least 7 years of experience in Resource Mobilization/ Fundraising/ Donor Relations/ International Development Finance natural science or closely affiliated experience. (More years of experience are desirable and a significant value add)
• A strong network with relevant representatives of potential donor countries, preferably in the Asia Pacific Region, is desirable.
• Experience in the agriculture and food sector is a significant plus.
• Solid experience in project management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Creative and collaborative mindset.
• Dynamic, self-motivated and focused with a proactive approach.
• Strong work ethic, good judgment and ability to manage own time.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Fluent in English, business-level fluency in other languages is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in international relations, communications, public relations, business, natural science or a related subject. A master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Crop Trust.

Terms and Conditions: The Crop Trust offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement savings plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. The take-home yearly salary range for this position for new hires is between EUR 55,000 and EUR 80,000, depending on qualifications and experience. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euros. Staff of the Crop Trust (including German nationals) are exempt from host country income tax. Relocation costs are covered for candidates residing outside of the Bonn/Cologne or surrounding areas. The contract will be subject to a probationary period of 6 months. 

Applications: Interested candidates should submit the following (incomplete applications will not be considered):

1. A one-page motivation letter including a summary of your qualifications and experience, indicating how you meet the expected set of skills and competencies for the position and your drivers for applying.
2. Your Curriculum Vitae in English (please include your current residence address, telephone, and email address, date of birth, gender and nationality).
3. Names and full contact details of at least three referees.

Deadline for applications is 11 August 2025

By submitting your application, you agree to the Crop Trust processing your personal data as

described here.

The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.