Director Financial Markets

Utrecht, Netherlands

Director Financial Markets (impact finance & investment)

IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade.

IDH’s international presence extends to multiple regions and landscapes, facilitated by a network including experts who are embedded in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains. In 15 years of operation, IDH has mobilized private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.

Your role

As Director Financial Markets provides strategic leadership for IDH’s work on unlocking finance to accelerate sustainable trade. The role drives the design and scaling of innovative financial mechanisms.

The Director ensures that financial solutions are embedded across IDH programs, while influencing the broader financial sector to integrate sustainability and climate considerations into capital flows.

Key Responsibilities

Set and execute IDH’s Financial Markets strategy, aligning finance innovations with sustainability and trade objectives;
Design and scale blended finance instruments and mechanisms that unlock private and public capital;
Build senior-level relationships with DFIs, banks, investors, and corporates to mobilize resources and influence standardsl;
Integrate financial solutions into IDH’s global programs, ensuring scalability, accountability, and impact;
Develop and test new financing models that improve access to capital for smallholders and SMEs;
Represent IDH in international finance and investment forums, shaping sustainable finance agendasl;
Lead and mentor a high-performing team, embedding finance expertise across IDH.

Who you are

As Director Financial Markets, you are a visionary and tactically sharp leader with a deep understanding of how to mobilise finance at scale in some of the world’s most challenging and high-risk markets. You combine strategic direction with communicative flexibility, bridging the gap between investor expectations and the on-the-ground realities of smallholder farmers and SMEs.

You bring a clear focus on aligning financial innovation with climate, equity, and livelihood outcomes, ensuring solutions deliver systemic impact alongside commercial returns. With strong collaboration skills, you build alignment among donors, private investors, and corporate partners, while navigating diverse regulatory and financial environments with organisational sensitivity and agility.

Decisive and forward-looking, you lead with purpose and enjoy bringing people together, overcoming complexity, and creating financial pathways that serve both the planet and the people who depend on it.

What you bring

10+ years of experience in financial markets, investment, or development finance, preferably in emerging markets;
Working and thinking at M.Sc. level, degree in Finance, Economics, Development, or related field;
Demonstrated success in structuring blended finance and mobilizing large-scale private/public capital;
Experience working with DFIs, commercial banks, asset managers, and/or impact investors;
Strong network across global financial institutions and sustainability/ESG communities;
Proven experience influencing sustainable finance frameworks and policies;.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills;
Willingness to travel internationally, about 25%;
Fluency in English is required.

They offer you

Working location: This role can be based in any country where IDH has a legal entity and does not necessarily need to be based in the Netherlands.

A challenging, pivotal role within an impacting, international organisation – and:

A salary range between EUR 7,594 – 9,492 (excluding 8% holiday allowance) per month (based on a 40-hour work week), job level 21. The job level is evaluated based on IDH’s methodology; the successful candidate will be placed within the range depending on relevant work experience. The selection process is conducted, applying STAR interview methodology;
A full-time (40 hours) 1 year contract initially, with the intention to extend (as this is a permanent position).

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Vacation: Enjoy 26 paid vacation days annually (based on 100% FTE). Plus, earn 2 extra vacation days if you use your full allowance within the calendar year. Need flexibility? You can buy or sell up to 6 vacation days each year;
Health Insurance Support: IDH contributes €74.40 net per month towards your health insurance premium, helping you maintain optimal health coverage;
Robust Pension Scheme: A comprehensive pension scheme with considerable contribution by the employer and 3.5% contribution by the employee, ensuring financial stability during your retirement;
Commuting support: Provide NS Business Card or full reimbursement of commuting costs. Choose between receiving €0.23 per kilometre or opting for second-class public transport, making your journey to work hassle-free;
Supportive Work Environment: IDH provides role-specific work supplies (e.g., laptop, phone) alongside flexible working hours and a hybrid work model to suit your needs;
Work-from-Home Allowance: Receive a monthly work-from-home allowance of €18.59 net, acknowledging the changing work landscape and supporting your remote work setup with a Work-from-Home equipment contribution;
Health and Wellness: Prioritise your physical well-being with a sports club/health club allowance of €43.40 gross per month, enabling you to invest in your fitness and overall health;
Cyclis Bike Lease: Lease any bike—electric, sport, or even a bakfiets—for commuting or family use;
Six weeks of remote work annually, allowing you to work from anywhere;
Lunch Allowance €88.58 gross, 100% FTE;
Nutritious Work Environment: Enjoy a range of perks at the Utrecht office, including fresh fruits, organic coffee and tea, promoting a nourishing and supporting work atmosphere and Wellness initiatives giving you access tools to manage stress and prevent burnout.

Please note that the compensation and benefits package outlined above applies to roles based in the Netherlands. If the position is based in another country where IDH has a legal entity, the package will be adjusted accordingly - aligned with the same job level and compliant with the salary and country regulations.

Commitment to safeguarding

The offer of the role will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks including background checks overseas (where appropriate). IDH also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, they will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.