Background

The Peace Dividend Initiative (PDI) is a peace-dividend accelerator, bridging the gap between peace mediation and economic actors, to harness market forces for peace in conflict-prone regions. Headquartered in Geneva, it is connected to peacemakers, international organisations, governments, investors and entrepreneurs. PDI relies on extensive field networks that provide leading conflict analysis, trusted introductions, and on the-ground operational capability in the world’s most conflict-affected countries.

1        Position summary

PDI is recruiting a dynamic Chisinau-based Lead Venture Developer to deepen local engagement and support for peace-positive entrepreneurship. This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset with a strong hands-on approach to construct sustainable businesses from concept to market to enhance PDI's impact in the country.

• Location: Chisinau, Moldova
• Contract Type: Service Provider Agreement, full time position
• Hybrid work arrangement: remote and in-person as required, including availability for travel to challenging locations.
• Duration: Until 31.12.2026
• Compensation: EUR 2'500/month

2        Key Responsibilities

2.1 Venture Building

• Meet with local stakeholders to assess project opportunities and identify promising startups.
• Evaluate prospects in technology, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and other sectors to lay the groundwork for tailored incubation programs.
• Build a pipeline of established startups (1-2 years operational).
  • Networking with stakeholders, visiting local actors, and assessing potential collaborations.
  • Analysing markets, industries, and value chains to identify high-potential prospects.
  • Broadening PDI’s network, tapping into new ideas and analysis.
  • Hosting demo days.
• Launch the acceleration program for startups.
• Oversee the acceleration program (private sessions, online sessions, in person meeting, trainings, etc.).
• Provide grant-based funding to startups that achieve pre-defined milestones.
• Host Impact Summit events to present accelerated startups’ progress (and dialogue outcomes) and results to stakeholders, donors, and local communities, facilitating feedback, partnerships.

2.2 Economic Dialogue

• Contribute to:

• • Host introductory consultations to prepare dialogue sessions and plan pitching events.
  • Launch economic dialogues on issues of interest that have a potential peace impact, as identified by PDI’s analysis and consultations with relevant interlocutors, as well as the mentors and business tracker working with the startups.
  • Integrate economic dialogue takeaways to the acceleration program, and sensitise relevant authorities to the lessons and ideas emerging from the dialogue.
  • Host multiple dialogue sessions focused on developing detailed economic connectivity projects.

2.3 Reporting and analysis

• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations summarising venture achievements, challenges, and growth outcomes.
• Ensure the timely briefing of key stakeholders and partners.
• Produce reports in line with donor requirements.
• Conduct monitoring and peace impact assessment.
• Contribute to updating of PDI’s +P analysis.

3        Required Qualifications

3.1 Experience & Background

• Minimum 5 years of experience in venture building/startup development; peacebuilding/conflict resolution experience a plus
• Alternative: Strong background in social impact with demonstrated understanding of both business development and some understanding of the peace sector
• Proven track record in building ventures from early-stage through scaling phases
• Experience in budget creation, financial management, and accounting organisation
• Cultivate relationships with external partners such as donors, investors, corporations, technical partners, government agencies, and educational institutions to identify potential collaborations, new project pipeline or unlock funding opportunities.

3.2 Skills & Competencies

• Practical and proactive approach to venture building and business development
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-up and monitoring capabilities for venture progress
• Entrepreneurial leadership skills with ability to build and manage diverse teams
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution abilities in venture development
• Strong analytical skills for business assessment and growth strategy development

3.3 Language Requirements

• Romanian: Native or near-native proficiency
• Russian: Native or near-native proficiency
• English: proficient

3.4 Additional Requirements

• Availability for travel within Moldova and potentially internationally
• Results-oriented approach with ability to meet established objectives and deliverables
• Strong networking and relationship-building capabilities
• Knowledge of Moldovan business environment and regulatory framework preferred

4        What We Offer

• Opportunity to build impactful ventures with a leading international peace and development organisation
• Professional development in both peacebuilding and venture building sectors
• Flexible working arrangements within a global entrepreneurial network
• Exposure to international partners, investors, and stakeholders in the venture ecosystem

5        Application Process

Interested candidates should send the following documents (in a single PDF) to jonathan@peacedividends.org by Sunday, December 7th, 2025:

• Cover letter explaining motivation and relevant experience (max 1 page)
• CV highlighting relevant experience in venture building and peace/conflict work (max 2 pages)
• Contact information for 2 professional references