Programme Manager – Brussels Office (Temporary)

Due to the temporary movement of a staff member within the organisation, the International IDEA Office to the European Union (EU) is looking for a temporary Programme Manager (PM). This PM ideally has ample experience in working with the EU’s main directorates dealing with democracy and democracy assistance (e.g. DEVCO, EEAS, DG NEAR), as well as with collaborating with important partner organisations working on democracy assistance in Europe. A background in democracy assistance is highly desirable. The PM should be used to a high level of independence and be a self-starter. The selected candidate should be available from 01 April 2019.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the immediate supervision of the Head of the Regional Europe Programme, the main functions of the post are:

• Supports the Head of the Regional Europe Programme in the representation of International IDEA at the EU institutions and among partner organisations in Brussels;
• Represents International IDEA at relevant democracy events and presents International IDEA’s research and programmes;
• Liaises closely with Europe Programme colleagues in The Hague and programme countries; Liaises with International IDEA’s regional programmes outside Europe, as well as with research teams and support teams at headquarters in Stockholm;
• Supports the development of policy positions at the EU, Kingdom of Belgium, Embassies/Missions to the EU, and any other European partner;
• Supports efforts to explore collaboration and funding opportunities with key actors in the fields of democracy support;
• Contributes to enhanced relations with the Kingdom of Belgium and Embassies/Missions of International IDEA member states and donors in Brussels.

Detailed duties:

Strategic and representational functions

• Represents International IDEA and promotes its position in European institutions and intergovernmental organisations based in Europe, policy fora and related contexts;
• Promotes International IDEA’s knowledge resources and tools in the Key Impact Areas (KIAs), including the mainstreaming of gender, conflict and diversity issues;
• Raises awareness of International IDEA’s work in support of sustainable democratic change through providing comparative knowledge, assisting in reform and influencing policies and politics;
• Maintains close relationships with representatives of the Governments of International IDEA Member States in Brussels, as needed.

Operational and programmatic functions

• Identifies opportunities for International IDEA policy initiatives and programmatic activities in close cooperation with the Director of the Global Programme and Regional Directors;
• Liaises with existing and prospective donors to determine needs and possibilities for collaboration, and identifies opportunities for funding in close collaboration with IDEA’s Executive Division in Stockholm, IDEA’s Global Programme in Stockholm and other Regional Programmes;
• Presents International IDEA research at relevant events in Europe;
• Liaises actively with other team members of the Europe Programme in The Hague and in programme countries such as Ukraine and Moldova;
• Assists the Head of the Regional Europe Programme in the implementation of the annual work plan of the Office;
• Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender perspective in all operational and programmatic activities;
• Carries out other duties as assigned by the Head of the Regional Europe Programme, or any person designated by him/her.

General Profile

• Ability to maintain and develop relevant professional contacts and networks of cooperation among the EU-institutions and relevant Europe-focused partner organisations in the field of political reform and democracy support, including regional organisations, democracy building practitioners, policy makers, academics and the international community;
• Ability to operate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and integrate a gender and diversity perspective in all activities;
• Combines in-depth knowledge, acquired through academic achievements, excellent skills including managerial skills and relevant experience in their field;
• Manages assigned projects throughout the project life cycle, i.e. from strategic planning and project design, funding and budgeting to project assessment and accountability; leads meetings and discussions;
• Has the intellectual leadership to integrate innovation into his/her field of expertise;
• Fosters team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
• Acts as a model and mentor for colleagues;
• Is expected to travel occasionally to any geographical area involved in his/her projects;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines.

 Reporting Line

• Head of Programme

Programmatic Knowledge

• Deep understanding of EU democratic and policy frameworks;
• Deep understanding of political processes, general theory and practice of democracy; Specialized knowledge in at least one of the following: political institutions, electoral processes, conflict management, political participation, democracy assessment and gender issues very desirable;
• Knowledge of development cooperation and key challenges in the area of democracy assistance; good understanding of various bilateral and multilateral donor policies and programming procedures.

Operational Knowledge, skills and experience

• Integrates a results-based approach into the design, management and evaluation of all his/her programmatic activities;
• Is active in the search for information on donors and partners, preparation of reports and project briefs, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, and all other activities related to resource mobilization and partnership building;
• Illustrates integrity, a collaborative spirit, a sense of achievement, and an understanding of risk management;
• Understands and manages the budget of his/her project(s).

Leadership

• Acts as a model and resource for colleagues.

Problem Solving

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Will solve complex challenges, approach issues with new perspectives, and analyze situations from a multitude of intervening factors.

Impact

• Has a clear impact on the programme development and delivery;
• Can also impact other teams and projects in related fields.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, including the ability to present complex political/technical issues to non-expert audiences;
• Excellent drafting and editing skills; Excellent planning and organizational skills;
• Flexible with the ability to work independently and to deliver against tight deadlines; 
• Liaises permanently to all internal and external stakeholders involved in his/her projects; acts and is perceived as an initiator of relevant communication to solve issues;
• Drives assignments through communicative personal energy and engagement;
• Can explain sensitive information with diplomacy, and build consensus;
• Is able to present his/her activities and represent International IDEA effectively in all professional circles;
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English is required, including the ability to write concise, straight forward and jargon free material; Knowledge of French and/or Dutch would be considered an asset;

Education and Experience

• Post-graduate qualifications in political science, law, economics, international relations, or other relevant discipline;  
• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience, preferably in the area of democracy assistance;
• Demonstrable experience of working with EU-institutions;
• Fundraising ability highly desirable.

Terms of Contract

Temporary Appointment: 01 April 2019 – 31 August 2019.  

This position is open to those currently legally authorized to live and work in Belgium.

Applying for this position

• Applications should be submitted no later than 03 March 2019. Please note that all applications must be made in English.
• Please apply directly by pressing the Send Application button.

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.