European Centre for Development Policy Management
Are you interested in inclusive political governance and accountable institutions and in Africa-Europe relations? And do you have experience in policy research and advising policy makers? We are looking for a mid- to senior-level policy officer in our inclusive governance and accountability team. The role includes managerial responsibilities.
Who are we?
The European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) is a leading independent think tank that wants to make policies in Europe and Africa work for inclusive and sustainable development. We have two offices: in Maastricht (the Netherlands) and Brussels (Belgium).
Our more than 60 staff members from over 25 countries worldwide provide independent research, advice and practical support to policymakers, advisors and practitioners in Europe, Africa and beyond. Our focus is on EU foreign policy and policies related to conflict, migration, governance, climate and green transformation, sustainable food systems, regional integration, digitalisation, business, finance and trade.
About the inclusive governance and accountability team Democratic governance and accountable institutions are essential to ensure inclusive and sustainable development and respect for human rights. Our inclusive governance and accountability team wants to contribute to a context-specific and politically informed understanding of the drivers of governance and accountability. For more information, have a look at our team page.
What will you be doing? As a senior policy officer in the inclusive governance and accountability team, you will:
- Conduct policy research and analyse (the impact of) specified policy strands on accountable governance in response to external demands of partner institutions or clients.
- Lead and facilitate policy dialogue among diverse actors.
- Lead the design and implementation of projects in line with ECDPM’s strategy and non-partisan approaches and methodologies.
- Initiate and pursue fundraising opportunities and contribute to ECDPM’s fundraising goals.
- Support or manage reporting (including financial reporting) of projects and contribute to organisation-wide monitoring and reporting efforts.
- Provide strategic insights and guidance to the team to develop niche expertise and enhance its contribution to policy dialogue on accountable governance.
- Enhance the visibility of the team and ECDPM in online and offline spaces where relevant governance issues are discussed.
- Manage existing partnerships and forge new opportunities to engage with relevant organisations in a structured manner.
- Mentor and manage junior staff to ensure effective delivery on projects and facilitate their professional development.
- Represent ECDPM to third parties and at stakeholder events.
- Travel within Europe and Africa to present the work of the team and ECDPM, and/or to meet with our partners.
Who are we looking for? Our ideal candidate:
- Holds a master’s or doctorate degree in international relations, peace and security, law or another relevant discipline.
- Has at least ten years of relevant experience in carrying out research or providing advice to policymakers in the area of international relations and/or development.
- Has good knowledge of global geopolitics and governance policies and dynamics promoted by the European Union and the African Union.
- Has contextual familiarity with specific regions (for instance, the Horn of Africa, West Africa/the Sahel, Europe or North Africa) and/or Africa-Europe relations. Candidates who are from – or have lived experience in – these regions are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Has experience leading and managing externally-funded projects and demonstrates good knowledge of the fundraising environment for governance-related work.
- Is proficient in English and has good knowledge of French. Knowledge of languages spoken in the regions ECDPM works on is a plus.
- Exhibits strong intercultural competences and is a team player.
- Has excellent oral and written communication skills.
What do we offer you?
- A two-year contract which will be converted into a permanent contract, upon proven suitability and available budget.
- A competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
- The preferred work location is Maastricht or Brussels, but other working locations within Europe might be negotiated under some conditions.
- A stimulating work environment where you will have autonomy to manage your work, initiate and lead projects on topics you are passionate about.
- An individual professional development budget of 0.2% of your salary.
- Support with visa and resettlement for you and your family (if needed), including a resettlement package for those who are recruited out of the Netherlands or Belgium but will be based in either of the two offices.
- A 30% tax benefit under certain conditions for those with a Dutch contract. The Dutch tax authorities determine whether this will be granted.
- A strong and professional organisational support team (IT, communications, travel, administrative and finance-related support).
- A generous leave package (47 leave days per calendar year, based on a 40-hour work week) and a group scheme for several insurances as a pension and a health (hospitalisation) insurance.
- Flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home.
- A collegial working environment with centre-wide activities for staff and their families (COVID-19 permitting).
How to apply
How to apply?
If you are interested in the position, please send (1) a short motivational letter, (2) your CV and (3) a writing sample to [email protected] before 17 June 2022, 12:00 CET.
The writing sample should be a commentary (1500 words max) on the place of the ‘governance agenda’ in a geopolitical world.
The subject line of your application should read: ‘Senior policy officer inclusive governance and accountability’. We will only consider applications that are complete, on time and in English.
Selected candidates will be invited for a video interview, during which they will be asked to give a presentation. Interviews will take place on 11, 12 or 13 July 2022.
More information We believe that diversity is good for our people and our business. We promote and value diversity and inclusion among our staff and candidates – irrespective of their gender, age, nationality, race, culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability. If you would like to receive more information about the position or working at ECDPM, please get in touch with Marleen Ackermans via [email protected].
For more information about ECDPM and our areas of work, please have a look at our website.
Privacy statement
We will treat the information you submit with respect. We will store your information on a confidential section of our cloud storage, which is only accessible by our human resources and ICT departments, as well as members from the inclusive governance and accountability team. After the vacancy has closed, we will keep your information in our system for one year. After this period, your details will be deleted. If you wish that we do not keep your details after the vacancy deadline has passed, you may indicate this in your application. For more information, have a look at our privacy policy.