Senior Programme Manager

Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, the European Institute of Peace (www.eip.org) is an independent organisation working collaboratively with the parties to the conflict, those who represent people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, as well as European decision-makers and the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community.

We provide practical experience, technical expertise, and policy advice on conflict resolution. We use a variety of tools to help us do this, including analysis, mapping and design of peace processes and agreements, facilitating policy discussions, and proposing practical engagement, for example through inclusive dialogue and mediation support.

Are you captivated by our innovative approach to peace, and do you want to contribute to the mission of our institute? Do you share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements?

We are looking for a **Senior Programme Manager ​**to work within the Institute’s Engagement, Dialogue an Process Design (EDP) unit.

Your place in the team

As Senior Programme Manager you will be part of a strong management team which jointly runs the Institute’s political initiatives under the supervision of the Director for Engagement, Dialogue and Process Design/Deputy Executive Director. This line of work includes political dialogues, mediation initiatives and support to a variety of peace processes and political actors. You will be responsible for one or several programmes/projects depending on size and oversee a team of excellent and motivated colleagues.

You will

Strategic oversight & leadership

• In close collaboration with the Unit Director, lead on the design, development and implementation of the relevant Programme(s)/Envelope(s) to prevent or resolve conflicts with an emphasis on peace process support initiatives which play to Europe’s strengths and aligned with EIP’s Vision, Mission, and Goals;
• Ensure operational and strategic coherence of the programme to guarantee a comprehensive, strategic approach to the region, and that the Institute’s contribution is sustainable, inclusive and in line with the vision, mission and goals of the Institute;
• Manage the assigned programme(s) and envelope(s) in close collaboration with the Team Leader when applicable, the Unit Director, the assigned Management Support Team, Senior Advisors and Regional Advisors/Analysts;
• Within the scope of the programme and in coherence with overall strategy: Lead the development of new strands of work, identify opportunities for further programme development and subsequently propose strategies for new interventions;
• When required support the functions of the Unit Director, including coordination of Unit activities, provision of guidance to Programme teams and representing the Unit in internal and external fora;

Programme & envelope management

• Ensure robust, high-quality and timely programming conducted in accordance with work plans, strategies and donor requirements, ensuring high standards of work and effective implementation;
• Lead and ensure the consistent development of concrete and realistic strategies for field-based engagement in order to develop strong networks, and to work closely with local actors, conflict parties, and other relevant groups to inform and contribute to the achievement of project objectives;
• Lead the planning and execution of, relevant policy discussions, leading to the development of strong policy recommendations and process design options;
• Coordinate the development of in-depth analysis and ensure overall adherence to the Institute’s analytical framework;
• Contribute actively to the EDP Unit’s mid-level management group to ensure strong internal coherence, communication and compliance, as well as general management support to the EDP Director;

Stakeholder engagement & partnership management

• Liaise and represent EIP with the key stakeholders including the appropriate governments, non-governmental actors, civil society, local partners and international actors in the region;
• Within the scope of the assigned Programme and in coordination with EDP colleagues, lead the Institute’s relationship management with relevant EU institutions, European governments and European-based organisations to identify political priorities, influence policy and increase scope for collaboration;
• Lead the development and maintenance of effective liaison, strong relations and engagement with donors to facilitate the timely implementation of programme activities, ensure strict compliance with donor rules and regulations, and delivery and monitoring of programme outputs within defined deadlines;
• Lead and coordinate fundraising, identify new potential donors, maintain existing donor relations and establish new ones, in order to secure additional funding to be able to expand the scope of the Institute’s work and consolidate existing funding initiatives;
• Manage existing and ensure the development of partnerships with relevant track 2 actors, policy actors and other relevant entities, to provide added value and increased visibility of EIP in the region of the assigned programme;

Project cycle & team management

• Manage the team, ensuring effective responsibility and task divisions, facilitating internal and external communication flows, and fostering positive team dynamics and general conduct;
• Ensure a dynamic and healthy environment in the programme team, working to ensure a respectful, professional and supportive atmosphere and work culture, in respect of team member’s well-being;
• Maintain responsibility for assigned staff in the Management Support Team including appraisal, coaching and professional development.
• Ensure operational compliance with internal policies and guidelines as well as and donor rules and regulations in the delivery, monitoring and reporting, while strictly respecting deadlines;
• Ensure sound financial management of activities, grants and resources, including expenditure, forecasting, monitoring of accounts and financial reporting;
• Lead and oversee the drafting of project documents, including concept notes, project proposals, regular and ad-hoc reporting. Ensure sound project construction and budget creation, in line with internal policies and donor requirements;
• Take part in and help coordinate regular conversations between EDP colleagues and other units, fostering smooth collaboration and coordination between units. Systematically engage colleagues outside the teams to ensure coordination on new and ongoing project activities;
• Any other responsibility agreed upon with the EDP Director.

Profile

• Minimum 15 years of experience, 7 of which spent in the field of mediation, mediation-support or dialogue facilitation;
• University degree in political science, conflict resolutions, international relations, or related field;
• Experience in the management of programmes at a regional or country level, including multiple projects and/or strands of work. Experience in managing regional teams or remotely is an asset;
• Excellent knowledge of project cycle management, including budget management experience, essential;
• Understanding of EU policies, the functions of and workings of the EU institutions;
• Knowledge of the political and economic situation of the region under the scope of the programme, of the conflict contexts within those countries, and of the geopolitical developments that are taking place in the region as a whole;
• Ability to work well under pressure and comply with tight deadlines;
• Perfect command of English, good command of Spanish, Portuguese and/or French is an asset;
• Legally entitled to work in Belgium (EU citizen or currently in possession of a Belgian work permit).

The Institute offers

• An exciting job in an international and diverse environment (18 nationalities represented at the Brussels Office)
• Open-ended Belgian contract
• Competitive Benefits package which includes health care insurance and pension plan, meal vouchers, transportation and telework allowance, and SIM card
• 40h/week and 32 leave days/year
• The possibility to telework 3 days a week

Expected start date: As soon as possible

The selected candidate will preferably reside in or relocate to Belgium when the employment contract starts.