Senior Programme Officer

The European Institute of Peace (EIP) is looking for exceptional individuals who 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 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.

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

Our innovative approach to peace enables us to be agile, creative, and effective in everything we do, and these are key qualities we look for in our team members. See www.eip.org for more information

We are looking for a Senior Programme Officer to be part of the Engagement Dialogue and Process Design unit (EDP).

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the EDP Director, the Senior Programme Officer works as part of or in lead of teams managing the projects, programmes and envelopes run by EDP or other units.

In this context, and with a particular (but not exclusive) focus on Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, the Senior Programme Officer will:

• Contribute to the design, development and implementation of high-quality projects, programmes and/or envelopes to prevent or resolve conflicts with an emphasis on peace process support initiatives which play to Europe’s strengths;

• Ensure operational and strategic coherence on assigned projects, programmes and envelopes by ensuring that EIP’s Vision, Mission, and Goals are reflected in its operations:

• emphasise inclusivity, sustainability, and coherent approaches;

• are linked up closely and effectively with European policy;

• provide a platform for innovative thinking and take a critical look at how to improve practices in the field of mediation, conflict resolution, and peace building within the context of his/her specific projects;

• Develop concrete and realistic strategies for engagement on the ground in order to develop strong networks, and to work closely with local actors, conflict parties, and other relevant groups (e.g. marginalised actors etc) to inform and contribute to the achievement of project objectives;

• Take initiative, identify opportunities, plan and participate in scoping missions or other project development activities as necessary and subsequently develop strategies for new EIP interventions;

• Take part in and when applicable coordinate a team of colleagues from EDP and other units as well as external consultants, fostering smooth collaboration and information-flow between units and engage regularly with other EIP colleagues outside the teams to ensure coordination on new and ongoing project activities.

• Develop and maintain effective liaison, strong relations and engagement with donors to facilitate the timely implementation of project activities, ensure strict compliance with donor rules and regulations, and the delivery and monitoring of programme outputs and expenditure within defined deadlines;

• Ensure sound financial management of on-going projects/programmes/envelopes including monitoring and forecasting expenditure, overseeing financial reporting (preparation and submission of annual activity-based project budgets as well as monthly and quarterly financial reports,preparation and sending of new funding requests), and ensuring compliance with internal and donor finance procedures;

• Develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with relevant EU institutions, and European Governments, and NGO counterparts, particularly those based in the region, to identify political priorities, regional interests and scope for collaboration;

• Continuously monitor developments in the relevant conflict contexts and develop knowledge, expertise and key relationships, feeding into the analysis developed by the unit and as part of this work closely with EDP’s analysts and coordinate the analysis need.

• Work closely with colleagues to compile briefing materials for internal and external audiences and events, including preparation of speeches for senior leadership, and lead or contribute to the development of relevant policy discussions, recommendations and process design options.

Profile

• University degree in political science, conflict resolutions, international relations, or related field;
• At least 5 years of experience with international efforts on mediation, mediation-support and dialogue facilitation;
• Experience working with EU institutions, and good understanding of EU and EU Member States functioning
• Experience working with senior officials and stakeholders Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Russia and European Member States;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills;
• Fluency in English, spoken and written. Knowledge of Russian is highly desired. Other language skills pertinent to Eastern Europe a plus;
• Ability to work well under deadlines;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team;
• Ability to work in Belgium (Belgian or EU citizen or currently in possession of a Belgian work permit.)

The Institute offers

• Employment contract (open ended Belgian contract);
• Salary based on 13.92 months and commensurate to the position and experience;
• Benefits package which includes luncheon vouchers, hospital insurance, maternity and parental benefits, pension plan, and contribution to transportation;
• 40h/week including 12 RTT days per year;
• Orange SIM card;
• Contribution to teleworking allowance: €15.

Start date: Mid-may 2022.

The successful candidate will need to reside in or relocate to Belgium when the employment contract starts

The deadline is 23/03/2022 close of business (COB).

If selected for the first round, we will contact you for an interview which may include a written test. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Interviews will be held from 14/04/2022 and 15/04/2022.