Deputy Programme Manager (Eastern Partnership)

Position description

Starting: August 2025
Contract type: Two-year fixed term, with possibility of extension
Salary: Approx. €5,800 gross/month + benefits
Deadline: 29 June 2025 at midnight Brussels time

Big-picture issues. Day-to-day precision.

The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) supports courageous individuals and organisations working to keep civic space alive – often where that space is shrinking fast. In the Eastern Partnership region, this means standing behind independent voices and bold ideas with the resources, trust, and flexibility they need.

We’re looking for a Deputy Programme Manager to help manage EED’s growing grant-making work across the region. You’ll work closely with a Programme Manager to assess and support funding applications, track initiatives, stay on top of political developments, and engage with partners and donors – all while ensuring that our support stays relevant, timely, and grounded.

This is a role for someone who combines strategic thinking with operational rigour – someone who knows the region, understands the stakes, and thrives in a role that mixes substance and structure.

What You’ll Do

You’ll support EED’s Eastern Partnership portfolio and help drive both grant management and regional insight. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assessing incoming applications and conducting background research;
• Providing coaching and feedback to applicants during the review process;
• Monitoring grantee activities and supporting the evaluation of ongoing work;
• Liaising with civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders to understand what’s happening on the ground;
• Supporting the preparation of donor reports and funding proposals;
• Coordinating with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Communications teams to ensure strong visibility and learning across EED’s work;
• Planning and delivering programme-related events in collaboration with external stakeholders;
• Helping onboard new staff and interns;
• Provide back-up or substitution for managers when needed;
• Representing EED at events and missions in the region, in close coordination with the Programme Manager.

What You Bring

You have:

• At least five years of professional experience in programme or grant management, ideally in democracy support or civil society work;
• A university degree in international affairs, political science, law, development or a related field;
• Full professional fluency in English and Russian, including strong writing and reporting skills;
• Deep familiarity with the political landscape of the Eastern Neighbourhood;
• A solid grasp of donor expectations, project cycles, and narrative reporting;
• Strong organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills.

You are:

• Politically curious and context-savvy;
• Able to balance multiple projects and deadlines without losing focus;
• Comfortable managing relationships with a range of stakeholders – from grassroots activists to high-level donors;
• Discreet, diplomatic and collaborative;
• Attentive to detail, but never lose sight of the bigger picture.

Nice to have:

• Experience working with civil society actors in Eastern Partnership countries;
• Knowledge of Ukrainian or another relevant regional language;
• Confidence working with grant management systems.

Why Join Us?

• Purposeful work: You’ll help shape and support initiatives that stand up for civic space and democratic values;
• People-first culture: At EED, we recognise that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings – and we work to ensure that everyone feels supported, trusted and heard;
• Flexible, mission-driven workplace: Work in a collaborative environment that respects your time and ideas;
• Benefits that matter: Our package includes complementary health insurance (CIGNA), meal vouchers, public transport or bike allowance, 13th month salary, holiday allowance, paid leave, parental leave, weekly teleworking, and annual training opportunities.

Application instructions

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