Great Lakes & Southern Africa Programme Assistant

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 Programme Assistant to support the Great Lakes & Southern Africa team within the Engagement Dialogue and Process Design unit (EDP).

You will

Programmatic support:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Institute’s GLR Programme within delegated responsibilities under the supervision of the Programme Manager;
• Contribute to programme implementation and support the organisation of activities related to dialogue in the Great Lakes and Southern Africa region;
• Monitor the context-related events and updates and share the weekly overview with the entire team;
• Contribute to the drafting of internal and external reports, contribute to the writing of concept notes and project proposals;
• Support team efforts to engage with donors, board members, and stakeholders. This includes setting up meetings and calls and/or drafting of formal and informal correspondence, note-taking and support in internal follow-up;
• Provide ideas and input to possible interventions in the field of peace process support by EIP in support of senior colleagues.

Administrative support:

• Provide operational, administrative and logistical support to the programme team throughout all phases of the project cycle to ensure smooth project delivery;
• Contribute to the day-to-day implementation of assigned projects, including large and small events planning and logistical management, travel booking and administrative follow-up, scheduling of meetings at various levels, including protocol for high-level engagements, drafting notes from meetings etc, under the supervision of the Programme Manager;
• Support in the management of on-going project budgets, contributing to organisation and management of invoice, expense claims and other administrative matters pertaining to working expenses under the supervision of the Programme Manager, and in collaboration with other team members.

Internal coordination & team management support

• Take part in and when applicable coordinate meetings, within EDP and other units as well as externally, fostering smooth collaboration;
• Coordinate regular and ad hoc internal reporting, ensuring timeliness and high quality of team contributions;
• Work closely with colleagues to compile briefing materials for internal and external audiences and events, including preparation of speeches for senior leadership.

Your skills and experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in the field of international relations, development, diplomacy, or related area;
• University degree in political science, conflict resolution, international relations, or related field;
• Knowledge of the political, security and economic situation of the Great Lakes Region and/or Southern Africa. Alternatively, some field experience in a similar context of protracted armed conflict. ;
• Good knowledge of project cycle management, including budget management experience, essential;
• Perfect command of English and French is necessary;
• Experience in working in multicultural teams in the context of complex programmes or projects, experience in working with/in regional teams or remotely is an asset;
• Legally entitled to work in Belgium (EU citizen or currently in possession of a Belgian work permit).

What we are offering

• 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 car
• 40h/week and 32 leave days/year
• The possibility to telework 3 days a week

Start date: as soon as possible

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