Programme Officer – Middle East & Gulf

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 Officer to join the Middle East & Gulf team within the Institute’s Engagement, Dialogue and Process Design (EDP) Unit. You will report to the Programme Manager and support the team’s current dialogue projects in the Gulf and wider Middle East.

You will

Programmatic support

• Contribute to the design, development and implementation of high-quality projects 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.
• Support day-to-day implementation of projects including travel preparation and follow up, event planning and management, and the preparation and follow up of meetings at various levels.
• Contribute to the development of concrete and realistic strategies for field-based engagement 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.
• Plan and participate in scoping missions or other project development activities as necessary.
• Support relationship building with relevant EU institutions, European Governments, and peer organisations in Europe to identify political priorities and positions and assess the scope for collaboration.
• Support liaison with the key stakeholders including relevant governments, non-governmental actors, civil society, local partners, and international actors, in alignment with the team’s engagement strategy.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of strong relations and engagement with donors.
• Contribute to fundraising, identify potential donors, monitor calls for proposals and donor policy priorities and changes, to seize opportunities and secure additional funding to be able to expand the scope of the Institute’s work and consolidate existing funding initiatives.
• Monitor developments in the relevant conflict contexts and develop knowledge, expertise, and relationship to strengthen the team’s analysis.
• Develop and coordinate briefing materials and talking points for meetings and events.

Administrative & managerial support

• Under the supervision the Programme Manager, support operational compliance and sound financial management of on-going projects/programmes/envelope, including support on monitoring and forecasting expenditure, overseeing financial reporting (preparation and contribution to drafting of annual activity-based project budgets as well as monthly and quarterly financial reports and preparation and sending of new funding requests).
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and guidelines, as well as strict compliance with donor rules and regulations in the delivery, the monitoring of programme implementation, expenditures, and the reporting in respect of deadlines.
• Coordinate the drafting of internal and external reports, concept notes and project proposals, including budgets and plans, in coordination with relevant team members.

Internal coordination & team management support

• Support sound programme implementation by providing support in team coordination, facilitating internal and external communication flows, and fostering positive team dynamics and appropriate conduct.
• 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 responsibilities agreed upon with Supervisor.

Your skills and experience

• University degree in political science, conflict resolution, international relations, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience, 2 of which spent in the field of conflict resolution, post-conflict stabilisation, diplomacy, humanitarian activities or similar.
• Knowledge of the political and economic situation of the Gulf and Middle East region and of the conflict contexts and the geopolitical developments taking place.
• Excellent knowledge of project cycle management, including budget management experience.
• Experience in working in multicultural teams in the context of complex programmes or projects.
• Understanding of EU policies, the functions of and workings of the EU institutions.
• Very good communication and people skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and comply with deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• A perfect command of English is necessary. A good command of another European language(s) would be an asset.
• Fluency or very high proficiency in Arabic is required (ability to conduct meetings and written communication in Arabic).
• 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

Expected start date: April 2024.

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