Senior Partnership and Network Development Officer

Position description

Victim Support Europe (VSE) is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to lead our new Partnership and Network Development team, spearheading VSE’s future growth and national impact.

VSE is the leading European umbrella organisation advocating for victims of crime. With 76 member organisations from 36 countries supporting around 3 million victims of crime every year, VSE helps transform the lives of millions of the most vulnerable people in society. We strengthen rights, advocate for change and support national services across Europe and beyond.

Whilst embodying our fundamental values of respect, compassion, commitment, community, and collaboration, at the heart of our success is our focus on unbeatable quality, innovation and impactful solutions to the problems faced by victims.

VSE is now looking for an ambitious and skilled individual who loves connecting, working with and learning from people across different contexts. The Senior Partnership and Network development Officer will: build and lead VSE’s partnerships, membership and fundraising capability; develop and implement VSE’s membership growth strategy; lead work to create a vibrant community supporting exchanges, mutual learning, and the building of standards and capacity of services; and assist VSE to develop diverse sources of financial support, in particular through donations, sponsorship and work with foundations.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with or as part of networks and can demonstrate experience in building relationships, bringing people together and raising funds. He/She should have an interest in supporting civil society, social justice, and have an understanding of the operation of service delivery organisations.

In return we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and the opportunity to work with an ethical and values-based non-for-profit organisation focused on positive social change.

Key responsibilities

Under the lead of the Executive Director and the Deputy Director, and working closely in particular with Project and Communications teams, the Senior Partnerships and Network Development Officer`s primary responsibilities will include:

Membership growth and Community building:

• Lead the growth of VSE’s membership through a new membership model; manage membership application, intake and information processes and systems supporting the Communications team in operating VSE’s network Hub;
• Manage relations with Members connecting with them to understand their work, needs, challenges and opportunities;
• Develop VSE’s services and activities to respond to Members’ needs; support members to learn, exchange information and self-organise through community building activities; plan and deliver capacity building activities and events including operation of VSE’s Centre of Excellence for distance support, staff exchange for members; ensure the implementation and development of VSE’s standards and accreditation process.

Partnership, network development and fundraising:

• Support VSE in developing relations and partnership/business opportunities with external stakeholders, businesses and potential donors;
• Identify collaboration opportunities with government, non-governmental organisations, private sector, working with VSE teams to build projects relevant to VSE and Member priorities;
• Increase VSE income and income sources by developing and delivering VSE’s fundraising strategy focused on donations, sponsorship, pro bono activities. Organise and develop fundraising events, campaigns and materials.

Management of the Partnerships and Network Development Team:

• Line-manage and lead members of the Network Development Team;
• Actively participate in and support wider VSE management activities.

Qualifications

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the EU. VSE cannot assist non-EU Nationals to obtain a work permit or help with relocation costs.

General requirements:

• At least five years work experience, ideally encompassing:
  • working in a network organisation and in managing networks and content management systems, and building and maintaining relationships with national, EU and international stakeholders;
  • coordinating engagement activities, online and in person, building partnerships and networks;
  • demonstrated success in managing fundraising efforts, understanding of philanthropy trends including operation of foundations, sponsors and CSR/ESG;
  • understanding of and interest in victims of crime or vulnerable persons and the role of civil society;
  • supporting the development of capability of service delivery organisations.
• Personnel and team management;
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business management, PR, Fundraising, victims’ rights or any related field is asset.

Technical Skills and Personal Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of other European languages is an advantage;
• Knowledge of content management systems and IT applications supporting communications and engagement;
• Organisation: Very organised with ability to work under pressure and manage tight and competing deadlines; excellent administration and personal management skills, able to manage and prioritise a diverse workload; deliver key project objectives on time and to a high standard;
• Interpersonal: Effective networker who enjoys meeting people, able to build and manage relationships with a range of people and tell their stories, diplomatic and non-judgmental;
• Experienced facilitator, able to design and lead collaborative and participatory events online and in person;
• Strategic: Creative and excited about helping support new strategies and systems. Able to learn about organizational needs and trends in the field and incorporate that knowledge into organisational infrastructure and systems;
• Good work ethic and a desire to “get the job done”;
• Flexibility – post holder will be required to travel.

Terms of the contract

VSE is a people focused organisation which combines a drive for excellence with a desire to ensure success and fulfilment of all its employees. In addition to the competitive salary conditions below, VSE offers a 3/2 day split for office and home working, flexi-time, offers in-house and external training in accordance with personal development plans which are focused on helping every employee achieve their best in a positive environment.

The selected candidate will be offered a full-time contract (38 hours/week).

Desired starting date of employment is August/September.

Salary is 3.500 (gross) per month, with regular statutory and non-statutory indexations.

The employment contract includes holiday bonus, 13th month, meal vouchers and transportation allowance.

Additional benefits (flexible hours, work from home allowance, eco cheques and similar) are made available to employees.

This is a vacancy for a position based in Brussels, Belgium. All applicants need to have the legal right to reside and work in Belgium.

VSE is not in a position to cover any application for related cost to shortlisted candidates, or relocation costs to successful candidate.

Application instructions

The application should include:

• an up-to-date CV;
• a motivation letter outlining why the applicant wants the job; what special attributes the applicant would bring to the job; and what skills, knowledge and experience the applicant has that are transferrable to this position;
• a minimum of two references that may be contacted during the recruitment process should be mentioned.

Please send your application only electronically to [email protected].

The deadline for sending applications is 21 July 2024 by 17.00 CEST.

After the application:

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis;
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the first week of August;
• Interviews will take place in the second week of August.

Depending on the number of applications, VSE withholds the right to invite shortlisted applicants to complete a written assignment, which can affect the planning laid out above.

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