Europe Programme Officer

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Position description

Direct Reports: Interns/volunteers, where relevant. (At present, this role doesn’t have direct reports)

Contract duration: One year (with the possibility of extension depending on funding)

Compensation: EUR 35,000 to 45,000 per year depending on experience and location (or GBP equivalent).

Location: This is a remote role based in Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain or the Netherlands. Please note that IDC is unable to support relocation. Candidates must already have unrestricted working rights in one of these countries.

Background

International Detention Coalition (IDC) is a unique global network of over 200 civil society organisations and individuals in more than 75 countries, which coordinates with members and partners on advocacy, research, coalition and capacity building, to eliminate immigration detention and advance rights-based alternatives to detention.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a highly organised and motivated individual with a solid background in advocacy on migration and human rights. The ideal candidate will coordinate projects and events efficiently, contribute to strategic advocacy efforts and support the development of the capacity of IDC members. Strong communications, organisational, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

Role Summary

The Europe Programme Officer will play a key role in supporting IDC’s mission in the region by combining strong organisational and coordination skills with a solid understanding of advocacy on migration and human rights. Working closely with the Europe Regional Manager, the Programme Officer will contribute to the design and implementation of regional programmes, events, and advocacy strategies. The role involves providing operational, administrative, research, and communications support, as well as helping to strengthen networks with members, partners, decision makers and other key stakeholders across the Europe region. The Programme Officer should be available to travel within the region as needed.

Role Responsibilities

Project implementation, admin support and support to IDC members and partners

• Contribute to the implementation of national and regional projects and events by providing technical, administrative, and logistical support to the Europe Regional Programme and in collaboration with relevant IDC staff and members.
• Support the overall implementation of IDC’s mission and strategic priorities in the Europe region through a balance of operational efficiency and advocacy engagement.
• Support IDC’s members in the region, including through network building and capacity strengthening activities.
• Support IDC’s role as facilitator of the European Alternatives to Detention Network (EATDN), including coordination and communication with network members, supporting joint activities and peer learning, and contributing to knowledge sharing across the network.
• Maintain a high level of organisation in managing project timelines, deliverables, and follow-ups in coordination with the Europe Regional Manager.
• Support administrative processes related to finances and other relevant areas in the Europe Programme.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the development and implementation of advocacy strategies related to immigration detention, alternatives to detention, and broader migrant and refugee rights focusing on national contexts in target countries in Europe.
• Support IDC’s advocacy towards the European Union and its institutions, including monitoring EU policy and legislative developments on migration and asylum, and contributing to coordinated EU-level advocacy with European networks and partners.
• In coordination with the Europe Regional Manager, engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society actors, UN agencies, and regional networks, to build partnerships and advance shared objectives.
• Contribute to drafting and disseminating advocacy materials, briefing notes, and strategic communications tailored to diverse audiences across the Europe region.
• Support research, data collection and evidence gathering on immigration detention and rights-based alternatives in Europe, to inform IDC’s advocacy, communications and programming.
• Maintain regular contact with IDC members and partners to identify policy gaps, advocacy opportunities, and spaces for support, partnership and coordinated action.
• Assist in the planning and facilitation of stakeholder consultations, trainings, and regional events that promote rights-based alternatives, pathways and regional dialogue.

Communication

• Assist with developing print and digital communication materials for the region, including social media material for different platforms.
• Disseminate and share resources among members through different platforms.
• Contribute to monitoring media platforms and keep track of reports and updates on relevant developments in the region.

Internal Systems, Monitoring, Fundraising, and Institutional Support

• Actively contribute to IDC’s fundraising efforts by providing background research, identifying potential funders, coordinating inputs, and playing an active role in the drafting of proposals aligned with regional priorities.
• Ensure accurate and timely monitoring and reporting of programmatic activities, supporting internal evaluation processes and donor accountability in line with IDC’s MEL systems.
• Maintain organised records of project outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and communications to support institutional memory and knowledge sharing.
• Assist in the preparation of high-quality reports, updates, and documentation for internal use, funders, and external dissemination.
• Support budget tracking, planning, and financial monitoring processes in collaboration with the Regional Manager, Executive Director, and relevant IDC team members.

Core Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and support within the IDC team.
• Demonstrate a passion for and alignment with IDC’s mission, vision and core values of innovation, collaboration, respect, representation and being solutions-focused.
• Demonstrate an understanding of IDC policies including IDC Children and Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding policy to ensure a positive and safe working environment for all.
• Actively engage with organisational systems, processes, and infrastructure to ensure sustainability and appropriate safeguarding of institutional knowledge, assets and core activities over time.

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrated understanding of the European context, particularly related to migration, human rights, and advocacy, including familiarity with EU institutions and policy processes.
• A university degree in a relevant field such as international relations, law, migration studies, political science, or social sciences.
• A minimum of three years of professional experience, including project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy in the migration and/or human rights sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in reporting, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), stakeholder engagement, and supporting advocacy initiatives with civil society, government and international partners.
• Strong communication, writing, organisational and coordination skills, with experience in planning and delivering meetings, workshops and other events.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment, using initiative to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms, including social media.
• Ability to undertake travel in the region for the role.
• Residing in Germany, the United Kingdom or the Netherlands, with the legal right to work in the country of residence.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
• Strong commitment to IDC’s mission and values, including its safeguarding and child protection principles.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within networks or coalitions, including facilitating collaboration and peer learning among diverse member organisations.
• Direct experience of EU-level advocacy or engagement with EU institutions.
• Knowledge of immigration detention and rights-based alternatives to detention in the European context.
• Proficiency in Spanish is an asset.

Application instructions

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