Programme Assistant – Middle East and Gulf

Position description

Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, theEuropean 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 aProgramme Assistantto support the Institute’sMiddle East and Gulf****teamwithin the Engagement, Dialogue and Process Design (EDP) unit, with a focus on the Institute’s work in theLevant.

You will

• 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 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;
• Support colleagues with project-related research and the development of relevant documents, including concept notes, talking points and briefing materials;
• Conduct desk research and analysis on policy issues relating to region, upon request, and keep abreast of major debates and discussions, reports, calls for proposals, political events relevant to the Institute’s work in and on the region;
• Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, and in collaboration with other team members, 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;
• Support in ensuring compliance with internal policies and guidelines, as well as strict compliance with donor rules and regulations in project delivery, expenditures and reporting;
• 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 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;
• Support team communication, for example by facilitating internal and external communication flows, creating and maintaining relevant tools and reminder schedules;
• Take part in and when applicable coordinate meetings. Regularly engage with colleagues in the teams to ensure coordination on new and ongoing project activities;
• In collaboration with the team, develop and manage contact lists, mappings and tools necessary to ensure regular engagement with stakeholders;
• Coordinate regular and ad hoc internal reporting, ensuring timeliness and high quality of team contributions;
• Any other responsibilities agreed upon with Supervisor.

Your skills and experience

• Excellent organisational skills and administrative competence; including a meticulous attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively;
• Some knowledge of project cycle management, including budget management experience, would be an asset;
• Knowledge of the political and economic situation of the Middle East Peace Process and wider Levant Region, and of the conflict contexts within that region;
• 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;
• ​ Excellent in oral and written communication and interpersonal skills;
• Very good communication and people skills;
• Ability to work well under pressure and comply with tight deadlines;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team;
• Perfect command of English is necessary, a good command of Arabic and good command of another European language would be 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 card
• 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.

Application instructions

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