The European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) is currently seeking a Policy Officer to lead its work on the EU’s funding mechanisms for external action relating to peace and conflict prevention, and contribute to the implementation of the Civil Society Dialogue Network (CSDN) project.

The successful candidate will have an excellent understanding of EU policy-making, and demonstrated experience in EU project management and implementation including EU financial regulations and procedures. The initial contract will be for one year with the possibility of renewal, to start as soon as possible.

Duties and Responsibilities

Policy and advocacy work

Lead EPLO’s policy work in a number of areas of EU policy related to peace, in particular on EU funding for peacebuilding and the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
Analyse EU policy and identify policy recommendations, including drafting papers and briefings
Work with policy-makers across the EU institutions, including as part of the CSDN
Participate in events in Brussels and beyond, including presenting EPLO’s policy positions, giving formal presentations

Project Management

Carry out project management tasks as required, including financial reporting, budgeting, and drafting project activity reports and financial reports.
Track progress on the overall implementation of the CSDN, including project plans, timelines and deliverables
Track progress on monitoring and evaluation indicators
Lead on the organisation of policy meetings in Brussels and beyond, especially as part of the CSDN

Working with EPLO MOs and other CSOs

Manage the EPLO working group on funding for peacebuilding
Communicate to EPLO MOs about EU policy developments related to funding and other activities
Network and co-operate with other CSOs working on peacebuilding

Person specification

Education

Essential

Degree in a relevant subject (e.g. conflict studies, political science, European studies, international relations, etc.)
Fluency in English

Desirable

Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject
Fluency in French and additional language skills

Work experience

Essential

At least three years working in an international policy environment, with a strong preference for substantial EU policy/advocacy experience
Experience working on/with the EU’s funding mechanisms for external action
Project management, especially on EU-funded projects
Drafting policy briefs and reports
Organising events

Desirable

Working for a network, platform or membership organisation

Knowledge and skills

Essential

Excellent understanding of EU policy-making processes particularly related to funding
Strong political and cultural sensitivity
Excellent English writing skills
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills

Desirable

Good understanding of how to support collective action
Excellent understanding or willingness to learn about the peacebuilding sector

Personal qualities

Essential

Proactive and able to work both independently and as part of a team
Efficient, well-organised and able to multitask
Able to take a problem-solving approach to challenging situations

Terms and Conditions

Contract: One-year full-time contract starting as soon as possible, with the possibility of renewal. (Unfortunately, EPLO can only consider applicants who are eligible to work in Belgium)

Location: Brussels (with flexibility to work from the EPLO office and from home)

Salary: 3000-3600 Euros gross per month.

EPLO also offers the following employment benefits: holiday pay/pécule de vacances, 13th month/prime de fin d’année, meal vouchers and travel expenses)

Application procedure: Please send your CV and the completed application form to [email protected].

Please indicate in your email when you would be able to start if selected.

Deadline for submission of applications: Friday 18 April at 23.59 CEST. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Interviews: To start in the week of Monday 28 April.