- European Endowment for Democracy
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Programme Manager (Eastern Partnership)
- European Endowment for Democracy
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: June 29, 2025
- European Endowment for Democracy
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: June 29, 2025
DESCRIPTION:
Work that connects bold ideas to real impact.
The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) supports people and movements standing up for democratic values — often in places where that work is dangerous, underfunded, or deliberately silenced. Since 2013, we’ve provided nearly €250M in grants to activists, independent media, civil society leaders, and cultural actors across the European Neighbourhood and beyond.
We’re now looking for a Programme Manager to lead our grant-making and strategic engagement in parts of the Eastern Neighbourhood. You’ll work directly with political and civil society actors in complex contexts — identifying promising initiatives, supporting grantees, tracking developments on the ground, and helping us shape thoughtful, responsive programming.
This is a role for someone with deep regional understanding, a sharp political instinct, and a practical approach to supporting change.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
You’ll report to the Director of Programmes and play a central role in managing EED’s work across designated Eastern Neighbourhood countries. Your responsibilities will include:
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
YOUR PROFILE:
Nice to have
WHY JOIN US:
HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply online via our recruitment portal. Your application must include:
Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted and invited to take a written online test.
Please note: We do not accept phone calls, emails or letters regarding the status of applications. All data is handled in accordance with EU data protection law. Pre-employment screening and criminal records checks are part of the recruitment process.
- Location: Brussels, Belgium;
- Starting: 1 September 2025;
- Contract type: Two-year contract, renewable;
- Salary: Approx. €8,200 gross/month + benefits;
- Deadline: 29 June 2025 at midnight Brussels time.
Work that connects bold ideas to real impact.
The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) supports people and movements standing up for democratic values — often in places where that work is dangerous, underfunded, or deliberately silenced. Since 2013, we’ve provided nearly €250M in grants to activists, independent media, civil society leaders, and cultural actors across the European Neighbourhood and beyond.
We’re now looking for a Programme Manager to lead our grant-making and strategic engagement in parts of the Eastern Neighbourhood. You’ll work directly with political and civil society actors in complex contexts — identifying promising initiatives, supporting grantees, tracking developments on the ground, and helping us shape thoughtful, responsive programming.
This is a role for someone with deep regional understanding, a sharp political instinct, and a practical approach to supporting change.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
You’ll report to the Director of Programmes and play a central role in managing EED’s work across designated Eastern Neighbourhood countries. Your responsibilities will include:
- Coordinating and monitoring EED’s grant-making in the region;
- Reviewing applications, conducting background research, and preparing funding recommendations;
- Guiding applicants through the grant process and helping grantees develop their initiatives;
- Liaising with civic actors, media, and human rights defenders to stay close to developments on the ground;
- Tracking political trends and offering strategic insight into the context and EED’s added value;
- Representing EED in donor meetings, conferences and public events;
- Overseeing the work of local consultants in relevant countries;
- Travelling frequently in the region for outreach and monitoring;
- Collaborating with other EED teams on communications, evaluation, and crosscutting initiatives.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- At least eight years of experience in democracy support, international development, human rights or civil society, including at least five years of managerial experience in team and budget management;
- A master’s degree in political science, law, international affairs, or a related field;
- Deep familiarity with the political context of the Eastern Neighbourhood, particularly in relation to civic space and EU policy;
- Thorough knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian highly desirable;
- Proven experience working in complex political environments, preferably including time spent in the field;
- Strong knowledge of grant-making, donor coordination, and monitoring practices.
YOUR PROFILE:
- Strategic but hands-on;
- Curious and politically literate, with a deep sense of context;
- Comfortable switching between big-picture thinking and detailed programmatic support;
- Skilled in working with diverse partners — from grassroots activists to institutional donors;
- Highly discreet, diplomatic, and trustworthy in high-sensitivity situations;
- A strong writer and communicator, able to represent EED credibly in high-level fora.
Nice to have
- Working knowledge of other regional languages;
- Experience overseeing consultants or country-based teams;
- Familiarity with EU institutions and democracy-related instruments.
WHY JOIN US:
- Meaningful work: You’ll directly support local actors working to protect democratic space — often under real pressure;
- People-first culture: At EED, we know our strength lies in our people. We value the range of skills, perspectives, and lived experiences our team brings;
- Smart, mission-led colleagues: Join a growing, international team where decisions are close to the ground, and everyone contributes;
- A workplace that works for you: We strive to create a positive, flexible work environment, with benefits that support your health, life and learning;
- Our benefits include: Complementary health insurance (CIGNA), meal vouchers, public transport or bike allowance, 13th salary, holiday pay, paid leave, parental leave options, training opportunities, and weekly teleworking.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply online via our recruitment portal. Your application must include:
- A one-page motivation letter;
- Your CV (Europass format);
- Contact information for three professional references.
Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted and invited to take a written online test.
Please note: We do not accept phone calls, emails or letters regarding the status of applications. All data is handled in accordance with EU data protection law. Pre-employment screening and criminal records checks are part of the recruitment process.
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