Programme Officer - Somalia

Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, the European 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 a Programme Officer to support the team’s current projects in Somalia within the Peace, Practice and Innovation unit.

You will

Project management:

• Support the Peace Practice and Innovation team in the delivery and day-to-day implementation of high-quality projects, in particular in relation to the Somalia “Strength Through Tolerance” project;
• Participate in the implementation of day-to-day activities related to the development, implementation, and fundraising of RVE projects including in field implementation of project activities;
• Provide operational support for all phases of the project cycle, including development, field implementation, monitoring and reporting on grant implementation, project closure and reporting, and fundraising;
• Support the organisation of large and small events planning and management, travel preparation and follow-up, preparing for and ensuring action on meetings at various levels, including protocol for high-level engagements.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of relevant policy discussions, leading to the development of strong policy recommendations and process design options;
• Maintain communications with contacts and stakeholders for contexts where the Institute is active or where there are potential opportunities for engagement, including donors, relevant governments, non-governmental actors, civil society, local partners and international actors;
• Conduct thematic and geographic research of concern;
• Monitor and analyse context developments for the attention of programme team identifying potential opportunities, risks, adjustments for the Institute;
• Undertake regular field visits and mission travel, in particular to Somalia, and support travel of internal and external stakeholders related to the project activities.

Grant management

• Manage and monitor programmatic and administrative reporting of local partners; 
• Ensure close liaison with the project teams, in particular in Somalia, to facilitate joint planning and project management;
• Oversee the work of short-term international experts and national support staff;
• Ensure sound financial management of assigned projects, including monitoring and forecasting expenditure, overseeing financial reporting (preparation and submission of annual activity-based project budgets, as well as monthly and quarterly financial reports, and preparation and sending of new funding requests), and ensuring compliance with internal and donor finance procedures;
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and guidelines, as well as strict compliance with donor rules and regulations in the delivery, the monitoring of programme implementation, expenditures and the reporting, while strictly respecting deadlines;
• As part of the project team, analyse and track progress on milestones, deliverables, monitoring evaluation indicators, and communicating these through internal project management systems;

Administration

• Maintain ongoing communication with other project teams within the Institute to ensure a coordinated pursuit of organisational vision, mission and goals;
• Help ensure project administrative follow-up, keep track of project progress with regards to deliverables and grant management;
• Provide operational, administrative and logistical support to the project teams, external experts and consultants throughout all phases of the project cycle to ensure smooth project delivery.

 Your skills and experience

• University degree in political science, conflict resolution, international relations, or related field;
• Minimum 5 years of experience, at least 2 of which spent in the field of conflict resolution, post-conflict stabilisation, diplomacy, humanitarian activities or similar;
• Knowledge of the political, economic and security situation in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa;
• Excellent knowledge of project cycle management, including budget management experience;
• Experience managing EU-funded projects and managing a consortium will be considered a strong asset;
• 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;
• Perfect command of English is necessary, good command of Somali and of other languages, including Arabic, 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

Expected start date: As soon as possible 

The selected candidate will need to reside in or relocate to Belgium when the employment starts.

Recruitment process

Closing date: 21 of June 2023, midnight.

Please submit your application using the webform

Our hiring team will review all applications after the closing date of the vacancy. We will keep you posted afterwards on the status of your application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview before a final offer.

EIP firmly believes that diverse perspectives are key to our work. Therefore we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Your qualities and commitment are what matter to us, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.