Programme Manager (Eastern Partnership)

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.

What You’ll Do

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

What You Bring

• 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

You are:

• 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.