Policy Officer (PO II) for Africa’s Change Dynamics

(Re-advertised)Candidateshaving previously applied to this vacancy need not reapply

The European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) in Maastricht, The Netherlands, is looking for an entrepreneurial professional to contribute to the Centre's dialogue, networking, policy research and capacity development activities.

The organisation itself, ECDPM is a “think and do tank”. Our main goal is to broker effective partnerships between the European Union and the developing world, especially Africa. ECDPM promotes inclusive forms of development and cooperates with public and private sector organisations to better manage international relations. It also supports the reform of policies and institutions in both Europe and the developing world. One of ECDPM’s key strengths is its extensive network of relations in Europe and Africa. Its partners embrace multilateral institutions, international centres of excellence and a broad range of state and non-state organisations. ECDPM was established in 1986 as an independent foundation.

Building upon almost thirty years of experience as an independent foundation, ECDPM’s 2012-2016 strategy defines 4 thematic areas and 5 programmes, chosen because they are at the heart of the challenges the European Union’s relations and cooperation with the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific will face.

The overarching 4 themes / 5 Programmes
  • Reconciling values and interests in the external action of the EU
  • Promoting economic governance and trade for inclusive and sustainable growth
  • Supporting societal dynamics of change related to democracy and governance in developing countries, particularly Africa
  • Addressing food security as a global public good through information and support to regional integration, markets and agriculture
/
  • Strengthening European external action
  • Deepening overall responses to conflict, security and resilience
  • Economic Transformation
  • Africa’s Change Dynamics
  • Regional and local markets for agriculture and food security

For more information on ECDPM, please visit

ECDPM is an equal opportunities employer.

The Position

The Policy Officer (PO) will be part of the Africa’s Change Dynamics Program. The programmeseeks to, on the one hand support ongoing initiatives in Africa to strengthen the responsive capacity of African actors to governance-related sources of instability and on the other hand facilitate dialogue between European and African actors in the area of governance.

For more information on ACD’s work see

The right candidate would have experience and a solid knowledge of the political governance landscape in Africa, with a specific focus on regional political and governance processes. (S)he would also have a relevant portfolio of publications and should be able to demonstrate her/his ability to write policy-oriented document. The candidate would to have at least 3 years experience working in a policy environment or influencing it. The candidate would ideally have a relevant established network in Africa. Some experience in project management, supervision, and fundraising skills would also be required.

The PO will be expected to:

  • Lead in the production of key outputs (publications, events, brokering dialogue) of the program
  • Work closely with the Head of Programme to identify funding opportunities, develop funding proposals and respond effectively to secure funding for the program
  • Work closely with the Head of Programme to proactively identify possible strategic opportunities emerging in relation to our work
  • Build and maintain strategic networks related to the work of the programme, especially in Africa
  • Closely supervise and coach Research Assistants or Young International Professionals
  • Represent the program and/or ECDPM in external meetings including presenting the material
  • Attend relevant events and contribute to outreach activities

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Masters degree in International relations, political science, political economy or other relevant areas.

Work Experience

  • 5-7 years of work experience, of which at least 2 years working in or actively interacting with a policy environment.
  • The work experience should cover at least one of the following content areas: political governance support/promotion in Africa and/or on institutional development, the role of civil society in governance including the barriers to their engagement (i.e. enabling environment), EU support to governance, linkages between governance and peace and security.
  • Excellent writing, editing, analytical and synthesis skills, including the ability to structure arguments and present options to policy makers in a non-partisan way.
  • Fundraising skills and interest to further develop the ability to fundraise.
  • At least 1 year experience in project management and junior staff supervision.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the complexities involved in working in a political environment.
  • Experience working in at least one African countryfor a period of at least 2 years (North or sub-Saharan).
  • Excellent command of English is required. Good working knowledge of French is desirable.
  • Keen desire and commitment to (further) deepen understanding of the EU’s engagement with Africa on governance or African governance processes to strengthen her/his understanding of the complexity of the environment we operate in.

Personal competencies

  • Political judgment and caution in handling internal documents and relationship with partners. Experience in collaborating with African actors would be an advantage.
  • Proactive attitude and excellent inter-personal communication skills in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Ability to work autonomously but with a strong team spirit.
  • Proven networking skills.
  • Interest in the work and approach of ECDPM, especially the non-partisan character of the organisation.

The PO is a full-time member of the ACD team and reports to the Head of Programme. At a PO level, the successful candidate will also be expected to occasionally work flexibly across programmes to help deliver on all-ECDPM priorities

Conditions of employment

The successful candidate will be based on a full-time basis in Maastricht, The Netherlands, with occasional travels to Brussels and missions in Africa when possible.

ECDPM offers a lively and attractive working environment, space for autonomy and personal growth, and ample opportunity for participating in exciting areas of policy development for international cooperation.

ECDPM will appoint the PO position at a point on the gross annual salary between €40,026.92 and €61,505.31 dependent on experience. The appointment provides a generous package of leave (9+ weeks on annual fulltime basis) and other benefits such as an 8% holiday allowance, admission to a pension fund with an employer contribution, an end-of-the-year allowance and more.

The appointment is for an initial period of 1 year. Renewal is subject to performance and availability of funding

Selection Process

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of 2 rounds of interviews as well as a timed written assignment closely modeled on the type of work necessary for this role.

Applicants should fill in the application form, in Word, that can be downloadedhere. Applications should be submitted electronically to the email address , to the attn. of Mr. Guy Janssen, Corporate Assistant Human Resources as soon as possible (deadline FridayFebruary5, 2016 at 10h00 CET). Please enter: “Application for POII: Africa’s Change Dynamics” in the subject line. Applications without an application form (i.e. just a CV) will not be taken into consideration