—
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 Manager to support the Institute’s Horn of Africa and Swahili Coast projects within the Engagement, Dialogue and Process Design (EDP) unit.
You will
Research & Design
- Lead on the design and development of the Institute’s conflict prevention and resolution Programme in the Horn of Africa and the Swahili Coast
- Within the scope of the programme and in coherence with overall strategy, lead the development of new areas of work, whether thematic or geographic
- Coordinate the development of in-depth analysis and ensure overall adherence to the Institute’s analytical framework
- Lead the planning and execution of, relevant policy discussions, leading to the development of strong policy recommendations and process design options
- Development of concrete and realistic strategies for field-based engagement in order to develop strong networks, and to work closely with local actors, conflict parties, and other relevant groups to inform and contribute to the achievement of project objectives
- Plan and participate in scoping missions or other project development activities as necessary and subsequently work on the development of relevant strategies for new interventions
Project Management
- Manage the assigned programme in close collaboration with the Unit Director, the assigned Project Team, Senior Advisors and Regional Advisors/Analysts, ensuring strong operational and strategic coherence
- Ensure robust, high-quality and timely Programme development and implementation conducted in accordance with work plans, strategies and donor requirements, ensuring high standards of work and effective implementation
- Ensure operational compliance with internal policies and guidelines as well as and donor rules and regulations in the delivery, monitoring and reporting, while strictly respecting deadlines
- Ensure sound financial management of activities, grants and resources, including expenditure, forecasting, monitoring of accounts and financial reporting
- Oversee the drafting of project documents, including concept notes, project proposals, regular and ad-hoc reporting.
Internal & External communication
- Coordinate the programmatic team’s internal and external communication flows, and fostering positive team dynamics and appropriate conduct
- Take part in and help coordinate regular conversations within the Institute, fostering smooth collaboration and coordination between units. Systematically engage colleagues outside the teams to ensure coordination on new and ongoing project activities
Relationship building
- Within the scope of the assigned Programmes and in coordination with the Institute’s colleagues, lead the Institute’s relationship management with relevant EU institutions, European governments and European-based organisations to identify political priorities, influence policy and increase scope for collaboration, on the managed programme
- Help identify new potential donors, maintain existing donor relations and establish new ones, in order to secure additional funding to be able to expand the scope of the Institute’s work and consolidate existing funding initiatives
- Lead the development and maintenance of effective liaison, strong relations and engagement with donors to facilitate the timely implementation of programme activities, ensure strict compliance with donor rules and regulations, and delivery and monitoring of programme outputs within defined deadlines
- Manage existing and ensure the development of partnerships with relevant track 2 actors, Think Tanks and other relevant entities, to provide added value and increased visibility of EIP in the region of the assigned programme
- Represent EIP with key stakeholders
People Management
- Manage the programmatic team and ensure a dynamic and healthy environment in the programme team, working to ensure a respectful, professional and supportive atmosphere and work culture, in respect of team member’s well-being
- Maintain responsibility for assigned staff in the Programme Team including appraisal, coaching and professional development
- Support the Unit’s mid-level management group to ensure strong internal coherence, communication and compliance, as well as general management support to the unit’s Director
Strategic Development
- Ensure operational and strategic coherence of the
programme to guarantee a comprehensive, strategic approach to the region, and
that the Institute’s contribution is sustainable, inclusive and in line with
the vision, mission and goals of the Institute.
Your skills and experience
- University degree in political science, conflict resolution, international relations, or related field
- Minimum 10 years of experience, with solid experience in the field of mediation, mediation-support or dialogue facilitation
- At least 2 years of people and team management
- Proven, deep knowledge of the political and economic situation of the Horn of Africa and Swahili Coast, of the conflict contexts within those countries, and of the geopolitical developments that are taking place in the region as a whole
- Proven experience working on conflicts in the Horn of Africa and/or Swahili coast. Local working experience is an asset
- Excellent knowledge of project cycle management, including budget management experience
- Experience in the management of programmes including multiple projects and/or strands of work
- Perfect command of English, good command of any additional language(s) relevant in the region
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
Start date: 01/04/2026
The selected candidate will need to reside in or relocate to Belgium when the employment contract starts.
Recruitment process
Closing date: 09/03/2026, midnight (CET).
Please submit your application using the webform below.
Our hiring team will review all applications after the closing date of the vacancy. We will keep you informed on the status of your application.
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.