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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 Chief Operating Officer (COO) to support and lead the Institute’s operations across its key functions, including finance, HR, IT, safety and security, and strategic initiatives.
Your place in the team
As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the COO contributes to the overall organizational strategy and provides operational insights across finance, HR, IT, Safety and Security and funding to support strategic decisions and long-term planning, aligning policies, systems and tools with the Institute’s mission and strategic objectives.
You will
General Management
- Change Management: Lead organizational transformations, including digital initiatives, process optimizations, and operational improvements.
- Risk Management: Identifiy and mitigates legal, financial, digital and physical security risks, ensuring sound internal controls
- Legal representation: Act as the official delegated to represent the organization, together with the Executive Director
- Line Management: Manage the Operations Team.
Financial oversight
- Manage the Institute’s overall budgets and oversee the full financial management cycle, ensuring a healthy level of reserves to support long-term sustainability
- Accurate, timely, and transparent reporting to the SMT and to the Board, in cooperation with the Senior Finance Manager.
- Oversee the full cycle of grant-making, including budgeting, projections, programmatic and compliance reviews, reporting, and audits. Ensures compliance with funder reporting requirements and standards.
- Acts as budget holder for all core and indirect costs
- Support the SMT and programmatic teams in the fundraising efforts.
HR and Legal oversight
- Oversee the development, implementation and review of Institute’s People-related policies, tools and practices in cooperation with the HR Manager
- Ensures that all organizational policies, procedures and practice are compliant with applicable labor, employment, tax, immigration, and business registration laws and regulations in applicable countries or jurisdictions.
- Accurate, timely, and transparent reporting to the SMT and to the Board, in cooperation with the HR Manager.
Board Engagement
- Participate in Board meetings to report on HR and finance matters, present risk assessment and any other relevant issues.
- Organise the Board’s Finance Oversight Sub-Committee meetings to present and discuss financial outlooks and reports.
- Hold regular meetings with the Treasurer of the Institute who acts as a sounding board for financial decisions.
IT oversight
- Ensure that IT infrastructure and applications are secure, efficient, and adhere to best practices in Cybersecurity.
- Ensure the Institute has robust business continuity plans in place to mitigate potential disruptions to operations.
Safety and Security
- Identify and implement measures to keep safe all people working for the Institute
- Approve Mission Briefs for travels in High and Very-High Risk countries, including safety measures, check-in procedures and evacuation plans.
Your skills and experience
- Proven successful track record as COO or similar role, with a strong understanding of operational imperatives, including in financial and human resource management;
- At least 15 years of professional experience at an executive level, contributing to or designing strategies, policies and implementation plans;
- Familiarity with Belgian non-profit organisation requirements;
- Experience of managing and motivating teams and delivering results against an institutional plan;
- Hands-on experience in all the following areas: financial management including institutional budgeting, cash flow management, audits, monitoring, evaluation and reporting; human resource management including recruitment, performance appraisal, duty of care and other human resources policies; IT, digital and physical safety and security;
- Experience in managing multicultural, multidisciplinary teams as well as multi-stakeholder partnerships and relationships; track record of working as a team player;
- Systemic approach and solution-oriented;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
- Excellent command of English and French;
- Interest in or experience of working with peace-building actors, including European governments, EU Institutions, International organisations such as the UN, civil society and the private sector.
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: September 2026.
The selected candidate will need to reside in or relocate to Belgium when the employment contract starts.
Recruitment process
Closing date: 19/07/2026, midnight (CEST).
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.