Purpose/objective of the consultancy

We are looking for an experienced and proactive EU Partnership Manager to expand Hivos’ positioning and relations with the European Commission and its allies in Brussels. You will be representing Hivos towards key EU stakeholders and support global Hivos colleagues in their EU engagement and outreach efforts.

The EU Partnership Manager leads Hivos’ proactive positioning towards the European Commission in Brussels and supports other Hivos staff in their EU outreach globally. You work closely with colleagues from the Business Development unit and Advocacy and Program Strategy team and report to the Head of Business Development. In addition, you will stay in close contact with staff managing Hivos’ EU-funded programs at global and regional level.

You are responsible for strengthening Hivos’ strategic relationship with the European Commission. You are doing this through proactive relationship building with representatives for Directorate Generals and other relevant EU stakeholders, including EU Member States, as well as by investing in Hivos’ positioning towards strategic CSO partners.

In addition to networking and proactive outreach, you leverage your knowledge and expertise about EU policy and funding instruments to enhance the quality and coherence of Hivos’ global outreach towards the EU by providing strategic guidance and practical input to the formulation of EU funding proposals and advocacy strategies.

Key deliverables

EU Partnership development

• Develop and oversee an EU Business Development and Partnership Plan.
• Cultivate and maintain relevant relations within Directorate Generals relevant to Hivos’ work, with a primary focus on DG INTPA.
• Engage strategically with relevant EU stakeholders, including Member States representatives, including regular attendance at meetings and events in Brussels, collecting inputs from various stakeholders and drafting briefing notes on strategic issues.
• Coordinate engagement with the EU globally to enhance Hivos’ position, influence, impact and income.

Networking and positioning

• Participate in relevant CSO networks and key events at Brussels level, for example, CONCORD.
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with strategic CSO partners at Brussels level.
• Position Hivos as an attractive partner (lead or co-applicant) towards other international CSOs for key EU funding instruments.
• Participate in relevant CSO networks and key events at Brussels level, for example, CONCORD.
• Connect and align Hivos to relevant CSO-led advocay initiatives and campaigns towards EU stakeholders.

Quality control and policy alignment

• Monitor and document macro trends in European Commission funding.
• Brief Hivos staff globally on EU Commission policy outlook and potential impacts on Hivos’ strategy and resourcing.
• Provide guidance to Business Development Managers and final review of all European Commission funding opportunities pursued by Hivos.
• Support regional Business Development Managers to engage with EU Delegations at country level.

Required skills and experience

The ideal candidate should be committed to the mission and values of Hivos and possess the following qualities and skills:

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in partnership management, resource mobilization and/or EU advocacy in the areas of civic space, gender equality and/or climate justice.
• Strong track record of successful resource mobilization from global EU funding instruments in areas relevant to Hivos’ work (civic rights and democracy; gender equality and inclusion; climate justice).
• Extensive knowledge of EU development and civil society support policy and frameworks and how they are translated into funding instruments.
• Strong foundational network of key contacts within relevant Directorate Generals and among key CSO stakeholders in Brussels.
• Enterprising dynamic personality and outstanding team player. Easy to work with, excellent networking and communications skills to achieve the best possible results.
• Level skills: cooperation, influence, leadership.
• Job skills: strongly proactive and dynamic, strategic thinking, relationship management, team player
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills in English including to facilitate/lead proposal development workshops, and write strong concept notes and proposals.

Application process

Please submit a cover letter and CV by Sunday, 16 June at the latest, by clicking on the ‘Apply here’ button. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

What we offer

You will work from Brussels, where you are (preferably) already based.  On average, you can dedicate 2-4 days per week to this role (to be discussed).

We offer a consultancy agreement for 6 months, with the option for extension (subject to performance and other business considerations).

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