Voluntary Service Overseas Partnerships Manager

Based remotely at an office to be set up in Brussels Salary £45,000/€60,000 per annum Closing date 17/09/2012 15:48 Interview date(s) 21 September 2012

VSO brings people together to fight poverty by delivering innovative development programmes in 36 countries in the world. Through our volunteers, we harness the talents, enthusiasm and skills of ordinary people to bring about lasting change.

It is an exciting time to join VSO. We have recently launched a new global strategy, People First, to enable us to reach more poor communities and influencing key stakeholders in Brussels and the EC has a crucial role in helping us to deliver it.

VSO is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Global Institutional Funding team. The role calls for an experienced relationship manager, with an in depth knowledge and experience of the EC and the associated funding environment, global development policy and advocacy issues, and experience of the EC funding environment. This exciting position will set up and establish the office in Brussels and lay the ground work for greater VSO engagement in European policy issues. You will make a vital contribution to raising the VSO profile at European level and support VSO advocacy and fundraising goals. You will contribute to achieving VSO objectives, by raising awareness of our work at EU level and providing strategic guidance to ensure that EC fundraising targets are met. You will be an excellent communicator and skilled at building strong relationships and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external.

Experience required: • Evidence of in depth knowledge of EU policy design and processes, funds and projects gained through previous employment in European affairs • Evidence of in-depth knowledge of at least one of the following European policy areas: international development and cooperation, education, social policy, health • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ideally proposal writing experience • Experience of external and public representation of organisations • Fluent English language skills • Proven ability to build networks quickly and effectively • Experience in pro-actively seeking out and pursuing opportunities for advocacy and fundraising • Experience in planning, organizing and executing events • Experience in working independently/remotely

This role offers a competitive salary and pension plan, generous holiday entitlements and excellent professional development opportunities.

Applications should consist of a full up to date CV and a covering letter addressing the criteria in the person specification. Please email your application to recruitment@vso.org.uk Please ensure you have the eligibility to work in the EU.