Deputy Executive Secretary , EurAc - European Network for Central Africa

EURAC is the network of European NGOs active in Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in the areas of foreign relations, development, human rights and humanitarian aid. The network’s 42 members, based in 11 European countries, gather together in EurAc in order to advocate for more coherent diplomatic efforts and political intervention by the European Union (EU) and its member states as well as by the United Nations and international financial organizations. EurAc pushes for the international community to respond more effectively to the needs and views of the people in the Great Lakes countries. 

EurAc’s members share the same concerns towards the structural causes of under-development and conflicts. More information can be found on the network’s website (www.eurac-network.org).

The post is at the Secretariat based in Brussels. The post has the objective to develop and implement lobby positions and activities, to support activities with members, to contribute to context analysis and facilitate internal EurAc communication processes. The deputy Executive Secretary is responsible for coordinating EurAc’s work on natural resources (mining, in particular) while supporting the work in the field of security and democratization. 

The Deputy Executive Secretary is accountable to the Executive Secretary regarding daily activities and has the mandate to represent EurAc in the absence of the Executive Secretary.

Key responsibilities

• To contribute to the development of policy positions targeting the European Union and its members states and other international institutions;
• To contribute to the definition of advocacy strategies aimed at influencing EU policies towards Rwanda, Burundi and DRC and autonomously implement lobby activities;
• To follow and identify opportunities in order to timely influence European Institutions and Member States;
• To ensure the coordination and facilitation of thematic working group(s);
• To contribute to annual, quarterly and monthly planning of and reporting on the work of the secretariat; 
• To stimulate the exchange of information and dialogue among EurAc’s members, support their advocacy towards their respective governments; 
• To represent EurAc in Europe and in the Great Lakes region; 
• To write communiqués;
• To ensure all other relevant communication and networking activities.

Knowledge and skills

• At least three years of experience in advocacy and lobby with a developed feeling for political opportunities;
• Extensive knowledge of the Great Lakes region;
• Knowledge of the structure and functioning of the European Union;
• Experience of working in a multi stakeholder context with ordinary members and board members intensively involved;
• Capable of motivating working groups, assuming leadership without being the leader;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability of addressing large publics on complex issues;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Solid research and analytical skills;
• Proven interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish professional relations with a large group of partners;
• Ability in managing deadlines and set up priorities;
• Proven report capacities;
• Team spirit, flexibility and spirit of initiative;
• Fluent in English and French.

Travel

• Willingness to travel in Europe and in the Great Lakes region, including in conflict zones.

How to apply

Please send a curriculum vitae and a motivation letter (in French or English) specifying why you think you are suitable for the role to the attention of Donatella Rostagno (donatella.rostagno@eurac-network.org).

Please submit your application documents saved according to the following model: Family name_DES_CV and Family name_DES_motivation letter.

The closing date for the applications is 28 June 2013.

Interviews will take place in Brussels on 5 July 2013.

The ideal starting date for the selected candidate will be 1 September 2013.