Administrative & Executive Officer

Administrative & Executive Officer
ECSWE - European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education AISBL

Job Category: General Management
Job Experience: At least 5 years
Job Location: Rue De Trone, Brussels, Belgium
Expiration Date:10th April 2014

ECSWE (AISBL) is searching for an Administrative & Executive Officer!

Background information on the European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education (AISBL)
The European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education (ECSWE) is an international non-profit Association under Belgian law. ECSWE was founded in 1991 and now comprises 26 national Waldorf Associations, representing over 720 schools in Europe. Our purpose is to strengthen and develop Steiner education in our member countries by active interest and mutual sharing of experience. ECSWE also actively advocates Steiner-Waldorf education in Brussels and is recognised by the European Commission as a shareholder in the field of education. We work at European level in active partnership with other organisations who are concerned with the social emotional education and well being of children.(www.ecswe.net )

Main responsibilities of the Administrative & Executive Officer
The A&EO will provide support towards the functioning of the Association, in particular in the following administrative and executive areas:

• Coordination of members

• facilitation of communication between members
• collection and updating of data about the educational policies and the situation of Steiner Waldorf schools in different member countries
• reference to contact persons for the different areas of work among members

• Organisation of meetings

• support in the preparation, organisation and follow-up of ECSWE Board and Council meetings, AGMs; participation at these meetings as required

• Advocacy work in Brussels

• participation at relevant EU platforms and working groups
• networking with partner organisations
• keeping ECSWE Board and Council members updated on EU educational policies and directives

• Public relations

• updating of website,
• contributing to definition of communication strategy,
• disseminating information about ECSWE's activities.

• Fundraising activites

• active searching for sources of funding
• applications for EU support

• Elements of management

• day to day accountancy, cooperation with the Association's treasurer
• collaborative organisation of office management

In all these areas, the A&EO shall act under the authority and responsibility of the Council Board.
The A&EO shall also provide support and advice, within his/her fields of expertise, towards the institutional and political promotion of ECSWE as a stakeholder in the field of education and any related activities of the Association. For that purpose, the A&EO may, in particular, be requested to actively participate in conferences, workshops, seminars or other networking activities.

Skills and experience required for the position

• Must acquire knowledge of EU system and functioning of platforms and wg’s in Brussels.
• Competence in knowledge about Steiner/Waldorf pedagogy
• Previous experience and knowledge of the educational sector, preferably at the European level, would be a plus
• Ability to develop strategies for project development, funding and management
• Interpersonal, communication and listening skills
• Networking and negotiation skills
• Knowledge of English and French; basic German would be an asset
• Basic secreterial and IT skills
• International background and readiness for mobility are expected.

Contractual aspects
Candidates should demonstrate availability for the position and be prepared to work with flexible hours.
The A&EO will be employed by the ECSWE AISBL. Remuneration will be commensurate with the experience and credentials of the selected candidate.

Terms of contract will be discussed with candidates.
Candidates should send a letter of interest, including a brief description of experience relevant to the position as well as their CV to: Richard Landl (landl@waldorfschule.de) and Karen Chapman (chapman.karen@yahoo.it) no later than 10th April 2014.

For informal enquiries about any aspect of the post, please contact Karen Chapman (chapman.karen@yahoo.it). All enquiries/information from the candidates will be handled in confidentiality.

All applications will be assessed by a selection committee consisting of the President of ECSWE and other ECSWE Board members.
Selected candidates will be invited for interview (precise date and location will be arranged directly with the candidate).