Network Coordinator

EUNIDA - European Network of Implementing Development Agencies

Brussels, Belgium

FIELD OF ACTIVITY

As a grouping of European agencies with a public mandate to develop, manage and implement development programmes, the European Network of Implementing Development Agencies (EUNIDA) builds on the collective expertise of its members to provide solutions to complex challenges. EUNIDA’s mission is based on a common endeavour to develop capacity in partner countries so they can achieve sustainable development strategies in line with the EU’s strategic development and foreign policy objectives. EUNIDA gives a European dimension to all its interventions and thus contributes to enhancing the visibility of EU development cooperation. EUNIDA is a non-commercial and non-profit-making entity, with actual implementation managed by the membership. 

The EUNIDA office is located in Brussels, close to the EU Institutions.

OVERALL PURPOSE

The Network Coordinator facilitates and coordinates the adequate and timely participation of the members of EUNIDA in all the network activities. He/she coordinates the generation and dissemination of knowledge within the network and assists in the implementation of programme development. Furthermore the Network Coordinator manages the general administration and finances of the EUNIDA Secretariat.

KEY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Network and knowledge management

• Coordinating the generation and timely dissemination of relevant knowledge inside the network;
• Liaising with the agencies for regular update and feedback on the project implementation;
• Supporting and follow-up of the activities within the Working Groups;
• Supporting the Presidency and the relevant Vice-Presidencies in the process of deepening and enlarging the Network by providing advice and information, ensuring adequate administrative follow-up and the implementation of the existing rules of procedure.

Information and communication 

• Responsible for the drafting of communication materials, managing and updating regularly the website and other external and internal communication instruments and tools;
• Ensuring the flow of relevant information and coordination of the input from the members of the network;
• Liaising and maintaining contacts with partners and with the European Institutions;
• Supporting the Presidency and the Vice-Presidencies in their communication with external partners and with the European Institutions;
• Representing EUNIDA at external meetings, conferences and workshops as required.

Programme development cycle 

• Monitoring and research on EU’s development policy and beneficiary countries, identifying key developments and disseminating information within the network;
• Managing contacts and intelligence gathering;
• Representing EUNIDA at meetings as required;
• Coordinating the input from member organizations regarding potential project opportunities and references; coordinating centralised calls for experts; facilitating timely coordination and consortium meetings amongst the project partners;
• Supporting the members in the elaboration of concept notes, including: liaising with members to gather relevant input, background research, drafting policy notes and concept papers.

General administration and financial management 

• Supporting the Presidency and the Vice-Presidencies in the preparation of the General Assembly and the meetings of the Board of Directors of EUNIDA;
• Coordinating the organizational, logistical and administrative support to the organization of meetings, events, seminars and working groups;
• Drafting the minutes of meetings and preparing presentation material, keeping accurate records and maintaining up-to-date electronic and paper filling systems relating to the overall administration and finances of the Network;
• Coordinating the procurement of goods and services ensuring that contracts are drafted and signed in a timely manner in close collaboration with the Presidency;
• Coordinating the relationships with service providers;
• Supporting the Presidency in the preparation of the operational annual budget of the Secretariat;
• Liaising with the accountant, lawyer and auditor in order to ensure adequately audited accountancy records are maintained by the organization;
• Preparing financial reports; 
• Monitoring the office budget;
• Preparing and processing purchase orders, invoices and contract payments;
• Ensuring the compliance with standards and practices (including the four-eye principle).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Network Coordinator directly reports to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Vice-Presidencies.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• The successful candidate will combine a clear commitment to the values and objectives of EUNIDA and a clear understanding of international development environment (in particular EU development policy and international cooperation) together with the personal qualities and skills needed to perform the above described functions in a pro-active manner and to win and maintain the confidence of the EUNIDA membership;
• The successful candidate is likely to have a Masters degree in the areas of international relations/political science and/or development studies. Other studies are considered an asset; 
• He/she will be able to demonstrate a successful track record in a similar positions (typically at least two years in the areas of finance and administration, including relevant work experience in activities involving a multiplicity of stakeholders); 
• The successful candidate shall have strong organizational skills and a pro-active, self-governing attitude;
• He/she will be able to demonstrate successful communication and information management skills;
• He/she will have experience and/or understanding of working for and/or with public administrations; and experience of working with/in the public sector is considered an advantage;
• Previous working experience at the European Commission or with EU funded programmes is considered an asset;
• Fluency in English and French is essential; command of other EU member state languages is an advantage.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Location: Brussels. Please note that EUNIDA does not cover relocation costs.
Contract: negotiable

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your CV and details of your current remuneration package and potentially earliest possible availability date to: recruitment@eunida.eu.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 10 September 2015 (09:00 hours CET). 

Interviews are planned to take place in Brussels around mid-September.