Programme Director - European Programme for Integration and Migration

NEF - Network of European Foundations

Brussels, Belgium

European Foundations looking to recruit Programme Director to lead a Collaborative Programme on migration and integration in Europe, and to help develop and implement its next stage of institutional and substantive growth.

When the current phase of the European Programme for Integration and Migration (EPIM) ends in 2015, the Programme will have completed ten years and three phases of strategic grant-making and capacity development for NGOs advocating for constructive approaches to migration in Europe. 11 European Foundations participating in EPIM aim to expand the scale of EPIM’s engagement in the next phase from 2016 to 2018.

The most significant features of EPIM’s fourth funding phase will be:

• a new operational model for collaborative re-granting comprising targeted thematic Sub-Funds, allowing for more flexible grant-making on targeted topic areas and timely responses to emerging opportunities and threats in the field. Rolling Calls for Proposals will replace the current three-year Call cycle;
• an increased scope for EPIM’s capacity development programme, more specialised and targeted to the specific needs of grantee organisations;
• the enhanced capacity of the EPIM Secretariat in Brussels, enabling it to become a more proactive support centre and convenor for grantees and other field stakeholders.

EPIM’s Partner Foundations delegate the delivery of the Programme to the EPIM Secretariat, backed by the support, accountability and oversight of the EPIM Steering Committee. In order to drive the expanded activities of the Secretariat and Programme, and engage funders and grantees in the years to come, the EPIM Secretariat seeks a Programme Director with demonstrable experience of developing and managing a grants programme, and expertise in the field of migration and integration at European level.

The Programme Director will be responsible for the management and operational coordination of EPIM. S/he will develop, implement and follow-up the operational elements of the EPIM work programme. Reporting to the EPIM Chair and Steering Committee, the Programme Director will supervise the EPIM team as well as all staff and consultants who will be hired by EPIM.

More information on the programme at: www.epim.info

Responsibilities

Programme Management:

• Be responsible for strategy development and implementation of the Programme and component Sub-Funds;
• Develop and support EPIM’s fundraising strategy;
• Lead and facilitate EPIM meetings (workshops for grantees, convenings etc.);
• Be pro-active in terms of programme evaluation and strategic learning;
• Provide full accountability for the EPIM budget, expenditure and grants;
• Perform public-facing tasks, including representing EPIM at public events;
• Oversee a small team.

Grant-making and Monitoring:

• Based on the external environment, and in consultation with the EPIM Steering Committee, suggest, prepare and implement Calls for Proposals;
• Oversee the development of grant-making strategies for existing and proposed thematic Sub-Funds;
• Take the lead on the grantee selection and vetting process, including making site visits;
• Make recommendations to the Steering Committee for grants;
• Monitor progress of grants, review Progress and Final Reports, and report regularly to the Steering Committee;
• Oversee the administrative follow-up and support for EPIM grantees necessary for the implementation of grants;
• Draft periodic analyses of external needs and trends impacting grant-making for presentation to the EPIM Steering Committee and other stakeholders;
• Develop sub-fund evaluation strategies and oversee their implementation;
• Identify opportunities for strategic convenings of NGOs and other stakeholders.

Requirements and qualifications

• 10 years of relevant work experience, of which substantial experience at senior level;
• Strong knowledge of the EU migration policy landscape, including relevant actors;
• Demonstrable experience of developing and managing a grants programme and carrying out due diligence;
• Understanding of capacity development and networking in the NGO sector;
• Ability to work transnationally and with collaborations;
• Good presentation and facilitator skills;
• Excellent English and strong analytical and writing skills;
• Ability to self-manage, work independently and as a member of a small team.

Conditions

• 3-year contract, with possibility of renewal;
• Preferably based in Brussels or able to commute regularly to Brussels, as well as frequent travel in Europe;
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience;
• Advantageous package (hospitalisation insurance, lunch vouchers, etc.);
• Desired start date: November 2015 (to be discussed).

Please send your CV and cover letter in English to contact@epim.info mentioning ‘EPIM Programme Director’ in the subject line, by Friday, 25 September 2015.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Interviews are likely to take place in Brussels on 8 and 9 October 2015.