CONCORD is looking for a Policy & Advocacy Coordinator
Policy & Advocacy Coordinator
Maternity Cover (starting dates tbd)
JULY 2018
BRUSSELS BELGIUM
CONCORD is the European confederation of Relief and Development NGOs. We are made up of
member organisations: 28 national associations, 20 international networks and 3 associate members
that represent over 2,600 NGOs, supported by millions of citizens across Europe.
We are the main interlocutor with the EU institutions on development policy.
We are a not for profit organisation, registered under Belgian law as an a.i.s.b.l - Association
Internationale Sans But Lucratif - (An international not for profit association).
CONCORD is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard
to race, colour, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other legally protected
status. We strive for gender balance at all levels and across all teams. We strongly encourage
persons with disabilities to apply.
We are looking for a person who can enable the confederations leaders and members to
best fulfil their work within the framework of the confederations strategy. You will facilitate the
development of coherent policy and advocacy strategies, coordinate their implementation and
oversee their evaluation, in close cooperation with the relevant groups and CONCORD structures. In
2017, the focus will be on Financing for Development and EU Funding. You will also support strategic
and generic policy & advocacy work and contribute to inter-team coordination.
You must be interested in working for a confederation of NGOs whose vision is of a world in which
poverty and inequality have been ended; in which decisions are based on social justice, gender
equality and upon our responsibility to future generations; where every person has the right to live in
dignity, on an equal basis, free from poverty andsustainability.
You will be:
A skilled policy and advocacy professional with a good understanding of the EU policymaking
and influencing strategies
Enthusiastic about facilitating, convening, supporting activities by members more than
actually doing yet able to speak out confidently in public on CONCORDs priority issues.
You will understand and be committed to CONCORDs vision and goals and be interested in
CONCORDs capacity to pursue a transformational agenda
You will have confidence and fluency in communicating on CONCORDs work in your areas of
focus.
Main responsibilities and tasks
1. Coordination of, enabling and facilitating CONCORD working
structures, including planning and reporting
This includes activities suchas:
Supports and facilitates the leadership of our working structure or hub on financing for
development;
Mobilizes membership engagement, coordinates and provides strategic input, builds
capacity;
Facilitates the preparation of the annual work plan, monitors its implementation
and prepares the reporting; .
Oversees the budget planning andimplementation;
Provides strategic guidance to the members on matters of EUpolicy
Organises the meetings of CONCORD thematichubs;
Facilitates the work of CONCORD members work stream and ensures coherence
with agreed change objectives;
Facilitates the strategic relations of above working structures with policy/political targets
and participates in lobbymeetings;
Monitors the EU institutions on priority issues; maintains a useful network of contacts in
institutions and amongst CSOs and facilitate CONCORDS influencingwork;
Facilitates the production and launch of the annual publications (such as the
AidWatch report) and policy papers and briefings, including managing and
coordinating the consultants involved;
Occasionally prepares presentations, speeches, articles and undertakes public
representation for advocacy purposes;
2. Contribute to generic policy and advocacy work and the internal
coordination and collaboration
This includes activities such as:
Actively contributes to CONCORD policy team and staff meetings (occasionally steers them)
and other relevant policy and advocacy meetings of CONCORD;
Provides strategic advice and prepares key messages and speeches for designated CONCORD
representatives;
Provides support to inter-team and generic work of the Secretariat if and where needed;
Answers requests from targets, researchers amongst others and links them up with relevant
members and stakeholders;
Supports the organisation of CONCORD General Assemblies.
Skills and Knowledge
Knowledge of how to influence EU decision-making processes through advocacy
and effective communication in CONCORDs policy space;
An excellent team-player with a positive attitude, constructive communication skills and a
high sense of integrity who can work effectively and cooperatively with others towards
shared goals;
Strong organizational skills for convening and facilitating workshops and for planning and
managing work plans and budgets;
An ability to work independently and proactively within member-driven dynamics;
Respects and expresses sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences;
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, knowledge of other languages is also an
asset;
Financial literacy and ability to plan and managebudgets
Analytical and problem solving skills
Ability to communicate complex informationclearly
Qualifications and Experience
Relevant and proven working experience in a member organisation, liaison office
or coalition;
Experience coordinating or building effective partnerships with a wide rangeof
stakeholders;
Demonstrable knowledge of the EU institutions and their policyprocesses;
Experience in managing budgets
Experience of working in or with civil society would be anadvantage
Some knowledge of ODA, development effectiveness and/or EU funding would be anasset;
Experience of working in an international group and/or a multi-cultural environment would
be an advantage.
Conditions of Employment:
Post based in Brussels, Belgium
100% permanent post
Reporting to Director and Head of Policy and Advocacy
Grade Coordinator
Gross salary, depending on experience, will be from € 3.140 3.570 per month (13.8 months a year).
CONCORD also provides hospitalisation insurance, meal vouchers and a monthly commuting
allowance on local public transport or by bicycle.
To Apply:
Please submit your one page cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job and your
relevant experience and CV by e-mail to jobs@concordeurope.org by midnight CET on Wednesday
26 September 2018.
Please include the position (CONCORD Policy and Advocacy Coordinator) plus your name in the
subject of the email.
Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted