About the role
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Brussels, Belgium</p><p><strong>Starting: </strong>Autumn 2026</p><p><strong>Contract type:</strong> Two-year fixed term, with possibility of extension*</p><p><strong>Salary</strong>: Approx. €5,900 gross/month + benefits</p><p><strong>Deadline:</strong> 22 June 2026 at midnight Brussels time</p><p></p><p><strong>Big-picture issues. Day-to-day precision.</strong></p><p>The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) supports courageous individuals and organisations working to keep civic space alive — often where that space is shrinking fast. In the Eastern Partnership region, this means standing behind independent voices and bold ideas with the resources, trust, and flexibility they need.</p><p>We're looking for a Deputy Programme Manager to help manage EED’s growing grant-making work across the region. You’ll work closely with a Programme Manager to assess and support funding applications, track initiatives, stay on top of political developments, and engage with partners and donors — all while ensuring that our support stays relevant, timely, and grounded.</p><p>This is a role for someone who combines strategic thinking with operational rigour — someone who knows the region, understands the stakes, and thrives in a role that mixes substance and structure.</p><p></p><p><strong>What You’ll Do</strong></p><p>You’ll support EED’s Eastern Partnership portfolio and help drive both grant management and regional insight. Your responsibilities will include:</p><p>• Assessing incoming applications and conducting background research</p><p>• Providing coaching and feedback to applicants during the review process</p><p>• Monitoring grantee activities and supporting the evaluation of ongoing work</p><p>• Liaising with civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders to understand what’s happening on the ground</p><p>• Supporting the preparation of donor reports and funding proposals</p><p>• Coordinating with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Communications teams to ensure strong visibility and learning across EED’s work</p><p>• Planning and delivering programme-related events in collaboration with external stakeholders</p><p>• Helping onboard new staff and interns</p><p>• Provide back-up or substitution for managers when needed</p><p>• Representing EED at events and missions in the region, in close coordination with the Programme Manager</p><p></p><p><strong>What You Bring</strong></p><p>You have:</p><p>• At least five years of professional experience in programme or grant management, ideally in democracy support or civil society work</p><p>• A university degree in international affairs, political science, law, development or a related field</p><p>• Full professional fluency in English and Russian, including strong writing and reporting skills</p><p>• Deep familiarity with the political landscape of the Eastern Neighbourhood</p><p>• A solid grasp of donor expectations, project cycles, and narrative reporting</p><p>• Strong organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills</p><p>You are:</p><p>• Politically curious and context-savvy</p><p>• Able to balance multiple projects and deadlines without losing focus</p><p>• Comfortable managing relationships with a range of stakeholders — from grassroots activists to high-level donors</p><p>• Discreet, diplomatic and collaborative</p><p>• Attentive to detail, but never lose sight of the bigger picture</p><p>Nice to have:</p><p>• Experience working with civil society actors in Eastern Partnership countries</p><p>• Knowledge of relevant regional languages</p><p>• Confidence working with grant management systems</p><p></p><p><strong>Why Join Us?</strong></p><p>• Purposeful work: You’ll help shape and support initiatives that stand up for civic space and democratic values.</p><p>• People-first culture: At EED, we recognise that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings — and we work to ensure that everyone feels supported, trusted and heard.</p><p>• Flexible, mission-driven workplace: Work in a collaborative environment that respects your time and ideas.</p><p>• Benefits that matter: Our package includes complementary health insurance (CIGNA), meal vouchers, public transport or bike allowance, 13th month salary, holiday allowance, paid leave, parental leave, weekly teleworking, and annual training opportunities.</p><p></p><p><strong>How to Apply</strong></p><p>Please apply online via our recruitment portal with:</p><p>• A one-page motivation letter</p><p>• Your CV (Europass format)</p><p>• Contact details for three professional references</p><p></p><p>Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. and invited to take a written online test.</p><p>Please note: We do not accept queries by phone, letter, or email. All data is handled in accordance with EU data protection legislation. Pre-employment screening and criminal records checks are part of the recruitment process.</p><p></p><p>*Subject to availability of funding</p>