Deputy Programme Manager (Eastern Partnership)

European Endowment for Democracy

Length of contract
2 year

Start date
August 2025

About the Organisation

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 supporting independent voices and bold ideas with the resources, trust, and flexibility they need.

About the role

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• Assessing incoming applications and conducting background research;
• Providing coaching and feedback to applicants during the review process;
• Monitoring grantee activities and supporting the evaluation of ongoing work;
• Liaising with civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders to understand what’s happening on the ground;
• Supporting the preparation of donor reports and funding proposals;
• Coordinating with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Communications teams to ensure strong visibility and learning across EED’s work;
• Planning and delivering programme-related events in collaboration with external stakeholders;
• Helping onboard new staff and interns;
• Provide back-up or substitution for managers when needed.
• Representing EED at events and missions in the region, in close coordination with the Programme Manager.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Experience:

• At least five years of professional experience in programme or grant management, ideally in democracy support or civil society work;
• Full professional fluency in English and Russian, including strong writing and reporting skills;
• Deep familiarity with the political landscape of the Eastern Neighbourhood;
• A solid grasp of donor expectations, project cycles, and narrative reporting;
• Strong organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills.

Competencies and Personal Attributes:

• Politically curious and context-savvy;
• Able to balance multiple projects and deadlines without losing focus;
• Comfortable managing relationships with a range of stakeholders - from grassroots activists to high-level donors;
• Discreet, diplomatic and collaborative;
• Attentive to detail, but never lose sight of the bigger picture.

Desirable:

• Experience working with civil society actors in Eastern Partnership countries;
• Knowledge of Ukrainian or another relevant regional language;
• Confidence working with grant management systems.

Required Qualifications

• A university degree in international affairs, political science, law, development or a related field;

Compensation & Benefits

• Complementary health insurance
• Meal vouchers
• Public transport or bike allowance,
• Holiday pay
• Paid leave
• Parental leave options
• Training opportunities and weekly teleworking.

Working locations

• Remotely working in Brussels, Belgium

How to apply

• Please apply online via our recruitment portal with:
• A one-page motivation letter;
• Your CV (Europass format);
• Contact details for three professional references.

Interviews

• Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted and invited to take a written online test.

Policies

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.

Return to listing