European Endowment for Democracy is looking for a Grants Assistant Coordinator (Russian-speaking)

The European Endowment for Democracy is looking for a Grants Assistant Coordinator(s) to support its flexible democracy support work. Specifically, EED is looking for support in the administrative and financial management of its grants in Eastern Europe and other countries of EED operations.

The ideal candidate has a keen interest in financial management and at least two years of proven full-time professional experience in civil society-related projects and programmes, as well as full working knowledge of English and Russian. Working knowledge of other languages of the region would be a significant asset.

We seek a motivated team-player who would be excited to join our international team in Brussels.

Main functions of the post:

• Supporting the management of EED grants, in close coordination with relevant staff, focusing on ensuring eligibility of costs, monitoring the financial management of the projects and compliance with contract stipulations;

• Providing guidance and assistance to EED grantees regarding the financial management of the grants;

• Preparing financial reports and other documentation for submission to EED donors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review financial reports from EED grantees in order to verify eligibility of expenses;

• Assist in the assessment of budgets of initial proposals for EED grants;

• Draft contracts and all related contractual documentation;

• Liaise with grantees to provide training, assistance and advice regarding the financial management of the grant;

• Collect, verify and aggregate data related to substantive, technical and financial implementation related to the different grants;

• Assist in the preparation of comprehensive financial reports for EED’s donors and ensuring timely submission of such reports in compliance with contract stipulations;

• Assist in keeping track of expenditure by financial year;

• Coordinating with EED external consultant(s);

• Carry out on-site monitoring missions, if required;

Qualifications

• University degree in Finance or Economics, International Affairs, International Development or related discipline.

• Demonstrated track record in grant-making (particularly from the administrative and financial perspective), and/or project management and/or audit, financial control;

• At least two years of proven full-time professional experience in grant management ideally within civil society-related projects and programmes;

• Experience in working with democracy-support donors in government and/or international organisations and/or from civil society;

• Experience of working with civil society in the countries of Eastern Europe considered an asset.

• Full professional working knowledge of Russian and English (including ability to draft quality reports for donors);

• Working knowledge of other languages of the region would be an asset.

• Ability to verify financial reports (including verification of all supporting documents);

• Substantive understanding of political issues and trends in the Eastern Neighbourhood as well as EU policies towards the region;

• Solid ICT skills, especially in Microsoft Excel;

• High drive for detail and precision;

• Ability to keep full confidentiality about all assigned tasks and related documentation as well as capacity to exercise confidentiality, discretion and tact when dealing with diverse groups of people;

• High degree of communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills;

• Ability to work in an international team

• Ability to travel internationally

Application

Please make sure you meet all required qualifications before applying. Applicants must upload a short motivation letter, a resume/CV (Europass format required), and contact information for three professional references via the EED recruitment portal. Failure to submit these three documents shall result in the exclusion of the applicant concerned from the selection procedure.

After successfully submitting your application you will receive an automatic email confirming receipt of your application. Please no phone calls/emails/letters.

Applications should be submitted no later than 2 March 2025, midnight (Brussels time).

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.

• All candidates will be notified on the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

Terms of contract

Located in Brussels, EED’s employment contracts are fully based on Belgian Employment Law.

Indicative GROSS salary for this role is around €4,000 per month plus benefits.

At EED, we recognize that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings to our work.

EED strives to create a work experience that supports the well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package offers complementary health insurance (CIGNA), meal vouchers, public transport/bike allowance, 13th salary, holiday allowance, paid holiday and sick leave, possibility for parental leave, weekly teleworking days, annual training opportunities. EED is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The successful candidate will be offered a fixed term contract until end of February 2026. Subsequent extensions will depend on available funds and satisfactory performance.

Expected starting time at EED: mid-April 2025.