Programme Director

Position description

The ECFR Africa programme analyses the geopolitics of the Africa-Europe relationship. The programme seeks to support a more coherent European Africa strategy, making the case for strong European engagement with African partners. The programme focuses on deepening Europe’s understanding of dynamics across African states and strengthening European policy approaches on questions from global governance, to economic, climate and energy partnerships, as well as security and migration challenges.

As the Africa Programme Director, your role will be pivotal in driving this mission forward. You’ll be responsible for setting the substantive agenda for the programme, leading and mentoring the team of policy fellows and staff, and ensuring successful fundraising and donor management. You’ll expand ECFR’s Africa network, fostering deeper cooperation with other ECFR programmes and furthering impactful, high-level engagements across Europe and Africa.

This is a unique opportunity to lead efforts in shaping Europe’s approach to Africa while making a significant impact in global policy. Join us in leading a transformative collaboration between European and African interests!

Main Responsibilities

• Provide intellectual and managerial leadership for the programme, formulating its research, advocacy, and fundraising priorities, in consultation with the policy staff and senior management. This includes management of budgetary issues;
• Lead and manage the team of policy and operational staff with a willingness to prioritise supporting the growth and development of the programme team;
• Conduct research, provide analysis and develop policy initiatives on key issues related to the EU’s foreign policy toward Africa; Regularly publish on the ECFR website and beyond;
• Build, expand, and maintain outreach with policymakers in European governments, EU institutions, as well as across Africa and with and other relevant stakeholders, including ECFR Council members;
• Raise programme funds and manage relations with existing donors;
• Represent ECFR externally, including by promoting ECFR’s work in the media.

Person Specification

• At least seven years of direct experience of working in/on the Africa region, with strong knowledge of Africa/Africa-Europe dynamics;
• Sound understanding of the EU and EU foreign policy;
• Direct policy experience working in a diplomatic service, international institution, or related fields such as journalism;
• Experience of successfully managing a team of experts, including carrying out strategic planning as well as organisational, personnel and budget management;
• Track record of devising policy proposals and implement advocacy strategies, which include regular engagement with officials and the media, including social media;
• High standard of written and spoken English and a proven ability to speak in public;
• Experience of successfully raising funds from both public and private donors;
• Proven experience in maintaining and developing a substantial network across Europe and Africa.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to foster positive relations and work with a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team;
• Leadership skills to prioritise supporting, motivating and mentoring programme staff;
• Strategic thinker and results-driven with high focus on delivering actionable outcomes;
• Flexibility, with the ability to multi-task and work towards deadlines, to manage stressful situations and operate in an ever-changing and dynamic environment;
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to distill complex issues into a clear, persuasive messages, and adapt them for a variety of audiences;
• Willingness and ability to occasionally travel and to work some irregular hours.

Application instructions

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