Deputy Programme Manager – Eastern Partnership

About the role

The European Endowment for Democracy is seeking a Deputy Programme Manager to support its growing grant‑making portfolio in the Eastern Partnership region. Based in Brussels, you will work closely with the Programme Manager to assess applications, monitor grantees, and provide strategic insight on political developments.

Key responsibilities

• Assess incoming grant applications and conduct background research.
• Provide coaching and feedback to applicants throughout the review process.
• Monitor grantee activities, support evaluation, and prepare progress reports.
• Liaise with civil‑society actors, journalists and human‑rights defenders to capture on‑the‑ground realities.
• Prepare donor reports and funding proposals.
• Coordinate with Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning and Communications teams to ensure visibility and learning.
• Plan and deliver programme‑related events with external stakeholders.
• Onboard new staff and interns, and act as backup for managers when needed.
• Represent EED at events and missions in the region in close coordination with the Programme Manager.

Required profile

• At least five years of experience in programme or grant management, preferably in democracy support or civil‑society work.
• University degree in international affairs, political science, law, development or a related field.
• Fluent in English and Russian with strong writing and reporting abilities.
• Deep familiarity with the political landscape of the Eastern Neighbourhood.
• Solid understanding of donor expectations, project cycles and narrative reporting.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Two‑year fixed‑term contract with the possibility of extension.
• Gross salary of approximately €5,900 per month plus benefits.
• Opportunity to work on high‑impact democracy‑support projects in a dynamic international environment.
• Location in Brussels with access to a network of European institutions and NGOs.