Director of Programmes – International Democracy Support

About the role

The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is seeking a senior leader to direct its programme portfolio, providing strategic advice to the Executive Director and ensuring high‑quality democracy support across the European neighbourhood and beyond.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of EED’s programme portfolio.
• Advise the Executive Director on policy, strategy, and programme priorities.
• Design, implement and coach democracy‑support programmes.
• Lead and manage a structured team of programme managers.
• Contribute to analytical and policy outputs and represent EED externally.
• Develop and maintain contacts with high‑level government officials, EU institutions, international organisations and NGOs.
• Coordinate EED’s programme input to EU institutions, Member States and other donors.

Required profile

• Minimum 15 years of managerial experience in international relations and democracy‑support programmes.
• At least 10 years managing teams of 10 or more staff.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills with a record of published analytical work.
• Proven ability to operate in politically sensitive environments, especially in the European neighbourhood.
• National of an EU Member State, the United Kingdom or an EFTA country with ability to obtain a National Security Clearance.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape democracy‑support policy at a leading European institution.
• Work in a dynamic, international environment based in Brussels.
• Professional development through high‑level networking and policy influence.