1. Knowledge & Experience

• At least 5 to 7 years professional related experience; 
• Understanding of the EU institutions and its decision-making processes;
• Good knowledge of the EU’s interests, external relations policies and funding trends;
• Solid experience in leading institutional donor strategies;
• Proven track record in raising significant funds from major institutional donors, including the EU;
• Experience of managing EU grant contracts is an asset;
• Experience in managing diverse team members;
• Network/relationship management experience, preferably with EU personnel (with personnel of other relevant institutions will be an asset) and experience in similar organisations as Plan International Federation;
• In-depth understanding of issues relating to humanitarian and protracted crises, international cooperation, and emergency response (‘triple’ nexus) in complex and less complex environments;
• Proven experience on child rights, girls’ rights, and gender equality, as well as, for example experience in child protection and gender in emergencies;
• Proven experience with a diverse, international, multisector/multicultural/multilingual environment;
• A passion for understanding and demonstrable commitment to women’s rights and human-rights based approaches, gender equality and inclusion, as well as the role of girls, children, young women and young people as agents of change.

2. Skills & Personal Qualities

• Fluent in oral and written English and working knowledge of any other language will be considered as an asset;
• Excellent communication, networking, collaboration, consensus-building and inter-personal skills;
• Ability to influence leaders and decision making actors in the EU level, international bodies and within PI;
• Shows initiative, innovative and creative to achieve results, courage to challenge the status quo and question the way PI works;
• Excellent leadership qualities and team building skills, decisive;
• Collegiate – acting as team player;
• Effective relationship management skills at a senior level;
• Intuition for success, results focused and ability to work to a consistently high standard, managing stress effectively whilst prioritising multiple tasks and competing deadlines;
• Takes responsibility for their actions, and learns from their successes and failures;
• Understanding of complexity of problems and possesses investigative, analytical, and creative thinking skills required to solve them;
• Visionary: strong strategic and innovation skills, including leading development of partnership strategies;
• Has a positive impact on those around her/him and ability to lead a major change while keeping the team and partners on board;
• Willingness to travel, including to remote and conflict areas if necessary 
• Commitment to Plan International values and purpose.

About Plan International

Plan International is an independent international cooperation and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. We believe in the power and potential of every child and in gender equality. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls and young women who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing all children and especially girls. We are active in over 80 countries across the world.

The purpose and ambition of Plan International EU Office is to advance children’s rights, equality for girls and youth in particular in the EU’s external action. In line with Plan International’s Global Strategy, One Million Reasons, and the EU Office’s 5-year strategy, we will contribute to ensuring that 100 million girls learn, lead, decide and thrive. 

Role Specification

The Head of the EU Partnership Team (HoP) will provide overall leadership and vision, setting the direction of the team. This includes coordinating outreach and support, informing decision-making and prioritisation of funding activities, and ensuring the timely and effective implementation of priorities, in line with the EU Office (EUO) strategies and global strategies of Plan International, to inspire and guide the team. The HoP will play a critical role in supporting the strategic leadership role of the Head of Office / EU Representative of Plan International EU Office and will also work in close collaboration and coordination with the Head of Influencing Team (HoI).

The purpose of the role is to support the Plan International EUO objectives as set out in the multi-year EU strategies. The HoP will deepen partnership relationships with the EU institutions, partners and across Plan International. 

Over the years, Plan International has scaled up its humanitarian work and operations, and is now recognised as one of the global leaders, for example in child-centred DRM, based on Plan International’s gender transformative approach. Plan International works in partnership with the world’s largest humanitarian donors, including the EC Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) through the Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) of, to date, 9 Plan International National Organisations (NOs) with ECHO.  

Plan International EU Office also acts as the Global Account Management (GAM) holder for ECHO and DEVCO/Trust Fund on behalf of Plan International.  As such, the EU Office oversees the overall engagement strategy with ECHO, DEVCO, EEAS and other EC Director-Generals and steers the fundraising process, aiming to maximize the income potential for Plan International as a whole and to influence the EU around Plan International priorities and approaches.

The HoP applies an innovative, fresh and solution-driven approach and has to stay up to speed on the latest developments at the EU level to ensure we achieve our European Partnership and global targets and maximise our funding contribution to the movement for gender equality and girls’ rights.

The HoP steers the EU strategy when identifying and defining funding opportunities in the EU context and further strengthens relationships with respective relevant stakeholders.  

The post holder will consult, cooperate, and capitalise on existing organisational strengths; will be expected to have leadership qualities to effectively represent Plan International externally; and will be supported with access to all Plan International member Organisations’ relevant technical resources.

The HoP must credibly and powerfully represent the organisation by ensuring high-level respect for the EUO across the federation. Across the organisation, the post holder will be expected to build effective relationships with all National, Regional, Country and Liaison Offices to maintain an effective EU funding, income, and strategy.

 Essential: 
 
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or above) in relevant fields, including social work, law, public health, psychology, etc.;

• A minimum of 5-years experience in child protection and sexual and gender-based violence programming • Familiarity with gender equality and sexual and reproductive health;  

• Proven experience in developing high quality child protection/SGBV proposals

• Proven experience developing and providing support and delivering trainings through distance learning methodologies  

• Previous experience working with MERL teams providing sound technical feedback  

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to successfully interact with a diverse group of people including over virtual platforms (Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zooms, others...);  • Flexible work attitude, with the ability to work independently  

• Fluent verbal and written English 
 
 
Desirable:  
 
• Field experience working in child protection or sexual and gender-based violence in development and humanitarian settings;  

• Previous experience with Plan International or familiarity with Plan International’s interventions

• Working knowledge of French or Spanish, with ability to conduct interviews in these languages  
 
Within the framework of ‘Safeguarding Children and Young People’, you will have indirect as well as direct contact with youngsters and children. You will play a role in the internal charter of the protection of children related to Plan International Belgium. We ask each employee to submit a proof of good conduct. 
 
 

 Plan International is an independent organisation committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice. Our purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries. 
Our global strategy has a specific focus on equality for girls, to ensure they can learn, lead, decide and thrive. This is our contribution to reaching the sustainable development goals, and in particular gender equality 
The Child Protection Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the main result areas and roles defined below, in order to develop Plan International Belgium's project portfolio in the domain of protection (child protection/SGBV), and to bring to the organisation cutting-edge expertise in the field of protection and gender equality. 
 
The Child Protection is part of the Technical Unit team, linked to the overall annual objectives of Plan International Belgium and is responsible for: 
Program Design / Proposal Development: 
 
• Contribute actively to the development of proposals focusing on child protection/SGBV

 • Identify and analyse business development opportunities focusing on child protection/SGBV and the best way to respond.

• Build fruitful professional relationships with key donors, Plan Internationals Global Hub, other national country offices where Plan International is present. 
 
Capacity Development: 
 
• Contribute actively to the International Program Department’s strategic reflection and growth

• Support the development and testing of evidence-based programming.

• Contribute to the development of child protection/SGBV-related programming frameworks and toolkits.

• Provide technical support related to child protection/SGBV to colleagues of Plan International Belgium, Country Offices, partners and other key stakeholders.

• Support COs in mobilizing resources for child protection/SGBV programming. 
 
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning: 
 
• Provide support to the development of child protection/SGBV monitoring tools as per Plan Standards

• Provide technical support to research and impact studies that contribute to child protection evidence-based programming

• Promote organisational learning on child protection and SGBV through sharing case studies, good practices, lessons learned, etc. 
 
Coordination and Influencing: 
 
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant global networks (UN, international and national NGOs).

• Participate in global thematic initiatives focusing on protection and SGBV

• Develop advocacy briefs on issues affecting children and adolescents in development and humanitarian settings 

• A university Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline demonstrating understanding of the subject area. • Significant professional work experience relevant to nature conservation and sustainable development, preferably within an international NGO and with work experience in Europe and Central Africa. • Strong and demonstrable experience in national and regional/international policy, including on high level political negotiations and political processes preferably within an EU and Central African context, and good working knowledge of political processes in other regions of Africa; • Exceptional ability and confidence in communicating and influencing government and intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society, private sector and other conservation partners. • Demonstrated ability to deliver high level political outcomes. • Knowledge and previous working experience in development, wildlife trade (including on forest and marine resources), related law enforcement issues preferred but not essential. • Strong ability to initiate, build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders; • Ability to identify and strategically capitalise on policy opportunities. • Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize. • Good interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to work effectively as part of a small team, with respect for and sensitivity to multi-cultural approaches. • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills. • Excellent working knowledge of French and English.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK. TRAFFIC’s head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC’s local engagement is managed through programme offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Programme offices operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes.

Candidate will have to be eligible to work in Belgium / the EU

JOB DESCRIPTION

The mission is twofold:

a) To engender the political will of European – particularly EU - decision-makers to provide for adequate technical and financial means for the effective implementation of commitments and outcomes stemming from key African regional and subregional policy fora addressing wildlife trade problems – with an emphasis on Central Africa and its Congo Basin;
b) To support the political will, policy commitments and outcomes at key regional Central Africa and Congo Basin fora that lead to the effective implementation of European – particularly EU - efforts outside Europe to address wildlife trade problems, with a focus on Central Africa and the Congo Basin.

Specific Duties

• Monitors relevant policy decision-making in the EU (European Commission, Council and Parliament) and ensures that TRAFFIC´s objectives and technical advice are communicated to target audiences for consideration;
• Develops policy briefs, provides policy advice and support in the implementation of the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking and other related EU initiatives (e.g., on forestry and marine resources) relevant to wildlife trade - with an emphasis on Central Africa and its Congo Basin;
• Develops partnerships with relevant target audiences and partners (including various Directorate Generals of the European Commission, different configurations of the Council and relevant committees/interest groups/experts of the European Parliament, as well as select permanent representations of EU Member States in Brussels, and other EU agencies);
• Supports and influences the development of EU funding opportunities of relevance for wildlife trade with an emphasis on Africa, monitors respective funding flows and provides advice on their proper implementation as well as on potential unintended detrimental side-effects;
• Monitors and influences development of new funding mechanism related to issues of relevance to TRAFFIC (sustainable development and conservation, regional integration, multilateral agreements, etc);
• Liaise with target audiences leading on EU bilateral and multilateral issues in support of effective implementation of and awareness on relevant EU wildlife trade policies vis-à-vis regional entities and bodies in the African and other regions;
• Communicates TRAFFIC’s policy advice and positions to the above target audiences and support them with advice and implementation guidance as related to relevant international and bilateral fora/instruments. This includes bilateral EU initiatives with other key countries and regions, e.g. EU-Africa and other such for a;
• Liaises and closely working with relevant TRAFFIC policy staff and office directors in TRAFFIC;
• Liaises with the EC, and relevant EU delegations and representatives at Africa-specific meetings of UN agencies (e.g., UN Environment, UNDP, FAO), ICCWC and other international organisations working on issues related to wildlife trade;
• Supports relevant EC, and EU delegation representatives with implementation guidance and advises on policy coherence as related to African CITES commitments as well as trade-related commitments stemming from other multilateral agreements (CBD, CMS, UNTOC, UNCAC, etc.);
• On the basis of the above, and in collaboration with TRAFFIC policy colleagues, identifies and develop strong linkages and mutual support between related policy work in Europe and Africa and other regions and policy work conducted by TRAFFIC, as well as high-level policy fora such as the UNGA and country-led initiatives such as London Conference on IWT.
• Represents TRAFFIC and TRAFFIC’s position at various events;
• Maintains regular liaison with counterparts/relevant colleagues at the IUCN and WWF offices and other partner organisations in Brussels as well with fellow NGOs and CSOs;
• Other duties as required by the TRAFFIC Programme Office Director – Europe.

Criteria for IC members

Essential – general

• political awareness and familiarity with global issues relating to peace and human rights. Experience in the field of HRD protection would be an asset.
• skills in political analysis and capacity to analyse complex situations
• commitment to and understanding of the principles and mandate of PBI
• experience of and commitment to working with decentralized and/or field-based international
• organizations
• a sound understanding of strategic planning and oversight
• able to travel to and participate in a four day IC meeting once a year, and take part in monthly meetings by conference call
• able to serve on the IC for three years
• able to commit an average of 10 hours per month
• fluency in English and/or Spanish
• candidates with prior experience working with PBI are encouraged to apply

 

Information relating to specific IC roles

All members of the IC take on specific responsibilities to support the function of the entire council and organisation at large. We are specifically looking for people to carry out the following roles:

Human resources Committee: This Committee has oversight responsibility for salaried staff and volunteers of the International Secretariat and projects, ensuring that appropriate personnel policies and procedures are in place and monitored, and providing advice and support to the IC on personnel related issues, in particular legal compliance in employment matters and handling personnel disputes. Skills and experience required: human resources management of NGO staff and volunteers.

Finance & Audit Committee: This Committee has oversight responsibilities for budgeting, finance reporting, financial management and accountability across the organisation. This group advises the IC on issues of financial planning and accountability, ensures timely and accurate financial reporting, and develops and oversees the implementation of policies and procedures for best practice. Skills and experience required: financial management and/or accounting experience with in international NGOs. We would especially welcome individuals for the finance and accounting expertise roles with a professional accounting designation in Belgium and/or in the USA.

Strategic Development Committee: This Committee has an advisory role and provides strategic guidance to the whole organization. Together with the International Coordinator, it takes the lead in development and monitoring of the Global Strategic Plan. It also supports the analysis of incoming requests for support, and advises on the development of new field projects/initiatives. Skills and experience required: (1) experience in strategic planning and organizational development; (2) sound understanding of PBI mandate and theory of change. Experience with field-based international organizations would be a distinct advantage.

Project Link Roles: In addition to their general responsibilities, each IC member is assigned as a link person between the International Council and individual Projects and/or Country Groups. The link person maintains regular contact with the assigned entity, acts as a liaison between that entity and the global organization, and provides occasional support and/or advice. Skills and experience required: previous experience in the field, particularly in countries where PBI works and knowledge of the specific human rights situation in these countries and regions. Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals with experience in Latin America.

 

 

Please send your CV and a brief statement declaring why you would like to serve on the IC and how you meet the criteria to: Stefan Grand Meyer, governance@peacebrigades.org, by Monday 14th September 2020.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with representatives of PBI’s councils in September 2020. We expect to appoint new members for approval at the joint council meeting in October 2020. We regret that we will not be able to respond to unsuccessful applicants.

PBI’s International Council (IC) is made up of a maximum of 13 members with a combination of expertise related to its governance responsibilities. We are currently recruiting new IC members with a combination of the

following skills and experience gained in PBI and/or in other organisations:

Human resources | Finance | Strategic development | Latin America

As a rights-based global organisation we seek to have inclusive representation on the International Council. Thus, people with diverse backgrounds, particularly from the Global South, are encouraged to apply.

We are especially keen to hear from individuals with the above experiences. Individuals with English and Spanish language skills are preferred.

 

1. Organisational overview

Peace Brigades International (PBI) is a non-governmental organisation, which protects human rights and promotes nonviolent conflict transformation. PBI provides protection for threatened human rights defenders and displaced communities striving to promote social justice and human rights in areas of violent conflict.

PBI currently has field operations in Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Indonesia, Mexico, Nepal and Nicaragua. PBI project work is supported by an international coordinating office based in Brussels and a network of 13 country groups, who carry out volunteer recruitment and support, advocacy and fundraising. PBI uses a non-hierarchical model of organising and decisions are taken by consensus. For further information see www.peacebrigades.org.

The highest decision-making body of PBI is the General Assembly (GA), made up of volunteers and staff from across PBI, including a representative of the IC. The GA meets every three years and makes key strategic decisions. The next GA will be in May 2021.

Between General Assemblies, key decision-making bodies of PBI are:

• The International Council (IC), which is made up of independent board members appointed by the General Assembly and is responsible for governance;
• The International Operations Council (IOC), which consists of staff from across PBI and is responsible for operational oversight.

Both councils meet annually face to face and monthly by conference call. They are supported by staff at PBI’s International Office (IO) and by committees and working groups whose members have specialist expertise and responsibility for particular areas of governance and operations.

The IC is the oversight entity for the whole organisation and legally responsible for the operations of the International Secretariat (ISEC) and projects. However, many of the responsibilities of the IC are delegated to the IOC, IO, committees, working groups and projects.

The key functions of the IC are to ensure the following:

• That the conduct and activities of PBI are consistent with and advance PBI's mission, norms, and strategic directions given by the GA
• That PBI fulfills its internal and external legal and ethical obligations
• That an organisational structure is in place to carry out the strategic oversight, management and
• operations of PBI
• That global plans are developed based on consultation with all PBI entities and presented to the GA for decision
• That mechanisms are in place to monitor and evaluate strategic and operational plans and budgets
• That all entities have budgets, financial management and operational plans in place and that they are regularly monitored
• That policies and procedures are in place and monitored to comply with legal and ethical responsibilities for ISEC and project staff and volunteers

 

2. Legal structure

PBI was registered in 1982 as a non-profit corporation in the State of Washington, USA. Our 501(c)(3) registration number there is 91-1179750. All IC members are directors of the PBI non-profit corporation registered in the State of Washington, USA and directors of the PBI foreign company registered in the United Kingdom.

While all the projects are incorporated in the countries in which they operate, they are part of the legal structure and the governance of the international organization.

PBI has 13 legally separate country groups in Europe, the Americas and Australia who undertake volunteer recruitment and support, advocacy and fundraising to play an integral role in meeting the aims and objectives of the global organisation.

 

3. IC conference calls and meetings

The IC meets monthly by conference call. In addition there is an annual face to face (FTF) meeting lasting four days. It is expected that all IC members make necessary arrangements to attend this meeting. The next meeting will be the joint council meeting held the 24-27 October 2020 online.

 

4. Why be a member of the International Council?

Past and current members of PBI’s IC will not deny that being on the IC is sometimes intense and occasionally demanding, as anyone who works in human rights would understand. However, the IC is also a space filled with intellectual stimulation and meaningful debate with worldly and engaged colleagues. It is a special opportunity to be part of the decision-making that manages the present and helps shape the future of a global human rights and peace building organisation. As an IC member, you can expect to:

• gain skills and experience in the governance and management of an international human rights organisation;
• gain an understanding of and contribute to the strategic direction and functioning of PBI;
• work directly with a highly committed group of people dedicated to putting into practice the protection of human rights and promotion of nonviolence.
•  

5. Languages

All IC meetings and conference calls are conducted in both English and Spanish (when necessary) with interpretation and translations provided.

 

6. Expenses

IC members are all volunteers and receive no remuneration. Communication, travel and other costs incurred while carrying out IC and international committee work will be covered by PBI.