Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager – EU

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization founded with the mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries, employing more than 5,000 staff members worldwide. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, believing that a diverse team enhances their ability to create a long-term impact in the communities they serve. They focus on empowering communities through innovative solutions and partnerships, particularly in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager – EU is a crucial role within Mercy Corps, responsible for enhancing the organization's engagement with the European Commission (EC) and its key entities, such as DG ECHO, DG INTPA, and FPI. This position is based in Brussels and serves as the primary representative for EU institutional donor relations. The role involves developing and implementing strategies to deepen relationships with the EC, ensuring that Mercy Corps aligns its programs with EU priorities. The manager will also provide support and expertise to regional and country offices regarding EC program standards and guidelines, while disseminating relevant donor information. The position requires a proactive approach to shaping Mercy Corps' visibility and credibility with EU institutions, guiding regional teams in their funding ambitions, and ensuring strategic alignment with donor priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager will lead the development and implementation of Mercy Corps' institutional donor strategy for EU institutions. Key responsibilities include serving as the principal Brussels-based representative to DG ECHO, DG INTPA, and FPI, identifying new strategic opportunities for engagement, and cultivating strong relationships with key EU counterparts. The manager will analyze EU funding trends, track consultations and funding pipelines, and guide regional teams on strategic donor engagement. Additionally, the role involves promoting Mercy Corps' program results to EU audiences, participating in fundraising and compliance working groups, and documenting lessons learned across teams. The manager will also provide technical guidance for proposal development, ensuring alignment with EU standards, and act as the primary liaison for EU funding across Mercy Corps' offices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international development, humanitarian assistance, or a related field. A minimum of 6-8 years of experience working with EC funding, including donor engagement and proposal development, is required. Demonstrated leadership in EU donor engagement and strong networks in Brussels are essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary, along with proven ability to build and nurture partnerships. Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in French is considered an asset. Field experience with INGOs or EC-funded operations is a plus.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international development or humanitarian assistance. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of donor engagement and the operational standards expected by the European Commission.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 6-8 years of relevant experience, particularly in working with European Commission funding mechanisms such as ECHO, INTPA, and FPI. Experience in donor engagement and proposal development is critical, along with a demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and build relationships within the EU context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with EU institutions. Proficiency in French is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with French-speaking stakeholders and counterparts.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Brussels and may require limited travel to European capitals and field locations. Mercy Corps emphasizes ongoing learning and development, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional growth activities. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. Additionally, Mercy Corps adheres to strict safeguarding and ethical standards, promoting a safe and respectful workplace for all team members.