EU Engagement Adviser (internationally recruited)

The Department of External Relations and Partnerships (EXP) is responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of IDLO’s external relations agenda, communications and partnerships building through strategies and activities to promote, protect and enhance IDLO’s mission and brand.

The Department actively promotes and advocates for IDLO’s strategic priorities with governments, the United Nations system, other intergovernmental organizations, civil society, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, academia, and other potential partners at national, regional, and international levels.  It collaborates with all entities within IDLO to promote the Organization’s policy advocacy priorities. It supports IDLO’s programme and programme development teams and country offices to ensure that communications, partnership engagements, resource mobilization and other outreach activities are coherent and integrated in IDLO’s activities around the world. It builds and maintains innovative and productive partnerships, ensures best practices in communication and resource mobilization, and supports the governance mechanisms of the Organization. 

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director, External Relations and Partnerships, the EU Engagement Adviser will lead and deepen the Organization’s strategic engagement with EU institutions, the Government of Belgium, and other Brussels-based stakeholders. The Adviser will play a central role in positioning IDLO as a trusted and relevant partner for EU external action, supporting resource mobilization and policy engagement.

Specifically, s/he will be responsible for the following:

1. Strategic Engagement

• Serve as IDLO’s focal point for engagement with EU institutions, including the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Parliament, the Government of Belgium, and EU Member State representations in Brussels.
• Coordinate the establishment of an IDLO representation presence in Brussels
• In collaboration with relevant colleagues, further develop and implement IDLO’s EU engagement plan, aligned with organizational priorities and the EU’s external action, development, rule of law and justice agendas.
• Monitor and analyze EU policy, programming, and funding developments relevant to the rule of law, justice, governance, and peacebuilding.

2. Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities under EU instruments, including calls for proposals, delegated cooperation, and strategic partnerships.
• Support the development of high-quality EU concept notes and proposals, in close collaboration with programme and technical teams.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with Brussels-based partners, including international organizations, civil society networks, think tanks, and implementing partners.
• Contribute to IDLO’s policy positioning and advocacy efforts in Brussels, including participation in the TED Network as well as other relevant forums, briefings, and consultations.
• Support the organization of high-level meetings, events, and outreach activities to enhance IDLO’s visibility and influence within the EU ecosystem.

3. Internal Coordination

• Lead on internal coordination efforts on EU engagement, including via the internal EU Taskforce, ensuring alignment between EU Brussels engagement and EU engagement at country levels.
• Provide regular reporting and analysis to the resource mobilization taskforce and senior management on EU engagement trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Contribute to internal awareness raising and knowledge development on EU engagement: EU policy trends, policy advocacy opportunities and programmatic instruments.
• Contribute to special projects or initiatives as requested.

Education and Experience

• Graduate degree in political sciences, law, international relations, public administration or related field is required. Post graduate degree in relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 (ten) years of professional experience working for an international/multilateral organization, development agency. At least 6 (six) years of direct engagement with EU institutions is essential.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with EU institutions and funding mechanisms in Brussels, preferably from within an international organization, EU institution, Member State, or Brussels-based entity.
• Proven track record in resource mobilization, and partnership development related to development, governance, justice, or rule of law.

Languages

• Full professional competence of written and verbal communication skills in English.
• French is desired. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.

Specific knowledge, skills, and behavioral competencies

• Direct experience of the EU system, bodies and instruments.
• Strong capacity to interpret political and policy developments at the national and international levels and to relate them to IDLO’s mandate and activities.
• Good knowledge of IDLO’s areas of work i.e. rule of law, access to justice, development and peacebuilding.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to build solid relationships with advocacy targets.
• Excellent writing, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good organizational and planning skills. Solid project management skills, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Good team player, positive attitude, flexible mind, and comfortable in working in multi-cultural settings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office package and other ICT and internet software.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO's mandate and value. Ability to handle sensitive information.
• Ability and willingness to travel to the field, even hard-ship countries, as needed.

For this internationally recruited employee position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate contract of 24 months, with the possibility of an extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Belgium.

IDLO shall offer a yearly basic salary of EUR €93,353.00 and a benefits package including provident fund contribution (14%), medical insurance, leave entitlements, relocation, installation and other applicable allowances, in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules.

IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or of any other relevant fiscal jurisdiction.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

Application deadline: 12 October 2026 (23:59hrs Rome time).