We are hiring an International Development Coordinator

Cooperatives Europe is excited to announce another opportunity to join our team (see our search for an Operations Officer), this time as an International Development Coordinator. This role offers a unique chance to spearhead the implementation of our international partnership with the European Commission focusing on integrating cooperative enterprises into EU policies on international development.

Located in Brussels, the International Development Coordinator will play a pivotal role in advocating for and advancing the cooperative model as a key driver for sustainable, democratic, and inclusive development.

Context

Sustainability, development and the notion of putting people first are the core beliefs of cooperative enterprises. Alongside other social economy enterprises, they are an economic tool that responds to the needs of the people and their communities.

Cooperatives Europe is the European cross-sectoral organization representing more than 176.000 cooperative enterprises in Europe, from 33 European countries. Our members are diverse and operate in diverse sectors including industry & services, energy, housing, agriculture, banking, consumer and pharmaceuticals.
Cooperatives Europe’s main activities are to promote and defend the cooperative enterprise model. We advocate for cooperatives and engage in various activities such as communication and dissemination, research, and EU consultations, and provide a collaborative platform for our members. Cooperatives Europe is the Europe Region of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). More information is available at: www.coopseurope.coop

Under the ICA-EU partnership, the 5-year program “People-Centered Business for Sustainable, Democratic, and Inclusive Development” aims to enhance the cooperative business model’s presence in global, regional, and local development policies and to empower cooperative organizations. For more information on the previous partnership, please visit coops4dev.coop.

In the framework of this second partnership, Cooperatives Europe is looking for an International development coordinator.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

The International International Development Coordinator will oversee the European implementation of the EU partnership agreement with ICA. They will report directly to the Director and work closely with the Partnership Coordinator of ICA. They will also be in charge of the advocacy regarding EU policy on international development.

Key responsibilities are:

The Development Coordinator will be in charge of the operational part of the partnership at the regional level and will take on the implementation and management of these activities. This includes team coordination and attendance at political meetings. They will support the other team members and the project partners in their work, and especially in preparing policy meetings, tools, capacity building, publications, and work closely with the Partnership Coordinator of the ICA.

• Managing operational aspects of the European-level project, ensuring effective team coordination.
• Facilitating policy and capacity-building events related to international development.
• Tracking EU policies and processes that impact civil society and the private sector in international development.
• Preparing responses to EU consultations concerning international development.
• Engaging with the Cooperatives Europe Development Platform for strategic joint actions, programming, and raising awareness of the cooperative model in development.
• Representing Cooperatives Europe in development reviews, meetings, and network seminars.

Personal Specifications

Essential:

• University degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Development, or a related field.
• Proven experience with EU-funded partnership programs.
• Strong understanding of international institutions, particularly the EU.
• Experience with international development consultation processes.
• Proficiency in English, with excellent writing skills.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Competent IT and communication skills.
• Capability to work within a multicultural team environment.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in additional languages, particularly French and Spanish.
• Familiarity with EU international development policies and processes.
• Experience working with NGOs or membership organizations.
• Alignment with cooperative values and principles.

Terms and Conditions

The starting date is 1^st June 2024 the latest

Located Rue du Trône, 4, 1000 Brussels (Operational address)

The contract is open-ended duration and full-time under Belgian Law

The International Development Coordinator will work under the responsibility of the director of Cooperatives Europe.

Travel expenses within the Brussels region capital are covered by Cooperatives Europe. Hospitalisation Insurance and meal vouchers are available.

Candidates need to have, at the time of application, the legal right to work in Belgium. We regret that we are not able to apply for work permits on their behalf.

Applications

Interested candidates are asked to apply by submitting the completed application form below and a detailed CV to [email protected]. Applications missing any of the required documents will not be considered.

Please mention in the email subject your name followed by ‘International Development Coordinator’

Deadline for applications is the 10th April (23:59 CET).

Please note that due to the large number of applications and our limited capacity, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No telephone inquiries, please.

Interviews will take place remotely.

Application Package – International Development Coordinator