The College of Europe is seeking applications for the position of Project Manager (100% FTE), joining the Rector’s Office (Bruges campus) from 1 October 2024. The successful candidate will be hired under and contribute to the execution of the EU funded Project: “Implementation phase for the establishment of a College of Europe campus in Tirana (Albania)”, IPA 2024 455-237.
About the College: Welcome to the laboratory of the European integration
The College of Europe, with its Bruges campus established in 1949 and its Natolin campus established in 1992, is the oldest postgraduate institute of European studies. Currently, the College of Europe hosts more than 340 students in Bruges and 120 students in Natolin. Students come from approximately 50 nationalities every year and follow advanced Master’s programmes of 10-month duration in a residential format (“studying and living Europe together”). Starting in September 2024, a new study department "Master of Arts in European Transformation and Integration – The EU and Southeastern Europe” (ETI) – at the recently established Albanian branch (“Tirana campus”) of the Belgian foundation of the College of Europe – will enroll over 30 students in its first cohort and grow in numbers over time. The ETI programme provides a unique academic offer, combining EU affairs with region-specific elements of Southeastern Europe – while upholding the high academic standards of the College of Europe. Responding to the emerging challenges and equipping students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes for their future careers, the programme will provide a distinguished educational framework for students from the Western Balkans, the European Union, and beyond.
Profile
For the position of Project Manager, the College is looking for candidates, with:
- A postgraduate degree in Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, European Studies, or a related field; a professional certification in project management will be considered an asset;
- Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in project management proving a very good understanding of the EU project management rules and regulations;
- Knowledge of and relevant experience in EU projects’ implementation, monitoring and reporting (in particular: action grants);
- An excellent command of English; a (very) good command of French, and other languages, considered an asset;
- A very good understanding of the EU, its institutions and policies;
- Preferably, experience with or a good understanding of the College of Europe;
- Full digital literacy;
- Good analytical and organisational skills, ability to meet tight deadlines and attention to detail;
- Result-oriented approach as well as a proactive and cooperative outlook;
- Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team;
- Open personality with strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills and a flexible and goal-oriented mindset.
Role
The Project Manager will be working under the direct supervision of the Administrative Liaison Coordinator and in close cooperation with administrative team of the College of Europe Tirana campus in Albania.
The Project Manager will be key in managing the project and ensuring its successful execution from the technical project management perspective. Responsibilities include supporting project planning, overseeing the implementation of the project's activities, and reporting. The Project Manager will ensure compliance, planning, execution, and monitoring of the Project and will be assisted by a Project Officer based in Tirana.
Tasks include:
- Contributing to the overall project management process, including planning, execution, and reporting;
- Continuous management of the project budget implementation, timelines, and resources; tracking financial performance and preparing budget forecasts and adjustments as needed;
- Monitoring and controlling project activities to ensure they comply with EU project management standards, procurement policies, and financial regulations;
- Preparing detailed technical and financial project reports, ensuring they comprehensively provide detailed accounts of project progress, financial expenditures, and projections, supported by clear data analysis and documentation;
- Identifying and mitigating project risks and issues;
- Supporting the communication and collaboration efforts among project stakeholders;
- Organising and participating in project meetings, both online and on-site;
- Conducting regular visits to the Tirana campus to oversee project progress;
- General support for the implementation of the first academic year of the Tirana campus and preparation of the expansion of the ETI programme in the future.
The Project Manager will be based in Bruges – with regular visits to Tirana.
The College offers:
- An excellent academic setting;
- A pleasant and stimulating international working environment;
- A renewable contract (initial duration: 11 months) under Belgian law with competitive remuneration and benefits;
- A comprehensive benefits package including the compulsory holiday pay and an end-of-year bonus, meal vouchers, a transportation and telework allowance, a hospitalisation insurance, and a complementary pension scheme;
- Legal holidays plus two extra public holidays (9th of May and 11th of July) and eight days closing during the winter break;
- The possibility of teleworking (up to two days per week);
- An invaluable opportunity to contribute to a historic project for the College and the Western Balkans region.
The successful candidate will be available to carry out his/her duties in Bruges, with homeworking possibilities (in line with the College of Europe’s policy).
Application
Applications in English comprising a detailed CV and a motivation letter (max. one page) should be submitted by Thursday, 25 July 2024 to Rector Federica Mogherini, via applications.rector@coleurope.eu), mentioning “Project Manager” in the subject line.
Early applications are highly encouraged. As applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Starting date: 1 October 2024
For further information on the position, please contact Mr Jesús Ballesteros, Advisor to the Rector (jesus.ballesteros@coleurope.eu). For questions on the remuneration etc., please contact Ms Isabelle Hillewaere, HR Director (isabelle.hillewaere@coleurope.eu).
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The College of Europe is committed to equal treatment and opportunity. It aims to reflect the diversity of our society and to offer an inclusive work and study environment for all members of its community. Consistent with these goals, the Bruges campus has a zero-tolerance policy for any acts against the dignity and integrity of individuals, whether in the form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, stalking, violence, or sexual misconduct.
Candidates are therefore recruited and selected on the basis of skills and experience, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, class and background, political belief, race, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, culture, or any other grounds.