We are looking for a Senior Manager to join our well-established Policy Implementation and Programmes practice, which manages a spectrum of large programmes. The practice provides technical assistance, insights, research, networking and other implementation services to EU institutions, particularly the European Commission, as well as organisations in the UK. Our current portfolio of projects supports the main Directorates-General of the Commission, spanning Mutual Learning Services for DG Employment and Social Inclusion, Supporting the European Network of Public Employment Services (PES), providing support services to the ESF + programme, supporting the European Platform Tackling Undeclared Work on behalf of the European Labour Authority, operating the European Centre of Expertise on labour market policy and labour law, supporting the EQAVET Network, designing and delivering training services, working within the framework of DG REFORM and managing the Erasmus+ Alumni Network Services – to name a few.

The person will, depending on their experience and our portfolio of contracts:

Support the management / directly oversee the day-to-day management of specific activities or strands of work within programmes, reporting to relevant Contract Managers and Contract Directors; orOversee the day-to-day management of one or several programmes, reporting to relevant Contract Directors.

Depending on their experience, the person could be expected to:

Support / manage the day-to-day implementation of European programmes or parts of such programmes, covering both the content and organisational aspectsPlan and manage the work of large, multi-national and multi-disciplinary teamsSet up and manage formal and informal networks of government officials, experts, subcontractors and other stakeholdersSet-up, monitor and manage large and complex budgets, with an understanding of different cost modelsOversee risk management and contractual compliance in line with ICF systems, clients’ terms and other requirements, setting up/managing PMOs on larger projectsPrepare key written outputs, such as contractual reports, methodological concepts and frameworks, visionary papers, analytical/evaluative pieces and other pivotal documents for the clientOversee and quality assure written outputs produced by other team members and experts, such as event reports, toolkits, guidance notes, background papers, good practice fiches, evaluations, ad-hoc studies, etc.Oversee and quality assure key activities and deliverables, including the:Organisation of meetings and events, ranging from small workshops and study visits, through to large-scale seminars and conferencesManagement of networks, working groups and other collaborative structuresManagement of helpdesk and secretariat servicesCommunications aspects of programmes, such as websites, portals/ repositories, newsletters, graphic work of publications, etc.Management of other activities relevant to each programmeDevelop, implement and continuously improve tools, systems and procedures for effective programme management, as well as coordination across the wider team and businessChair and facilitate external meetings and events, with an understanding of group dynamics and participationPrepare and deliver presentations to internal and external audiencesContribute to business development through capture of key opportunities and proposal-writingTake on the line management, training, development and mentoring of staffUndertake other management tasks, as needed

These are positions that come with responsibilities, and we are therefore seeking individuals with at least between 12-14+ years’ professional experience. This experience must cover relevant policy areas, with a priority placed on European employment and social policy, social inclusion vocational education and training. Other policy areas are of interest, such as migration and asylum, European Structural Funds, health, regional economic development, enterprise and SMEs. Any experience should also be underpinned by strong project / programme management skills, ideally backed up by relevant training and / or certifications.

Required experience:

12-14+ years of professional experience, ideally backed up by relevant training and / or certifications, such as Prince 2, PMP, PMI, etc.Experience in managing multi-national and multi-disciplinary teams of more than 5+ peopleExperience of managing European networks, working groups and other collaborative structuresExperience in quality control of delivered services, client orientation and project conflict resolution experienceExperience in the coordination of internal / external experts at various levels to ensure tasks are completed to time and to budgetExperience/knowledge of PMOsKnowledge of communications methods and tools in the context of disseminating outputsExperience in leading or contributing to capture and proposal-writing to win new workKnowledge of the European market

Personal Qualities:

Ability to self-organise, prioritise and manage/ work with multiple work strands and teams in parallel under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environmentHigh level of ability and confidence to perform tasks with minimum supervisionAbility to work flexibly to meet client and organisational priorities and needsStrong commitment to and interest in the above-mentioned policy areasSound research and business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential informationExcellent communication skills, including experience with presenting key methodologies and concepts to clientsExcellent verbal, written, analytical and presentation skills in English - additional European languages an advantageCommitment to the progression and development of junior research / other staffAbility to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as clients and sub-contractorsAbility to work within multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams spread across several countriesWillingness to travel within Europe, as requiredEntrepreneurial talent to identify and realise new opportunities, as well as new innovations / approaches that will improve efficiency

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