Who we are

Porticus is a philanthropic organization that aims to create a just and sustainable future where human dignity flourishes. Our work aims to strengthen the resilience of communities so that all people have ownership over their future and natural resources are used in a sustainable way. Our work is realized through strong networks of partners including local and global NGOs, communities, people with lived experience, policy makers and co-funders.

With colleagues based in 14 offices around the world, we want to provide solutions to today’s social and environmental problems that benefit generations to come in four areas: the natural environment, society, education and faith.

What you’ll do

The Programme Manager Europe is responsible for the design, coordination, execution and delivery in grant making in Central- and Eastern Europe and Europe in general in the field of region-specific priorities (see further). 

The PM reports to the Regional Director Europe (for Europe-wide work) and Country Manager CEE (for CEE specific). The PM role is based in Vienna (Austria); Brussels (Belgium) can be considered if necessary.

Key responsibilities

Exploration

• Identifies opportunities for strategy-aligned innovative regional [seeding] projects and programmes and clearly articulates the expected outcomes.

Contextualisation

• Works towards building grant ideas that are regionally contextual and built on the basis of momentum and opportunity.
• Participates in external platforms representing regional footprint for a challenge/workstream.
• Develops knowledge on region and/or challenge related topics and participates in related expert network.
• Continuously analyses opportunities, momentum, trends and challenges related to the sector and/or region they are responsible for.

Strategy co-development and implementation

• Shapes the European regional exploration in alignment with the European programmatic framework and leads its implementation, including but not limited to:
  • Connecting the dots and advancing our learning on safeguarding democracy in Europe, polarization and belonging, civic participation and inclusion, rule of law, and on the intersection of democracy, environment, digitalization, media, human rights and European integration.
  • Applying meaningful participation approach to the extent possible in all stages of the regional exploration
  • Grant making from co-developing applications with partners to accompanying the implementing and closing
  • Convening partners and other key stakeholders
  • Applying sophisticated safeguarding and GESI lenses to grant development and management.

Storytelling

• Represents the work internally and externally.
• Engages in relevant fora and champions the work of partners.
• Prepares communication material in collaboration with communication colleagues.

Building & Maintaining Relationships

• Builds and manages a trust-based external network of implementing partners and grantees, initiates screening of potential grantees.
• Manages partnerships and engages in dialogue on emerging and critical issues with diverse networks in the region.
• Understands the role and value of partners as contributing to the overall strategic intent.
• Contributes to annual reflection cycles with input, discussion and managing the integration of the learning in future work.
• Excels at good practice of financial and non-financial contribution to partners such as capacity building on fundraising and identifying co-funders.

What you need for the role

Experience

• Holds in-depth knowledge on the topics of: safeguarding and innovation of democracy in Europe, polarization, civic participation and inclusion, rule of law, and intersection of democracy, environment, digitalization, media, human rights and European integration.
• Holds professional and/or academic qualifications and shows a sound comprehension of applied methods and techniques. Demonstrates a range of business experiences and achievements in the Philanthropic or Civil-Society Sector.
• Has profound understanding on European cultural, historic, political and religious heritage, diversity and dynamics.
• Relevant work and (lived) experience (5+ years) necessary in Central- and Eastern Europe
• Strong and relevant networks and contacts across European countries and institutions
• Experience of and commitment to, working with and through partners and contributing to partnership strategies
• Experience with strategy, monitoring, evaluation and learning (SMEL) and working with other technical advisors and research teams to establish effective monitoring systems in relation to funding activities

Skills

• Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to analyze, structure and synthesize to contribute to joint strategies and concepts
• Experience in budget management
• Ability to accurately assess situations and find appropriate solutions to generate impact
• Strong networker, takes partners’ relationships to the next level to shape our work; engages with new partners of various profiles
• Ability to multi-task and set priorities and be an effective collaborator in a complex and dynamic internal and external environment, including the ability to work with efficiency and tact in a matrixed environment
• Knowledge of CEE language(s) is a strong plus.

You must (be eligible to) live and work in Austria (or Belgium).

By joining our team, you will become part of this remarkable journey. You will work in a fun and highly dynamic environment and have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from expert colleagues.

This is what you can expect from us:

• Based on full-time, salary offer (depending on experience) between:
  • EUR 68.000 - 85.000 gross per year in Austria (and similar in Belgium)
• Hybrid working opportunity; we aim for a 40/60 office/home-work balance.
• Take advantage of our Flexible Working Guidelines and work up to 10 days per year from abroad, anywhere in the world.
• Several volunteering days per year
• Competitive benefits package (incl. holidays, insurances, etc.)

To apply: please upload your CV and cover letter – in English - as soon as possible. This vacancy will remain open for a few weeks or until we have sufficient applications from qualified candidates.

Process: We aim to finalize the interview & hiring process by end of April, including reference checks; a written assessment can be part of the procedure.

We stand for equal opportunities and are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse team in an equitable and inclusive environment. We strongly encourage applications of people with lived experience, as well as of candidates coming from any minority or underrepresented groups.