Academic Coordinator - European Union Diplomatic Programme for Diplomats of the Enlargement Region - College of Europe in Bruges

Funded by the EU

The College of Europe, Bruges campus, is looking for an Academic Coordinator from November 2024 onwards to be based in Bruges (Belgium), in the framework of the European Union Diplomatic Programme for Diplomats of the Enlargement Region.

Short description of the project:

The European Commission – DG for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) – is awarding the College of Europe with a grant agreement for the design and implementation of a European Union Diplomatic Programme for Diplomats of the Enlargement Region. The programme builds upon and includes joint modules with the European Union Diplomatic Academy, established by Council Decision in May 2024.

The overall objective of the European Union Diplomatic Programme for Diplomats of the Enlargement Region is to foster regional cooperation among young professionals in the Enlargement Region and within the EU, as well as strengthen the “esprit de corps” and knowledge in EU affairs among young professionals from the EU and the Enlargement countries, in particular those working in the field of foreign policy (EU common foreign and security policy - CFSP) and EU accession.

The College will deliver the following services:

  • Design and implement two identical editions of a training programme on European affairs and EU Accession for junior diplomats and officials from Enlargement countries. The first edition will be held from February 2025 to June 2025; the second edition will take place from September 2025 to January 2026.
  • An “all-in-one” residential format for up to 15 participants per edition to study and live together. Participants will live in one of the residences of the College for the whole duration of the Programme.
  • An established programme of exposure activities for participants in the form of study visits to DG NEAR and other EU institutions.

Description of the position:

The Academic Coordinator will support the running of the European Union Programme for Diplomats of the Enlargement Region. The successful candidate will work in close cooperation with the core team of the project (Director of the Programme and Programme Coordinator).

The main tasks and responsibilities of the Academic Coordinator will include:

  • Drawing up the draft procedure and approach for the selection of participants from the Enlargement Region;
  • Designing, under the supervision of the Director of the Programme and the Programme Coordinator, the curriculum of the programme;
  • Ensuring, under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator, synergies and joint activities with the FPI-funded European Union Diplomatic Academy;
  • Courseplanning and acting as the main point of contact to support lecturers. This includes preparing guidelines and briefings for lecturers on the contents of their modules and training approaches;
  • Ensuring the coordination of lecturers to guarantee the overall consistency and coherence of the training programme;
  • Reviewing the training material;
  • Supporting lecturers in providing feedback to participants on their assignments (e.g., oral presentations, drafting of papers);
  • Being the initial point of contact for the participants, including for methodological guidance for their assignments;
  • Designing with the core team the program of study visits;
  • Analysing the feedback from participants and lecturers and providing recommendations for improvement;
  • Reporting to the Programme Coordinator.

The College is looking to fill the vacancy as soon as possible. The position of Academic Coordinator will be based in the College of Europe’s office in Bruges (Belgium).

Required profile:

  • A postgraduate degree in European studies, diplomacy, political science or international relations;
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience;
  • In-depth understanding of the external action of the EU and European Diplomacy;
  • Relevant experience in training design and development is considered a strong asset;
  • Experience in communication (in particular social media management) is considered an asset;
  • A very good command of English; proficiency in French and any other language is considered an asset;
  • Strong digital skills (MS Office 365 and alike);
  • Excellent analytical and organisational skills, the ability to meet tight deadlines and an eye for detail;
  • Result-oriented approach and a proactive and cooperative mindset;
  • Ability to work autonomously and as a team member;
  • Open personality with strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills;
  • A flexible and dynamic working attitude.

The College offers:

  • An interesting and challenging position in an attractive, multicultural, and dynamic work environment;
  • The opportunity to contribute to the organization of events with senior/high-level guests;
  • A full-time employment contract under Belgian labour law (12 months, renewable);
  • A comprehensive benefits package including holiday pay and an end-of-year bonus, meal vouchers, a home office allowance, hospitalisation insurance, as well as a complementary pension scheme;
  • Teleworking arrangements (in line with the College’s teleworking policy);
  • Legal holidays plus eight days closing during the winter break, and two extra public holidays (9th of May and 11th of July).

Applications:

Applications should be written in English and consist of a detailed CV (max. 2 pages) and motivation letter (max. 1 page). They should be sent by Sunday 17 November 2024 (midnight) to recruitment.be@coleurope.eu, mentioning “Academic Coordinator - European Union Diplomatic Programme for Diplomats of the Enlargement Region” in the subject line. Questions regarding the content of the position can be addressed to the Programme Coordinator at elisabetta.lagala@coleurope.eu. 

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.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection interview that will take place on-site in Bruges. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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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.