The College of Europe is seeking applications for the position of Head of Administration (100% FTE) of the newly established branch of the College of Europe in Tirana, Albania [coleurope.eu/tirana]. Starting in spring 2024 (exact date tbc), this senior managerial position will entail key responsibilities for the establishment and implementation of administrative structures and processes of the branch – to be fully operational from the academic 2024-2025 onwards.
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 [coleurope.eu]. Currently, the College of Europe hosts approx. 340 students in Bruges and 120 students in Natolin. Students come from approx. 50 nationalities every year and follow advanced Master’s programmes of 10-month duration in a residential format (“studying and living Europe together”). In line with the College of Europe’s educational approach, the "Master of Arts in European Transformation and Integration – The EU and Southeastern Europe” (ETI) in Tirana will enroll approx. 30 students in its first cohort (starting in August/September 2024).
The ETI programme provides a unique academic offer, combining EU affairs with region-specific elements of Southeastern Europe – upholding the high academic standards of the College of Europe and embedded in solid administrative structures to facilitate the educational activities. While the governance of the Tirana branch will remain with the College of Europe in Bruges, a dedicated administrative team in Tirana – under the leadership of the Head of Administration – will ensure the smooth implementation of the daily operations.
Criteria for the Position of Head of Administration:
- A Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field for this position;
- Minimum 10 years of experience in administrative management (preferably, in an educational or academic setting);
- Strong identification with the mission of the College of Europe (preferably, familiarity with/understanding of the functioning of the institution);
- Interest in European Union affairs (preferably, with professional experience in/comprehensive knowledge of the EU institutions);
- Proven track record in human resources, financial management and operational oversight (preferably, knowledge of/experience with the Albanian legal, taxation and administrative landscape and public authorities);
- Excellent command of English; an intermediate/proficient level in Albanian and/or French is advantageous;
- Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to work flexibly and effectively in an international environment;
- Proven supervisory, feedback and training skills as part of an overall competence of staff management;
- Demonstrated experience in project management, preferably with EU funded projects;
- Experience in risk management and the ability to implement effective risk mitigation strategies and quality assurance (preferably, in a higher education context).
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the branch, including human resources, finance, student affairs, facilities and general administration;
- Work closely with academic staff to ensure smooth operational support for academic activities;
- In close coordination with the decision-making bodies and administration of the College of Europe in Bruges, develop and implement administrative structures, policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the branch’s operations;
- Conduct regular assessments of administrative processes and recommend improvements;
- Contribute to the preparation of the budget of the branch, including financial planning and reporting;
- Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local partners;
- Act as the primary liaison for administrative matters between the Tirana branch and the Rector’s office/administration in Bruges;
- Participate in the development and execution of strategic plans for the branch.
Conditions offered:
- A competitive salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and experience of the candidate;
- A dynamic work environment in an internationally renowned academic institution;
- The possibility to contribute to a major educational project for the Western Balkans region.
Applications comprising a motivation letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and two reference letters linked to previous positions, should be submitted before 10 January 2024 (11:59 p.m.) to Ms Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe, by e-mail to: rector@coleurope.eu.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection interview that will take place on-site in Tirana in late January/early February 2024.
The selected candidate is expected to start the position in spring 2024 (exact date tbc).
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Should you require any further information on this position, please contact Mr Carsten GERARDS, Principal Coordinator in the Rector’s Office (carsten.gerards@coleurope.eu).
By submitting your application, you consent to have your personal data processed for the purpose of recruitment and the specific position you are applying for. You acknowledge that your data as well as data we receive from academic institutions we can contact for verification purposes, will be processed by the College of Europe, the members of the selection committee appointed by the College of Europe related to this recruitment process.
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For more information on how we use the information you have provided and how to exercise your rights, please see our privacy notice for recruitment (https://www.coleurope.eu/privacy).