Job Description
TEPSA is seeking a Project Officer to start as soon as possible. The successful candidate will join our small and dynamic office, where everyone plays an important role and has a tangible impact.
The Project Manager will work primarily on the coordination of external expertise for the European Parliament (DG EXPO) and on the implementation of a CERV Action Grant on disinformation. The role requires strong skills in research coordination, stakeholder engagement, editorial oversight, and regional expertise - particularly related to EU enlargement, the Eastern Partnership, and democratic governance. This position offers an opportunity to manage high-level research assignments, work closely with EU institutions, and contribute to EU-funded consortia involving research institutes, universities, and civil society partners.
The successful candidate will receive a one-year contract under Belgian law (CDD) on a full-time basis, with the possibility of extension, depending on performance and TEPSA's project portfolio. The gross monthly remuneration for this position is 2,150 EUR, supplemented by additional benefits including meal vouchers, DKV medical and hospitalisation insurance, eco-cheques, sport & culture cheques, public transport reimbursement, and reimbursement of internet/GSM subscription.
Tasks & Responsibilities
1. Coordination of External Expertise for the European Parliament (DG EXPO)
Coordinate the full research cycle for DG EXPO-commissioned studies, including expert identification, proposal review, timeline management, and quality control.
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Ensure all research papers comply with EP editorial, formatting, and consultation procedures.
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Liaise with EP Committee secretariats and administrative units to clarify requirements and manage feedback loops.
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Oversee expert networks working on EU foreign policy, CFSP, development cooperation, human rights, trade, enlargement, and neighbourhood policy.
2.Action Grant project management
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Coordinate consortia (research institutes, universities, civil society partners).
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Prepare technical and financial reports in line with European Commission requirements.
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Monitor compliance with grant agreements, data management plans, and ethical guidelines.
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Support partners in drafting deliverables and in communication with the Commission's services
3. Regional and thematic expertise
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Provide analytical input on enlargement policy, Eastern Partnership countries, democratic backsliding, post-truth politics, and malign external interference.
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Event and stakeholder coordination
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Organisation of conferences, policy dialogues, and workshops involving EU institutions, diplomats, experts, youth, and civil society representatives.
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Prepare agendas, background materials, and coordinate speakers.
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Academic background
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Master's degree in European Studies, International Relations, or a related discipline, with demonstrated specialisation in enlargement, regional security, Eastern Partnership policy, or foreign interference.
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Professional experience (mandatory)
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Direct experience coordinating research projects for the European Parliament, including familiarity with expert selection, review cycles, and EP formatting rules.
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Demonstrated experience in the implementation of CERV projects (reporting, compliance, consortium coordination).
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Proven regional expertise related to the Eastern Partnership, Black Sea security, enlargement, democratisation, conflict transformation, and Russian interference.
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Experience in editing, reviewing, and fact-checking research intended for institutional or academic publication.
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Experience in event planning and coordination.
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Excellent command of English (C1).
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High proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite.
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Strong analytical and research skills, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
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Professional experience (desirable)
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Working proficiency in at least two EU languages (e.g., German, French, Spanish) and native or near-native proficiency in a language of the Eastern Partnership countries.
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Experience working in a university, think tank, research institute, or membership-based organisation, ideally in a coordination or project management capacity.
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Experience with multi-country and multi-stakeholder research initiatives.
