Position description
EGMONT – The Royal Institute for International Relations is an independent think-tank based in Brussels. As a platform for in-depth analysis and a forum for debate in the field of international politics, the Institute has the ambition to make a useful contribution to the policy-shaping process through its publications, conferences, and seminars. Along with its three Research Programmes and a specialised Education & Training Programme, the Institute is supported by a Communication Department and a Finance and Administration Department.
The Egmont Institute is currently seeking a full-time Finance and Administration Director (M/F), reporting to the Director General, to lead a team of three colleagues.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Finance and Administration Director will lead the Finance and Administration department from both a human resources perspective and a contents perspective, ensuring compliance to regulations and contracts, accuracy and timeliness of financial information, sound financial management and procurement and provision of best practice HR policies and procedures to support other departments and programmes in implementing the strategy. He/she will network with donors and external contacts to remain up to date of relevant regulatory changes and best practices.
He/she will:
- Define, in co-construction with the Director General and Programme Directors, the financial strategy of the Institute and consolidate its overall annual and pluri-annual budget. Present the financial results and give financial advice regarding the development of strategic decisions in order to make sure that the management disposes of sufficient information to make decisions;
- Manage the overall budget of the Institute in order to best support the different activities of the departments and programmes and organise procurement of general equipment and services to achieve optimal results for the Institute in a compliant, cost-effective and qualitative manner;
- Develop Human Resources policies and coordinate projects to improve compliance regarding well-being at work, to optimize the human capital, to foster professional development and to support the change processes within the entire organisation. Maintain formal and informal contacts with the employees of the various programmes of the Institute in order to create a positive social climate;
- Coordinate/support/advise other departments and programmes with their legal, compliance, human resources, fundraising, grant management, procurement and operational issues to ensure compliance and consistency across the organisation and smooth delivery on activities;
- Manage external partnerships with key service providers, banks, external accountant, and develop a network of relations to proactively be kept informed of relevant developments. Establish relations with administrative personnel of donors and partner organisations to ensure smooth exchange of information and contract management;
- Contribute to building, within the entire organisation, a solid team of qualified employees and encourage the collaboration between them in order to guarantee the smooth functioning of each department/programme;
- Share one’s expertise within the administrative management and other departments and programmes in order to disseminate relevant best practices, contribute to employees’ professional development and guarantee compliance and long-term continuity;
- Contribute to the preparation of the meetings of the Management Board (CA).
Qualifications
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant management domain;
- Good understanding of Project Cycle Management and major donors’ requirements;
- Good understanding of Belgian social regulations and financial matters;
- Excellent knowledge of French and English, both written and oral. (Knowledge of Dutch is an asset).
Experience:
- 10 years of relevant professional experience, including 5 years in a senior administrative management position;
- 5 years’ experience in project/grant management, preferably of European Union-funded Research Projects in think tanks or development cooperation;
- Experience in writing subsidy requests, tender proposals and project applications;
- Experience with financial management software and tools;
- Experience in fundraising desirable.
Skills:
- Client oriented approach;
- Strong analytical thinking and writing;
- Team-player with strong inter-cultural competencies;
- Capacity to develop smooth collaboration with external partners;
- Ability to deliver results within tight time frames, manage multiple assignments and track progress on several processes simultaneously;
- Resistance to stress;
- Ability to empower, train and supervise his/her team;
- IT-savvy (Microsoft suite, Outlook, ERP/Accounting software).
WE OFFER
- An open-ended contract and a monthly salary in accordance with experience;
- A comprehensive benefits package (extra holidays, public transport allowance, meal vouchers, hospitalisation insurance…);
- A multicultural and challenging working environment;
- A large network within the Institute and with our partners;
- Flexibility in the work organisation.
Application instructions
A CV and a motivation letter compiled in a PDF file named “LAST Name First Name – Finance and Administration Director” should be emailed to [email protected], by 8 July 2025 mentioning in the subject line “Finance and Administration Director”.
Applications will be examined on a rolling basis and shortlisted candidate may be contacted for interviews before the deadline. Due to a possible large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted. Applications should be considered as unsuccessful if no answer has been received by 31 July 2025.
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