The Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Liaison Officer position to be based in Brussels.
The Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation (“Decade Secretariat”) is seeking a full-time Liaison Officer based in Brussels, Belgium. The terms of the contract will be determined on the basis of the applicable Labor Code.
Background:
The Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015 (“Decade”) is a political commitment by European governments to improve the socio-economic status and social inclusion of the Roma population. The Decade is an international initiative that brings together governments, international, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, including Romani civil society, to accelerate progress toward improving the welfare of Roma and to review such progress in a transparent and quantifiable way. The Decade focuses on the priority areas of education, employment, health and housing, and commits governments to take into account the core issues of poverty, discrimination and gender mainstreaming.
The current member states of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015 are Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Spain.
The Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation is a private foundation established by the Open Society Institute in 2007. The Decade Secretariat serves as the main facilitation body of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015. It aims to support the work of the annually rotating Presidency of the Decade. In addition to the annual transfer of know-how and initiatives between Decade Presidencies, the Decade Secretariat ensures a smooth transition and enhances coordination of all joint activities. It provides continuity to the Decade and acts as the permanent repository of information and knowledge about the Decade.
The Decade can offer a constructive contribution to the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies, which focuses on the same themes of education, employment, housing and health care as does the Decade. The Decade offers an opportunity for non-EU member states to contribute their perspectives and expertise to the integration process. The Secretariat will play an important role in bringing Decade expertise to the EU process, including technical expertise in the thematic areas and expertise in monitoring progress. Finally, the Decade and its Secretariat can also serve as a platform for bringing civil society voices into the EU Framework discussions.
The Liaison Officer will be responsible for ensuring communication and cooperation between the Decade Secretariat and the European Commission by serving as an official intermediary between them.
Responsibilities:
The Liaison Officer’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:
- Contributes to developing a strategy for ensuring an effective working relationship between the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015 and the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies
- Plays a key role in promoting cooperation between the Decade Secretariat and the European Commission’s respective directorates; serves as the main point of contact between European Commission officials and the Decade
- Closely follows developments on the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies and reports on these to the Secretariat
- Follows and reports on developments on all other Roma related issues within the European Commission, the European Parliament, other EU institutions and Brussels based international NGOs
- Designs a clear communication strategy with the goal of promoting Decade achievements and attracting political support
- Closely cooperates and coordinates with the Brussels based Roma organizations and networks
- Represents the Decade Secretariat at meetings and relevant events
- Advises on further required actions to be undertaken by the Decade Secretariat
Required qualifications and experience:
- BA/MA degree in relevant field or substituted experience
- Minimum of 5 years progressive working experience in Roma related field
- Solid knowledge of the process of the Decade of Roma Inclusion
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the functioning of the European Union, the European Commission and European Parliament;
- Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships, resolve complex and politically sensitive issues
- Highly developed communication skills (spoken, written, public speaking and presentation), including the ability to explain and present sensitive issues/positions and prepare concise and meaningful reports on short notice
- Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
- Knowledge of French is a considerable advantage
- Advanced computer skills (MS Office and internet software)
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills
- Multitasking abilities and ability to work under pressure
- Capacity to work independently as well as in a multinational team
Reporting: Facilitator of the Decade Secretariat
Required application documents (Please submit all documents in English):
- Europass CV; template can be downloaded at: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/europass/home/vernav/Europasss+Documents/Europass+CV/navigate.action
- Two recommendation letters – from previous supervisors or peers who are familiar with the candidate’s capacities
- One-page (A4) motivation letter explaining the candidate’s relevant professional and educational background.
The deadline for submitting applications is October 15, 2011.
Applications should be submitted by e-mail to: tbuzetzky@decadesecretariat.org
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
The Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, which supports diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation.
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