The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is currently looking for a suitable candidate to fill a Junior Policy Advisor (m/f/d) position in Brussels focussing on GIZ strategic positioning on Global Gateway. The candidate is expected to start as soon as possible.

About the GIZ Position

To bring Global Gateway from start-up to scale-up, GIZ in Brussels acts as an early-warning system and as catalyser for co-developing new opportunities for GIZ as a whole. As such, we closely monitor developments on Global Gateway relevant for the organisation, assess the changing policy landscape linked to it and recommends actions for project development, as well as with regards to strategic partnerships (e.g. private sector actors, implementing organisations of other EU Members States, financial institutions).

Role purpose

The selected candidate will play an active role in enhancing the positioning of GIZ in the Brussels context, and more specifically on Global Gateway, nurturing contact and network building with the EU and other organisations, as well as in liaising with relevant departments within the organisation. S/he will be embedded in a larger team of advisers on Global Gateway located in the various operational departments of GIZ, both at HQ and partner country levels. S/he will also liaise closely with the Policy Advisors Team of the GIZ Brussels Representation as well as with other relevant GIZ Units and projects in Brussels.

Main responsibilities

• (Support to) Policy analysis and advice: monitor, discuss and inform on EU International Cooperation and External Affairs policy developments, as well as produce related analyses, in the areas of Global Gateway.
• (Support to) Advisory services for GIZ’s management board and other GIZ units, as well as external partners and/or institutions on shaping GIZ’s service offer on Global Gateway including its evolving role under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and adapted financing instruments, e.g. future of the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD+).
• (Support to) Coordination of GIZ Representation Brussels and GIZ EU Liaison office’s contributions to Global Gateway positioning.
• (Support to) Partnership building in relation to Global Gateway and the partnership of GIZ with the EU, internal and external network and contact management: maintain and further develop partnerships with EU institutions (mainly the European Commission, the EEAS and the European Parliament), other relevant stakeholders (including for example other EU Member States implementing organisations, think tanks, etc.) and also with relevant GIZ teams in Brussels, in Headquarters and abroad.
• (Support to) Partnership management with strategic relevance for GIZ’s Global Gateway activities: maintain and further develop partnerships with EDFI, JEFIC, EIB, EBRD, Team Germany (KfW, Euler Hermes, DIHK, GTAI).
• Act as focal point to GIZ Seconded National Experts on Global Gateway.
• Coordination of visits and events: advising and coordinating GIZ (high level) visits to and events linked to Global Gateway in Brussels. This includes the (support to the) preparation of related concept and briefing notes, speaking points, background information, etc, as well as close coordination with the Representation Events Assistant and Office Manager.
• Active support and coordination in the relevant Practitioners’ Network working groups and discussion pertaining to Global Gateway.
• Other activities: Actively contribute to the core and overarching activities of GIZ in Brussels, including the strategic development of GIZ, the improvement and development of relevant processes and ways of working, the conception and organisation of (technical) meetings, the preparation of briefing material, and other tasks as needed.

Person specification

Requirements

• At least 1 year of relevant experience at European and/or international level, in the area of international cooperation;
• Master’s degree in political science, European studies, economics, law or related area;
• Excellent level of written and spoken English and a very good level of German;
• Excellent overall knowledge of the functioning of the EU in the field of external relations, international partnerships and neighbourhood and enlargement policies especially;
• Sound knowledge of the EU and German development cooperation environment, policies and stakeholders;
• Experience in the presentation of complex policy content and in political communication;
• Commitment to GIZ mission and values;
• Valid work permit for Belgium.

Additional qualifications

• Professional experience in the Brussels environment, related to the EU external action policies and related financing instruments will be considered as a very strong asset;
• Professional experience related to the conceptualisation and implementation of Global Gateway, either in Headquarters or in the field will be considered as a strong asset;
• Direct knowledge or previous work experience with GIZ will be considered as an asset;
• Knowledge of other (European) languages will be considered as an asset;
• Previous professional experience at field level with a bilateral or multilateral development organization will be considered as an asset;

Required Skills

• Excellent team player;
• Excellent coordination, organisational and communication skills;
• Very good analytical, interdisciplinary thinking;
• Ability to manage various processes and tasks in parallel;
• Willingness and pro-activeness to take on additional responsibilities to support the team or in response to shifting priorities;
• Ability to familiarise oneself very quickly with new organisational issues and complex policies;
• Very good networking skills, capacity to quickly build good working relations with colleagues inside and outside the organisation and to promote connections and exchanges;
• Proactive attitude to his/her tasks and responsibilities; creativity and pragmatism;
• Flexible approach to work and adaptability, incl. willingness to engage in peer learning and support and
• Open minded and critical thinker;
• Very good writing skills in both English and German.

What we offer

The position will be based in a dynamic and attractive office in Brussels’ European Quarter. We offer a limited contract (until 30.06.2027) under Belgian law (PC200) as a full-time position, with a competitive salary, defined on the basis of the level of experience of the selected candidate(s).

The package includes 5 additional holidays per calendar year, lunch vouchers, complementary health insurance in case of hospitalisation and subsidy for from/to work transport (public transport or bike).

GIZ is not in a position to contribute financially to relocation and family-support costs under this contractual framework and will only accept  candidates providing a valid work permit for Belgium for the full period of the contract.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to submit their updated CV together with a one-page cover letter (in German or English) to the attention of Ms. Ute Jung by 13 August at 17:00 (CET). E-mail: recruitmentrepbrussels@giz.de [1] .

The motivation letter should explain how the candidate fits the position as well as her/his motivation to work with GIZ. It has also to include the candidate’s yearly gross salary expectations in EURO and when she/he would be available to start the assignment in Brussels.

Please note that we will only consider applications that comply with the required qualifications and skills. Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview as soon as possible after the summer vacation period.

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