Deadline: 9 august 2011
Open to: individuals with postgraduate degree in social sciences (more info in text below)
Salary: not stated
The Bernard van Leer Foundation is a private grantmaking Foundation. Mission is to improve opportunities for children up to age 8 who are growing up in socially and economically difficult circumstances.
About Job
BvLF is currently searching for a Programme Officer for our European programme that creates and implements a social change strategy to scale quality early learning for young Roma children in Europe. The desired impact of the BvLF social change strategy to be created with this position is threefold: create effective advocacy and investment coordination across networks and coalitions investing in Roma communities; double or triple public investments made in young Roma children across Europe; and disseminate high quality models for early learning that have proven to be effective with Roma children.
These goals should be reached in cooperation with other organizations and the Roma communities themselves with an emphasis on addressing Roma communities in Western Europe. You will manage an annual budget of one to 1.5 million euros to realize these goals.
Main responsibilities of the Programme Officer
Develops, applies and refines a programme strategy to improve early learning opportunities for young Roma children in Europe.
Strengthens advocacy networks which have the potential to promote greater and better investment in young Roma children.
Identifies and supports partners on innovative approaches to servicing young children.
Manages and monitors BvLF funded European or local projects, evaluations and pilots in order to generate evidence for change.
Promotes early learning as a key policy objective within Europe. Produces briefings, policy papers and presentations for diverse audiences on all aspects of improving early learning opportunities for young Roma children.
Analyses and reports on significant contextual issues nationally and regionally affecting young Roma children.
Develops funded partnerships with other private sector, foundations and aid agencies which have an interest in young Roma children’s well-being.
Initiates events to promote increased interest in and understanding of early learning and its impact on disadvantaged Roma children.
Enhance the profile and reputation of the Foundation in Europe.
Eligibility
· Postgraduate degree in social sciences or other relevant field.
· Proven knowledge, experience and success in advocacy at European (or other) political arenas in human rights, or children’s social policies.
· Knowledge of European funding structures and social policy frameworks.
· Demonstrable experience in advising governments, service providers or community based organizations.
· Experience negotiating projects, project budgets, grants and contracts with diverse organizations.
· Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
· Willingness to travel frequently.
· High level of organization and self-motivation.
· Excellent spoken and written English and presentation skills.
The candidate BvLF is looking for
· Has the capacity to speak Romani
· Is passionate about children’s rights
· Is oriented towards impact
· Is creative
· Is strategic and analytical, with an excellent sense of humour and a healthy dose of self-doubt.
The assignment is full-time and starts as soon as possible for a period of 12 months.
Placement
In The Hague or other relevant country. Regular travel will be required.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please apply before 9 August 2011 by writing a letter of motivation and including a CV in .pdf or
.doc format to hr@bvleerf.nl
If you have any questions, you can email on this address or call Human
Resources at +31 (0)70 3312-227/228.