The EMN Partnerships Manager (PM) is based in Brussels and is part of the EMN Secretariat. S/He reports directly to the General Manager.

The PM is responsible for searching, negotiating and (occasionally) delivering/implementing organisational partnerships. This role will be key in the future development of EMN, since the organisation is following a funding diversification strategy that allows it to fulfil the requirements established in its Strategic plan. The EMN fundraising strategy should be developed in collaboration with the team and with the aim to reduce the financial dependency of the organisation from its main funding source, the European Commission.

The role will also be in charge of facilitating partnerships for the EMN members in need of alternative funding sources or general partnerships. The capacity to develop this service will need to be set-up upon the member’s request and with the initial collaboration with the General Manager.

No staff supervision is initially foreseen for this role. Nevertheless, some staff support could be appointed in the mid-term depending on the evolution of the different tasks and the availability of resources within the organisation.

The PM will also be involved on different operational activities of EMN like the organisation of the EMN Annual Conference & other events, the delivery of the EaSI TA programme and the coordination of respective working groups.

Key responsibilities 

Fundraising and partnerships for EMN

• Screen, map and initiate contact with potential funders (+ maintain database), set-up, organise and run meetings wherever needed (mostly Europe).
• Develop EMN’s branding and marketing materials.
• Lead the fundraising strategy of the organisation in order to diversify its funding. This will include the identification of alternative funding sources, write and negotiate potential proposals and report following the commitments of the partnership.
• Partnerships should primarily finance existing activities/operations, but eventually could result in new activities/operations, if the necessary resources are mobilised, which could imply its involvement in some projects delivery.
• Get involved into the negotiations related to the strategical partnerships for the future of the organisation
• Co-ordinate with the team the activities that will require alternative funding.
• Co-ordinate the EMN resources’ allocation in collaboration with the General Manager.

Facilitating new partnerships for the microfinance sector in Europe

• Screen among the EMN members the funding needs (but not exclusively) and needs for other alternative partnerships.
• Support the members in the definition of its financial needs, if required.
• Build up and maintain a database of potential investors and donors for the microfinance sector in Europe.
• Facilitate the matching between the member’s and the potential investors organising meetings and other events.  

Membership Management

• Develop the value proposition of the EMN membership according to the organisational guidelines: Attract new members and improve the retention rate of member organisations.
• Maintain a fluid contact with the EMN membership in order to identify further needs and develop potential new activities and partnerships.

Project Management

• Actively involved in the management (mainly relationship management with the project sponsor) of the different projects assigned to him by the organisation.
• Co-ordinate external consultants for the delivery of projects related to increasing fundraising opportunities for the microfinance sector in Europe

Sponsorship opportunities

• Identify, contact and manage sponsors for EMN initiatives (Annual Conference, Overview Survey, European Microfinance Day, …)

Coordinating EMN Working Groups

• Manage and coordinate the respective Working Groups

Other tasks

• Report on all aspects related to the previous tasks on a regular basis.
• Contribute to the content of the EMN Newsletters, CRM, website and social media tools.
• Participate in the respective Team Meetings and activities.
• External representation of the organisation.
• Other responsibilities as determined by the General Manager and the Board. 

These responsibilities are not of a limitative character but might evolve over time and are defined together with the employee and the employer. 

Requirements 

Essential requirements

• Relevant experience (2-4 years) on resource allocation (concretely on fundraising) for a social sector organisation.
• Demonstrate experience in successfully negotiating and managing partnerships with public and private organisations. 
• Positive attitude, enthusiasm, target oriented as fundamental tools for successful business development activities.
• Working experience in the microfinance sector. In the case this experience was developed in Europe it will be considered a plus.
• Experience on the management of projects at international level.
• Full professional proficiency in English. Other languages will be considered a plus.

Other requirements

• Capacity to work in a small team with an international profile.
• Readiness for travelling (approx. 10% of the time)
• Knowledge of project application and implementation procedures in the framework of EU and international funding programmes. 
• Capacity to represent externally the organisation.
• Understanding of the role and functions of membership organisations.
• Legally fit to work in the EU/Belgium

Terms of appointment

The role will be based at EMN’s office at:  Rue de l’Industrie 10. 1000 Brussels - Belgium

This is a senior appointment in the organisation and gross remuneration will be agreed with the preferred candidate in the range of € 40k – 50k commensurate with skills and experience. Employment contract under the Belgian law.

Holidays of 20 days are available on the first year.

In addition, EMN provides a subsidy for travel between home and workplace, representation expenses, hospitalisation insurance, annual bonus and meal tickets.

Homeworking is possible when agreed.

How to apply 

Applications should be sent by email to j.ramirez@european-microfinance.org  

The closing date for applications is 18:00, Brussels time, on 30th January 2019. Only the candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted during the week beginning on 4th February 2019. 

Please enclose with your application a Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages) and a Motivation Letter. Failure to provide these documents will lead to an automatic rejection of the application.

All your documents will be treated confidentially and be shared only with the recruitment panel of EMN.