| Position: | EU Presidency Project (EUPP) Lead |
| Duration: | 24 months |
| Reports to: | CEO |
| Location: | Dublin office with Hybrid working |
| Closing Date: | Monday 9th March at 9am |
| First round interviews | 11th – 13th March (online) |
| Start Date: | Early April 2026 |
- Background
Dóchas connects, strengthens and represents a network of international development and humanitarian organisations who have a shared vision of a just, sustainable and equal world. Dóchas unites 56 organisations, ranging from small specialist charities to large international NGOs with a worldwide presence. Our members are committed to human rights, justice and the eradication of poverty, and demonstrate this through their work in international development, protection, humanitarian assistance, sustainability, education and inclusion.
Dóchas is the lead network for the EU Presidency Project (EUPP). The EUPP brings together national and pan-European NGO platforms for development and relief representing the current and upcoming EU Council Presidencies. From July 2026 to December 2027, Dóchas (Ireland), Lithuanian NGDO Platform (Lithuania), The Hellenic Platform for sustainable development (Greece) and the pan-European NGO network CONCORD closely collaborate to advocate for coherent development cooperation policies and positive change in Europe and beyond. The four partners pursue the efforts of previous EUPP trios. The Italian, Latvian and Luxembourg national platforms will then take over from December 2027.
This EU PP6 project, which is supported by the EU Commission, will be guided by a steering group consisting of representatives of the three national platforms and CONCORD Europe. The Irish platform, Dóchas, will ensure the overall strategic orientation and coherence of the project. With the overarching aim of increasing public and political awareness of the EU’s role in supporting global sustainable development, and the critical role of civil society in this process, this EU PP6 Project has common objectives for all three Presidencies and consists of both national and European level activities. There are three main priority themes running across the three Presidencies. These themes include Financing for the future of sustainable development; Civil society in international partnerships; Building Resilience in the face of evolving crises. The project will also have specific priority themes for each Presidency, following national priorities and presidency programmes.
- Purpose of Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small dynamic team and play a key role in supporting Dóchas’ role as EUPP6 Lead. This role is responsible for the overall implementation and management of the project including coordination between implementing partners, engagement with the European Commission and ensuring coherence between activities to enhance the impact of the initiative. This role will line manage the Irish Presidency Project Manager.
- Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall EUPP6 process and project, ensuring timely coordination and engagement with key stakeholders (CONCORD, Lithuanian and Greek national platforms, and the EU Commission)
- Supervise the Irish Presidency Project Manager and ensure continuous communication and alignment with EUPP6 objectives
- Monitor grant implementation progress, flag risks, and ensure alignment and complementarity of partners’ activities to achieve agreed objectives and results
- Lead and facilitate the governance structure of the consortium (Steering Committee, Technical Working Groups, etc.)
- Serve as the focal point between the EU Commission, partners, and project teams and facilitate timely information flow, joint planning, and communication between them
- Ensure compliance with EU contractual requirements, guidelines, and reporting standards.
- Liaise with EUPP5 & EUPP7 partners, to ensure consistency of approach and shared learning
- Identify synergies with communication efforts of the European Commission at both the national and the European level
- Lead the efficient and timely monitoring, reporting and evaluation of EUPP6. Consolidate technical and financial reports from partners into timely, high-quality submissions to the Commission.
- Develop and maintain a network of contacts within EU institutions, networks and civil society organizations in Brussels
- Monitor policy developments at EU level, and actively engage and participate in relevant CONCORD working groups
- Manage and support consultants responsible for the delivery of policy papers
- Support EU policy analysis, reflection and engagement with EU institutions, as required.
- Support advocacy towards the EU and Irish Government, as and when required
- Support events and activities under EUPP6, as and when required
- Contribute to Dóchas secretariat tasks, as and when required
- Requirements
Experience
- Minimum of five years’ senior experience in project or grant management, preferably with the EU or other large institutional donors
- Experience in a network-based context, in a position where extensive coordination and consensus-building was a prerequisite for success.
- Experience working with an international and non-governmental organisation
- Demonstrable experience in EU policy and advocacy processes, terms of development and international partnerships
Skills
- Demonstrated skills in donor liaison, consortium coordination, and team capacity building.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, with an ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple demands and competing priorities while maintaining high-quality standard
- Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
- Skills and experience in project/programme implementation, monitoring, review and evaluation
- Solid experience in EU grant management, including budget holding and donor reporting.
- Representational, political awareness and advocacy skills.
- A self-starter who can work independently and lead on initiatives.
- Creative, innovative and analytical skills with an ability to think laterally in order to quickly identify new opportunities.
- Terms & Conditions
Salary Bandwidth: €62k – €65k depending on experience
Nature of contract: 2 year fixed term contract
Holidays: 25 days annual leave plus Good Friday, and half day Christmas Eve.
Hybrid Policy: Minimum 2 core days in Dublin office (Tuesday & Wednesday) with flexibility for in-person events and meetings on other days.
The successful candidate will be expected to work in person (as needed) on non-core days.
Applications should be submitted by email to mark@dochas.ie including a CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.