European Programs Manager & Proposal Writer

Job descriptionJOB DESCRIPTIONPosition: European Programs Manager & Proposal WriterBased: Galway/RemoteReporting to: Head of DevelopmentDepartment: Development / GrantsSalary: This salary is negotiable, and a strong package will be offered based on experience and track record of the successful candidate.Annual Leave: 25 daysPension: 5% matched employer contributionOverall PurposeWe are recruiting a full-time European Programme Manager and Proposal Writer to manage EU programme development and delivery.You will be responsible for accessing EU funds through proposal research, preparation, writing, and assisting the timely submission of European call applications, delivering a strong annual stream of funding, ensuring a high standard of completion of project deliverables and reporting, administering and managing budget drawdowns. This is a new role within COPE Galway which will require a high level of self-motivation, an ability to build relationships and comfort taking a leading role in the development of new projects.The successful candidate will continually strive to improve and grow our relationships and network of partners at a European Level coupled with the ambition to transfer knowledge and learning to our team of 200 staff members, 190+ volunteers and clients where appropriate.Project themes will most likely relate to COPE Galway’s areas of expertise and include homelessness, domestic abuse, healthy ageing and volunteering.You will support COPE Galway in its aim to enhance strategic engagement with EU programs, with specific emphasis on greater participation in Erasmus+, Interreg and Horizon calls. In addition, supporting tasks related directly to project reporting and implementation; stakeholder and partnership engagement will also be undertaken.Role & ResponsibilitiesAs a new role, project development will be the primary focus for the first 12-18 months. This will involve:Creating a profile for COPE Galway for Access EuropeMonitoring of funding programmes and identification/scoping of opportunities for COPE GalwayDevelop and maintain existing partnership relationships, strategically identify and establish new international partnerships with potential consortia in the EUFacilitating the co-development of project ideas with EU partnersParticipating in proposal preparation efforts, including drafting of tasks and budgeting on behalf of COPE GalwayParticipate in the Network of European project managersDevelop 5-year EU funding plan for COPE GalwayThereafter, project management will account for an increasing portion of time. This will involve:Leading and implementing tasks and/or work packages under the responsibility of COPE Galway in EU funded projects, most likely related to dissemination, knowledge transfer, stakeholder engagement and communication.Examples of activities include: drafting of dissemination and communication strategies, organisation of workshops and policy conferences, the collection of good practices, writing policy recommendations, desk studies, hosting of international meetings as needed and travel to EU meetings as a representative of COPE GalwayDaily management of the projects, including participation in meetings, drafting of deliverables, long term planning, budgeting, and reporting.Deliver a sustainable income stream of funding.Collate, generate, and prepare reports and all supporting information in advance of Audit and Monitoring visits, where requested on behalf of the European Commission.Maintaining meticulous records and budgets under the various cost centres for all projectsPerson SpecificationEssential criteriaRelevant bachelor's degree or equivalentAt least five years relevant experience in a project management roleExperience and good track record of managing projects from end-to-end, keeping stakeholders informed and updated along the wayExperience of working on EU-funded projects and/or applying to EU funding programmesExcellent research skills and attention to detailAbility to translate complex issues into clear and concise messagesStrong written and communication skills and confidence to address a groupAbility to build sustainable relationships with key individuals inside and outside of the organisationHighly motivated and enthusiastic team player, happy to share learning and collaborate while also able to work on own initiativePractical experience and understanding of working with standard office-based software and office equipmentOutstanding administrative and organisational skillsProactive and curious attitude, willing to learn about unfamiliar topicsDesirable criteriaExperience in similar role, writing and submitting funding/project applications - voluntary, academic, public sector etc.Knowledge of the non-profit sector in IrelandPrevious experience supporting organisation(s) access EU funding streamsPrevious Erasmus+ / Interreg / Horizon EU project submission & management experienceOtherCommitment to, and understanding of, working within a voluntary organisation in an inclusive manner.High motivation, positive disposition and flexible attitude in response to organisational change and development.Participate in relevant cross-organization teamsUndertake any other duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Head of DevelopmentJob Types: Full-time, PermanentBenefits:Bike to work schemeCompany pensionOn-site parkingWork from homeSchedule:Monday to FridayApplication question(s):Do you have experience working on EU-funded projects and/or applying to EU funding programs?Experience:Project management: 5 years (required)Work authorisation:Ireland (required)Work Location: In person