Manager, Institutional Partnerships (Brussels)

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and we provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

CIVIC seeks an experienced and self-starting professional to help forge new and grow existing partnerships, primarily with governments and multilateral organizations. The incumbent will support the Director of Institutional Partnerships in executing the department’s strategy, leading external engagement and managing complex application processes with a high degree of independence.

From capture planning to award signature, the successful candidate will have a strong understanding of institutional partnerships, especially in relation to the humanitarian, stabilization, conflict and peacebuilding sectors. This includes experience with key government donors, multilateral bodies (in particular the EU), pooled donor funds, and ideally new and emerging ODA donors. Candidates should be intimately familiar with the technical intricacies of institutional bidding and grant-making processes, have substantive experience implementing donor engagement strategies, and demonstrate a successful fundraising track record. 

The Institutional Partnerships Manager works as part of a high-performing team of development professionals, and will also closely collaborate with CIVIC departments and program teams across numerous geographies, including the Sahel, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Ukraine.

The position is located in Brussels, Belgium.

***CIVIC is not able to sponsor employee visas at this point, therefore, please ensure that you can legally work in this location when applying***

Key Functions

The Institutional Partnerships Manager is expected to:

• Together with the Director, develops and implements the organization’s business development strategy, tailored to CIVIC’s expanding program portfolio –based on continuous research and analysis of target institutions and their decision-making structures, as well as of broader political, economic, and funding trends;


• Leads donor and partner relations, supported by the Director;


• Cultivates and expands CIVIC’s network of Brussels-based stakeholders;


• Establishes and maintains a system for scanning and identification of funding opportunities;


• Leads proactive capture planning, quality program design and complex proposal development processes, ensuring seamless collaboration with relevant program and finance colleagues.


• Leads contract negotiations, providing expert advice to others around the organization,

Strategy and Donor Engagement (30%)

• Directly engages with a set of public donors to build trust-based long-term relationships and unlock new grants and core funding opportunities and grow income.


• Works with other team members to systematically expand coordinated, strategic donor communications.


• Prepares for and coordinates donor events and meetings as needed.


• Fully participates in a wide range of internal strategic, operational and management discussions and processes, contributing to organization-wide efforts to maximize efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.

Capture Planning and Proposal Development (40%)

• Ensures that capture plans are regularly updated and actioned, working closely with relevant Program teams.


• Lead-writes and produces top-quality proposals, managing complex internal communications across teams, securing buy-in, and ensuring that the end result consistently meets deadlines, donor expectations and the highest competitive standards.


• Coaches and supports other CIVIC colleagues (including interns) who participate in developing proposals and donor maps. 

Capacity Building and Internal Communication (20%)

• Effectively communicates to raise organization-wide awareness of development objectives, donor requirements and the team’s current and future priorities.


• Supports training and knowledge dissemination with Programs and other CIVIC teams about business development processes, donor intel, etc.


• Builds strong relationships across all teams and departments and facilitates fruitful collaborations, applying skill and diplomacy to prevent or resolve internal conflicts, miscommunication, or frustration. 
  

Prospect Research and Data Management (10%)

• Researches, identifies, and reviews suitable grant opportunities and calls for proposals.


• Compiles and shares comprehensive donor intelligence for the assigned donor portfolio.


• Maintains accurate records of donor data, using Salesforce and other agreed platforms.

Experience/Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred in international law, , peace and conflict studies, international relations, development, or a related field. 


• At least 5 years experience and record of success in non-profit fundraising, preferably in the field of conflict prevention, international affairs, development, or human rights. ***This is a strict requirement, please do not apply if you do not have at least 5 years of business development and/or partnerships experience***


• Significant knowledge and expertise in institutional donor engagement with a variety of donors.


• Deep experience in program design and proposal development, including coaching others.


• Interest in and knowledge of CIVIC’s targeted geographies and thematic areas is an asset.


• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in English.


• Knowledge of French a strong asset. Knowledge of other languages an asset.


• Personal maturity and an ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with internal and external interlocutors, maintaining a calm, reassuring, and objective attitude at all times.


• Experience working in international or highly diverse, multi-cultural contexts and across time zones.


• Excellent time management and an ability to handle tight deadlines and deliver complex tasks under pressure, while maintaining mental flexibility and showing exceptional attention to detail.


• Technological proficiency, including in the Microsoft Office Suite/Google Applications. Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM suites a clear benefit.
  

Additional Details

This role carries ability to travel internationally up to 20% of the time.

Please submit your resume in English.

Tentative start date on February 2026.

CIVIC offers a hybrid work model that offers work from home in 3 days per week.

Applications will be accepted until December 16, 2025. Please be prepared to submit a writing sample in English and an optional sample in French with your application.

Resumes are reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply early. Currently, all job interviews are being held virtually.

CIVIC seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in the belief that this is critical to achieving our goals. We strongly encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and experiences.  

CIVIC is not able to sponsor employees at this point, so please ensure that you can legally work in this location when applying.

Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. CIVIC does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by any agency other than its approved partners.