EASPD) is a non-profit European umbrella organisation, established in 1996 and currently representing over 20,000 social services for persons with disabilities via its membership in over 41 countries across the Europe.
EASPD advocates for effective, high-quality, individualised and user-centred services in all areas of life for persons with disabilities. EASPD’s mission is to deliver the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by supporting its members in the design, development and set up of individualised models of support , responsive to specificneeds and wishes.
To achieve its mission, EASPD works towards influencing decision making mechanisms at European and international level, promotes the sharing of information and development of innovation in the social sector. Detailed information on EASPD, policy / advocacy and project work can be found on our website at :
Job Description
As Secretary General you will manage the implementation of the strategy of the organisation. You will oversee delivery of our policy, project, information, research and training activities, ensuring a strong synergy linking them.
You will work in close cooperation with and report to the Executive Committee, Board and General Assembly.
To assist you in fulfilling your role you will lead a Secretariat currently comprising the Chief of Staff, 4 managers and 25 highly skilled, multi-lingual and enthusiastic members of staff.
Key Tasks
Governance and leadership :
With the Board and Executive Committee to :
- Provide leadership and direction for the organisation, delivering on all core areas of work.
- Develop the long-term strategy, strategic options, and any action plans.
- Supervise the organisation of EASPD governance meetings (Board, Executive Committee and General Assembly) and participate on an ex officio basis.
External relations and representation :
With the President and managers to :
Act as spokesperson for EASPD.Nurture, maintain and develop relations with European and international institutions, partner organisations and networks.Represent EASPD at key events and meetings throughout Europe.Association management :
With the Chief of Staff to :
Ensure the organisation complies with all governance, financial and legal requirements.Oversee the financial affairs and the budget of EASPD in cooperation with the treasurer and Chief of Staff, under the direction of the Executive Committee and the Board.adhere to all policies and procedures which foster best governance practice as a non-profit international organisation.Ensure effective management of all staff members, and a cohesive, motivated staff team.EASPD membership :
With the Head of Operations and Board members to :
Oversee, develop & enhance the participation of EASPD’s members in the Associations activities. Particularly to include policy activity, project development, Member Forums, Research & training activity, task groups or other advisory committees.Promote and develop effective membership recruitment strategies and activities in cooperation with our members.Policy development :
With the Head of Policy and Board members to :
Develop and implement an annual work plan based on identified EASPD policy priorities and anticipated EU policy developments.Effectively influence policies at European and national level that impact services for persons with disabilities and / or EASPD members.Projects :
With the Head of Projects, Board members and partners to :
Identify, evaluate and develop projects in line with the values and action plans of EASPD.Ensure effective management of all project activity.Build strong synergies between EASPD policy work and EASPD project work.Knowledge, Innovation, Information & Training
With the Heads of Knowledge, Innovation and of Operations, Board members and partners to :
Oversee, develop and deliver a multiannual research strategy based on identified EASPD research priorities.Enhance and deliver peer-learning, exchanges of information and expertise with members and partners.Person specification
Essential :
Personal qualifications and experience :
Leadership experience in the non-profit sector, ideally at European levelA qualification at master’s level or relevant comparable experienceExcellent knowledge of the European institutions with experience of working in this environment with EU personnelExperience of substantial financial and budget management and strategic planningExperience in human resources management and team managementExperience in project managementExperience with institutional fundraising, especially EU grants, as well as diversification of fundraisingSkills and competencies
Ability to motivate, lead and work as a member of an international teamAbility to manage, to plan and to prioritizeExcellent networking skillsExcellent communication and presentation skillsNegotiation and diplomatic skillsAnalytical and problem-solving skillsCreativeAbility to work under pressureExcellent knowledge of EnglishOther essential aspects :
Willingness to undertake frequent travel within EuropeWillingness and ability to work irregular hoursDesirable :
Knowledge of Dutch or FrenchKnowledge of the social or disability sectorExperience in running a service in the social sector or a network of servicesSolid knowledge of service provision policies at EU levelExperience in leading an international teamProven experience in a membership-based organisationExperience of accountability to a board elected by membersGood IT skillsContract information
Permanent contract under Belgian LawThe position holder must work in EASPD secretariat located in Brussels and have the right to live and work in the EUPreferred starting date : 15th November 2023Gross monthly salary will be within a range of €6,000-€7,000 based on candidate's experience.The remuneration package includes a 13th month and holiday bonus, lunch vouchers and complementary employer’s pension plan, in accordance with Belgian law.