Euclid Network

Overview

At Euclid Network - the European Social Enterprise Network (EN), we believe social entrepreneurs, social innovators and impact-driven leaders are at the forefront of solving global challenges. We empower them to scale their positive impact, driving a new, socially inclusive, equitable and sustainable economy. Our community includes national networks and alliances, universities, research centres, knowledge platforms, incubators, accelerators, and social funds supporting social entrepreneurs who blend sustainable business with positive impact. Since 2007, we have partnered with over 200 pioneering organisations and thought leaders from around the world to drive positive change. Today, together with our partners and over 50 members, active in more than 70 countries, we collectively represent over 120,000 social economy organisations across Europe and beyond, and support 25 million individuals annually.

We believe that the future of business lies in those that create positive impact for people and the planet, a mission at the heart of social enterprises. We empower social entrepreneurs, social innovators, and their support organisations, through: developing enabling ecosystems; connecting the network and relevant stakeholders; research, knowledge sharing and thought leadership; impact measurement; enabling access to finance and markets; capacity building, education, skill development and peer learning; generating visibility; and influencing policy and advocacy. We are proud to be a strategic partner of the European Commission, an observer of the UN Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy, a member of the World Economic Forum Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, and a strategic partner of the Social Enterprise World Forum and People and Planet First.

EN has made significant strides in implementing EU, corporate and foundation co-funded projects since 2007, particularly during two multi-year strategic framework partnerships with the EU since 2018 under the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) and Employment and Social Innovation strand (EaSI). We are at the forefront of several key initiatives, including leading and/or contributing to projects such as: Buy Social Europe B2B, focused on social procurement internationally in 17 European countries; the European Social Enterprise Monitor, the largest running social enterprise survey study encompassing 31 countries; the Digitalisation for Social Enterprises and Support Organisations and European Social Innovation Campus project; the Google.org Social Innovation Fund, Elements of Business for AI, and so on. These initiatives are supported by various EU funding programmes including the ESF+, Erasmus+, Single Markets Programme, as well as governmental, corporate and foundation partners, such as SAP, Google.org, Bertelsmann Stiftung, ImpactCity (The Hague), and others.

Working in consortia with members and partners within the social enterprise, social innovation and social finance ecosystem across Europe and beyond, EN plays a crucial role in advancing the transition towards a new, more resilient, socially inclusive and sustainable economy. Our efforts collectively enhance the social enterprise sector, reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and contribute to addressing the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and proactive Project Manager to drive our work around EU-funding. This includes identifying and developing new opportunities for EN and our members, as well as leading the implementation of EU co-funded projects.

The ideal candidate is a skilled project manager, with a strong work ethic, highly organised, detail-oriented, with excellent social skills and capable of working independently with a strong 'can-do' attitude. They should excel in managing complex projects, working in partnerships and with consortia. They should be able to lead projects, be able to set and meet strict deadlines, make informed decisions and drive initiatives that advance the social enterprise ecosystem in Europe, and globally. Passion for driving positive social and environmental change and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment are essential.

Key responsibilities

  • Project Management (50%):
    • Drive the management and execution of key project activities, ensuring they are delivered in line with EN’s strategic direction and goals, on time, within scope of the project targets and within budget.
    • Coordinate project consortia, working with team members, partners and beneficiaries to ensure effective implementation.
    • Manage project budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with organisational policies and donor requirements.
    • Prepare technical and financial reports for funders and stakeholders.
    • Ensure project adherence to EU funding regulations, manage financial resources efficiently, and submit impactful, accurate documentation and reports on time.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and EU-Funding (30%):
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with EN members, project partners, stakeholders and funding bodies.
    • Lead, coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement activities, including organising consultations, workshops and webinars (including the EN Financing Your Social Impact series, EU-funding helpdesk), and networking events to foster collaboration and gather input from key actors within the social enterprise ecosystem.
    • Further expand and develop key strategic frameworks, tools and reports, including the EU-Funding Toolkit, including alignment and providing support to funding sections and promotion of the EU Social Economy Gateway.
    • Promote EN, its members and partners and project objectives and outcomes through effective communication strategies, ensuring stakeholders are informed and engaged with the network and throughout project life cycles.
    • Represent EN at external meetings, conferences, and events, creating visibility and advocating for the activities of EN, its members and partners.
  • Strategy and Business Development (20%):
    • Identify new business development and funding opportunities, with a primary focus on EU-funded projects, but also including opportunities with private partners, corporates and foundations, in alignment with EN’s strategic direction and goals, vision and mission.
    • Support or lead the creation of new proposals or tender applications, outlining strategic objectives, targets, timelines, and resource needs..
    • Support and establish (new) partnerships with the EU and other funding bodies.

Candidate profile

  • Project Management Expertise:
    • Strong knowledge of (EU) project management methodologies and tools.
    • Experience in managing budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation in a project setting.
    • Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on delivering practical and effective solutions.
    • High level of attention to detail, particularly in the management of project documentation, compliance, and reporting.
  • EU-Funding, Business Development, Communication and Stakeholder Management:
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills (at least fluent in English), with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
    • Proven ability to build and maintain good relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
    • Experience in developing, applying for and managing projects and proposal applications.
    • Knowledge of specific EU programmes relevant to EN’s focus areas, is an advantage.
    • Experience working within the EU’s funding framework, and with other relevant funders, is an advantage.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility:
    • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
    • Adaptability and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, funder, market and project needs.
  • Other:
    • Alignment with EN’s vision, mission and core values.
    • Commitment to ethical practices and maintaining high standards of integrity.
    • Excellent cooperation skills and team player.

Benefits

  • Be part of an expanding scale-up, recognised as one of the key sectoral actors in Europe and the world in the social economy, on social entrepreneurship, social innovation and social finance, with a track record since 2007.
  • Co-lead and drive the transition in Europe and internationally towards a new, more resilient, socially inclusive, equitable and sustainable economy and society and reaching the UN SDGs.
  • Work in a buzzing and growing sector; social enterprises are the future!
  • Amazing office at Apollo 14, The Hague; an area developed by the Municipality of The Hague (impactCity), to be a leading ecosystem in Europe and the world on impact.
  • Be part of an open, purpose-driven and committed team of 9 professionals. Opportunities exist to take initiative, grow the organisation, and expand your role.
  • Work in an international environment in every sense: international colleagues, networks, partners and members, projects and events.

EN offers a competitive salary and additional benefits. We provide 31 days of annual leave, next to public holidays. EN offers a hybrid working environment, working partially from the office in The Hague and partially from home or other locations (abroad). EN employees receive an excellent private pension scheme, employee insurance and travel allowance. The work environment provides ample opportunities to learn and develop on the job, as well as through the network, through training and personal development support. Each employee is provided with a Macbook and iPhone, or can consider using their own preferred devices. We are open to discussing a 0.8 FTE role (32 hours). We offer an initial 1-year contract, with a possibility for extension of the contract in the future.

How to apply:

Please apply with a:

  1. A CV ( max 2 pages)
  2. A letter of motivation (1 page) setting out why you are the ideal candidate and how you meet the requirements above

Please submit these documents into our recruitment platform. Deadline: 30 November 2024. Early applications are encouraged. We are interviewing candidates on a rolling basis. Interviews are planned to take place in the months of October and November. The appointed candidate is expected to start as soon as possible. Timings can be discussed.

You must be a legal resident or citizen of the EU with an independent right to work in the Netherlands. We unfortunately cannot sponsor a work visa. You need to be already registered or be able to register in the Netherlands from abroad, as the BSN (Dutch registration number) is a legal requirement.

Apply and come join the movement, be part of shaping a better future, and make a difference with us! EN works with organisations from all around the world and with people of different gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, geography, political affiliation, and country of origin, and where possible we want this to be reflected in our team. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

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