Belgium Country Manager, Brussels

About SOS MEDITERRANEE SOS MEDITERRANEE is a European civil rescue organisation that operates in the Mediterranean Sea. Its missions are to rescue people in distress, protect and assist survivors, and bear witness to the diverse realities and complex dimensions of migration.

SOS MEDITERRANEE has been present in France and Germany since 2015, in Switzerland since 2016 and in Italy since 2017. Since 2025, it has opened an operational centre in Belgium to strengthen its international presence and mobilise citizens, as well as Belgian and European partners, around its vital search and rescue mission at sea.

Its purpose is to raise awareness of the association's activities and support its fundraising efforts. SOS MEDITERRANEE also maintains a volunteer branch in Brussels, which is now linked to local branches across France and brings together around sixty volunteers.

As part of this broader ambition, SOS MEDITERRANEE is looking for a Belgium Country Manager to develop its activities in Belgium and oversee the Belgian operational centre.

Responsibilities

Strategic Development and Planning

Design, plan and implement a development strategy to increase the organisation's visibility in Belgium, expand its supporter base and strengthen and diversify fundraising pathways. Work closely with the International Development, Communication, Fundraising and Citizen Mobilisation departments in France to achieve this.

Oversee the progressive development and administrative, logistical, legal, financial and HR management of the Belgian operational centre, receiving support from the admin‑Finance and Human Resources departments based in France.

Ensure the Belgian operational centre complies with all legal requirements and obligations, in coordination with the admin‑Finance department in France and a consultancy firm in Brussels.

Communication, Representation, and Advocacy

Participate in the design and planning of the communication strategy and ensure its implementation.

Ensure that the organisation’s image and reputation in Belgium align with its values, principles, and mission.

Handle press relations and public speaking in either French or Dutch as applicable.

Represent the organisation at institutional levels and disseminate its advocacy among French and Dutch‑speaking stakeholders.

Collaborate with European NGO networks to strengthen the organisation's influence and visibility.

Develop communication and awareness‑raising tools or materials for Flemish audiences and partners.

Fundraising

Identify and mobilise private funding sources (individuals, major donors, foundations and companies), as well as public sources (the EU, the Belgian state and municipalities).

Develop strategic partnerships with French and Dutch‑speaking institutional and private donors.

Respond to calls for projects and develop funding proposals.

Participate in the design and planning of the fundraising strategy and its implementation, ensuring back‑office coordination.

Citizen Mobilisation

Build and lead a network of volunteers and supporters in Belgium by organising events that raise the notoriety of SOS MEDITERRANEE's missions and activities.

Build partnerships with local organisations, schools, universities, cultural actors, local authorities and citizen groups to augment the impact of awareness‑raising activities in Belgium.

Supervise volunteer engagement and training.

Ensure that the safety protocols developed by SOS MEDITERRANEE are implemented by employees and volunteers in Belgium, particularly when participating in events or organising public awareness actions.

Budget Monitoring and Reporting

Plan and monitor the budget for the Belgian operational centre.

Monitor cash flow and funding needs of the Belgian operational centre.

Prepare detailed, results‑oriented reports for internal teams and external partners that evidence project impact and prudent financial management.

Provide the Director of International Development and financial partners with regular updates on the progress of the Belgian operational centre's activities.

Participate occasionally in coordination meetings of various bodies within the SOS MEDITERRANEE international network.

Qualifications

Master's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Studies, Development Studies, or a related field.

Eight to ten years of experience in the humanitarian, development, or the social and solidarity economy (SSE) sector, with significant experience in strategic planning, programme management, institutional representation, partnership development, and fundraising.

Proven expertise in resource mobilisation, fundraising, and grant management.

Good knowledge of the Belgian philanthropic sector.

Proven knowledge of the Belgian non‑profit sector.

Proficient in project management software, budgeting tools and donor compliance requirements.

Bilingual in French and Dutch.

Very good command of English (spoken and written) is essential.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable using collaborative platforms (Teams, SharePoint) and project coordination tools.

Adaptability, autonomy and sense of initiative; demonstrated methodical approach to project management and decision‑making; adaptability to assure impactful outcomes; sense of initiative.

Decision‑making skills.

Ability to negotiate and persuade.

Ability to build and maintain a network.

Terms of Employment

Desired start date: mid‑August 2026.

Location: Position based in Brussels, with the possibility of partial remote work (two days per week).

Contract type: Fixed‑term contract for 18 months, with the possibility of conversion to a permanent role.

Full‑time.

Availability required in the evenings and on weekends, with time off in lieu.

Frequent travel within Belgium and occasionally in the EU.

EEO Statement SOS MEDITERRANEE is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment and to actively combating all forms of discrimination.

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