ODS is a Brussels-based consultancy working with non-profit organisations and is passionate about supporting civil society to achieve greater impact through our work. We do this by supporting them to actively, effectively and efficiently contribute to peaceful, democratic, green and fair communities. Our services include MERL support, including designing innovative practices and conducting dynamic evaluations, organisational development support, strategy advice and planning, and research. ODS is a worker-owned cooperative, with employees owning shares in the company. Ownership would be open to the successful candidate upon mutual agreement, once we have had the chance to work together and understand whether we are a good fit for each other.
We work with a varied client base, from grassroots organisations to global INGOs and networks, across areas such as gender, human rights, social justice and many more. Our organisation works in horizontal structures, with all team members taking responsibility for growing and driving the strategy, operations and content work of the organisation. ODS is the proud incubator for the Civil Society Playground, conducting and sharing research for the future of social justice organisations. For more information on our current team, work and clients, please visit www.odsupport.eu.
General Description
We are currently hiring a dynamic, creative, hands-on Senior Consultant with a background in MERL. Like the rest of our team, our new colleague should be driven by intellectual curiosity, be a pragmatic problem-solver and have a passion for social justice and progressive values. This is an ideal position for experienced practitioners with a minimum of 5 years of experience in delivering knowledge products to clients.
ODS is an equal-opportunity employer. We particularly encourage candidates from minority and migrant backgrounds, those with traditionally marginalised identities and those with disabilities and additional needs to apply.
The position is based in Brussels, but we are willing to consider flexible telework arrangements and contract forms. The position is only open to individuals with the right to work in the EU.
Key Responsibilities
Project / Client work: Successfully deliver high-quality projects that meet client objectives, adhere to timelines, respect budgets and uphold ODS’s standards, while maintaining strong client relationships.
* Lead and contribute to projects in our portfolio according to own expertise, including but not limited to the development of MERL tools, formative and summative evaluations, strategic reviews, organisational analysis, strategy development, and capacity building;
* Manage and support projects and project teams; ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and client expectations;
* Communicate effectively with our clients, providing updates and ensuring satisfaction with project deliverables;
* Draft and present reports;
* Contribute to research (within the Playground if of interest, or applied research for projects).
Business development: Secure new projects and clients, driving ODS growth and sustainability.
* Identify and respond to opportunities for business development;
* Develop pitches with a sense of client needs and business interest;
* Draft work offers that outline project goals, deliverables and timelines.
Internal work: Strengthen ODS’s internal operations and culture, fostering innovation, efficiency and a collaborative work environment.
* Contribute to the growth of ODS by taking part in collaborative reflections and organisational learning initiatives.
* Contribute to the internal management of ODS, by actively participating in one of the internal working groups, selected based on organisational needs, individual preference and professional growth goals.
Profile of the candidate
Key requirements- must be met for the application to be considered:
Technical skills:
* Minimum 5 years of working experience in monitoring, evaluation, research and learning in a consultancy, non-profit organisation, public administration organisation or donor body;
* Native or near-native proficiency in English, and another language - Arabic, French, Portuguese, Russian is an asset;
* Strong written communication skills in English, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
* For MERL profile: Mixed-methods MERL expertise, with an affinity for providing strategic organisational advice;
* Confident in applying qualitative research and data collection methods, and analysis (document reviews, key informant interviews, contribution analysis, theories of change, etc.); including analysis using software (NVivo/Atlas/Dedoose)
* Experience and/or demonstrable affinity working in or with civil society and organisations with a social impact;
* Our ideal candidate brings subject matter expertise related to one or more specific fields within social justice and civil society. They are able to demonstrate this expertise through having delivered consultancy projects, work experience, research or academic work.
Ability to work as a consultant:
* Our ideal candidate has worked as a consultant on all parts of a consulting process- from writing proposals to client management, contracting, managing budgets and processes, and reporting.
* Proven ability to manage teams of 3 to 5 on individual projects, including monitoring time and budgets, providing information and coaching, and managing challenges;
* Demonstrable ability to work independently and with little supervision;
* Confident in facilitating workshops and strategic meetings, including online tools;
* Motivated by working in a fast-paced, project-based context, and able to independently manage multiple projects to different timelines, budgets and client requirements;
* We are looking for someone with a robust professional network who can bring pre-existing client relationships that will enhance our outreach efforts and support our growth.
Fit with the ODS team and values:
* Enthusiasm for working in a flexible, horizontal culture, where all team members actively contribute to the growth of the organisation;
* A personal value system that is intellectually curious, progressive, kind and caring;
* Ability to work with colleagues and clients of a broad range of backgrounds and cultures;
* Willingness to travel abroad for project-related activities;
* A commitment to the progressive values we share with our clients as well as the strong will to support them in achieving their mission;
* An ability to listen, follow up, think and apply insights at different levels, from practical (developing tools, feedback on systems) to conceptual (strategic thinking, methodological frameworks);
* An affinity for building and curating relationships with clients, allies and partners;
* A drive to innovate, iterate and co-design our tools, approaches and organisation.
Good to have but not required:
* Working proficiency in additional languages;
* Experience in ideating and drafting knowledge and dissemination products rooted in research - e.g. blogs, op-eds, social media conversation-starters; or graphic design;
* First-hand experience working with or volunteering with civil society organisations;
* Experience working on/coordinating/managing complex, multi-country/region, multi-stakeholder projects.
What we offer
* Proposed salary range (gross, full-time basis, Belgian contract comprising 13th and 14th month of pay): 4,400-4,800 EUR per month depending on qualifications and experience;
* Full-time or part-time position (possibility to negotiate working time between 80%-100%);
* A generous holiday allowance of 25 annual days, in addition to the annual closure of ODS between Christmas and New Years’ Eve;
* A competitive remuneration package which includes meal and eco cheques, contribution to buying a bicycle, and a public transport allowance for the Brussels metropolitan area;
* Company smartphone and laptop;
* A flexible working schedule with the option to work partly remotely/from home;
* The opportunity to work in a dynamic team in supporting different international CSOs/NGOs on interesting projects;
* The possibility of becoming a co-owner of the cooperative;
* The position is based in Brussels but we are willing to consider candidates based in a location from where frequent travel to Brussels is possible. ODS works with flexible telework arrangements and contract forms.
* The position is only open to individuals with the right to work in the EU.
To apply, please send an email with your CV and a motivation letter addressing how you meet the key and optional requirements to hr@odsupport.eu specifying “Senior consultant MERL” in the subject line.
Deadline: 15 March 2024 - applications will be reviewed and candidates will be invited for an interview on a rolling basis.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Industries
* Business Consulting and Services
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