Grants Assistant (Eastern Europe)

Location: Brussels Belgium

Starting: Autumn 2025

Contract type: Two-year fixed-term renewable

Salary: Approx. 3730 gross/month benefits

Deadline: 27th July at midnight Brussels time

Get into the detail. Stay close to the mission.

At the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) we support people and movements working for democratic change in some of the most complex and politically sensitive environments in the world.

Behind every grant we award is a process of care for the work for the people behind it and for how funds are used. Were looking for a Grants Assistant to help manage the financial and administrative side of our support to partners in Eastern Europe and beyond.

Youll need to be sharp with numbers comfortable with systems and confident communicating with grantees often in Russian. If youre meticulous reliable and motivated by meaningful work this might be the role for you.

What Youll Do

Youll work closely with colleagues from both the Programmes and Finance teams and be responsible for:

Reviewing financial reports from grantees to ensure compliance and cost eligibility

Assisting in the budget review process for new grant proposals

Drafting contracts and related documentation

Providing support and guidance to grantees on financial reporting and requirements

Assisting in coordinating with external consultants or auditors as needed

Translating brief texts from Russian to English and vice-versa;

Updating the database and maintaining the archive;

Assisting with other administrative tasks of the Grants team.

What You Bring

You have:

A university degree in Economics International Affairs Development or a related field

At least 1 year of experience in grant management financial administration or audit/control ideally in civil society or donor organisations

Full professional fluency in English and Russian both written and spoken

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel

A working understanding of donor compliance and audit practices

A strong commitment to precision and accuracy

Bonus points for:

Experience working on or in Eastern Europe

Familiarity with political developments and civic space in the EU neighbourhood

You are:

A clear and careful communicator

Discreet diplomatic and professional in high-stakes environments

Collaborative but comfortable working independently

Calm under pressure and organised with deadlines

Why Join Us

Purposeful work: Youll be part of a mission that supports independent voices and democratic change often where its needed most.

People-first culture: At EED we recognise that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills backgrounds and perspectives our team brings to our work and we work to ensure everyone feels supported heard and able to thrive.

Serious about well-being: We strive to create a positive work experience with flexibility respect and a benefits package that supports your health life and learning.

Benefits that make a difference: Our package includes complementary health insurance (CIGNA) meal vouchers public transport or bike allowance 13th salary holiday allowance paid holiday and sick leave parental leave options weekly teleworking days and an annual training budget.

How to Apply

Please apply online via our recruitment portal with:

A one-page motivation letter

Your CV (Europass format required)

Contact details for three professional references

Only complete applications will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a written test and up to two interviews.

Please note that we do not accept queries by phone letter or email. All applications are subject to EU data protection legislation. Pre-employment screening and a criminal records check are part of the recruitment process.