International Affairs and EU Projects Manager Scale 7

Job Title: International Affairs and EU Projects Manager
Grade: Scale 7
Reports to: Executive Secretary
Department: Local Councils' Association
Location: Malta (with occasional travel abroad)

About the Local Councils’ Association (LCA):

The Local Councils’ Association represents all local councils in Malta and Gozo. The Association serves as a platform for collaboration, advocacy, training, and development in support of local governance. Apart from its local responsibilities, the LCA is also actively engaged in international networks and memberships to promote the interests of Maltese local government on a European and international level.

The LCA holds a key role within European and international institutions such as:

• The Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Brussels, where it represents the interests of Malta’s local and regional authorities in the EU legislative process.
• The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities within the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance at the local and regional level.
• Several European local government networks and projects, including EU-funded programmes aimed at innovation, capacity-building, climate action, digital transformation, and citizen engagement.

Job Purpose:

The International Affairs and EU Projects Manager will be responsible for managing and enhancing the LCA’s international relationships, EU project portfolio, and representation in international forums. The role involves identifying and coordinating funding opportunities, managing projects, representing the Association in EU and international bodies, and supporting the Executive Committee in its participation in the CoR and Council of Europe structures.

Key Responsibilities:

International Relations and Representation

• Support and coordinate the participation of LCA’s Executive Committee members in meetings of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the Council of Europe.
• Liaise with EU institutions, networks, and counterparts abroad to maintain and strengthen the LCA’s international presence.
• Represent the LCA in conferences, seminars, working groups, and international delegations as required.
• Draft position papers, speeches, and briefings for the Executive Committee and LCA delegates on international policy matters.

EU Projects and Funding

• Identify EU and international funding opportunities relevant to local councils and the LCA.
• Develop, write, and submit project proposals in line with EU funding programmes (e.g. Erasmus+, CERV, Interreg, Horizon Europe, LIFE).
• Coordinate the implementation of approved EU-funded projects, including financial management, reporting, and communication with project partners.
• Build partnerships with local councils, NGOs, and international partners for joint project applications.

Policy and Strategic Support

• Monitor EU and international policy developments that impact local government, and advise the LCA and its members accordingly.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and policy development of the LCA’s international agenda.
• Support the LCA in aligning EU priorities (e.g. green transition, digitalisation, resilience) with local development goals.

Training and Capacity Building

• Organise and deliver training sessions and workshops for local councils on EU programmes, project management, and international cooperation.
• Develop informational resources and toolkits to support local councils’ participation in EU projects.

Key Relationships:

• LCA Executive Committee and management team
• Local/ Regional councils and their representatives
• Committee of the Regions and Council of Europe secretariats
• Maltese Permanent Representation to the EU and relevant ministries
• International project partners and EU funding agencies

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• A recognised Degree (MQF Level 6 or higher) in European Studies, Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Project Management, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in EU affairs, international relations, or project management.
• Experience in drafting or managing EU-funded projects will be considered an assest.
• Experience working with or within public administration or local government structures will be considered an asset.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of other EU languages is considered an asset.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of EU institutions, funding mechanisms, and local governance systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, dynamic team.
• Strong intercultural awareness and ability to engage effectively in international environments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for work-related purposes.

Terms of Employment:

• Position: Full-time, on an indefinite contract, subject to performance.
• Grade: Scale 7 Notch 7 in line with public sector salary scales.
• Location: Based at the LCA Office, with flexibility for travel abroad.

How to Apply:

Further details on the application process will be published soon. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare an updated CV and a cover letter addressed to the Executive Secretary.