Trans-European Dialogue 2027

Job Vacancy - IIAS Assistant Program Manager

Diogo Pereira,

About IIAS

The International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) is an international non-profit organization with a scientific mission to produce policy-relevant knowledge in public administration. Established in 1930, IIAS is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It serves as a global platform for public administration professionals, including academics and practitioners.

The IIAS Secretariat, based in Brussels, manages the administrative and scientific activities of the organization under the supervision of its Council of Administration. Additionally, the Secretariat oversees two affiliated entities:

  • The International Association of Institutes and Schools of Administration (IASIA)
  • The European Group of Public Administration (EGPA)

Other regional groups, such as the Asian Group and the Latin American Group, remain independent. Each year, IIAS, IASIA, and EGPA host annual international conferences.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Program Manager will play a vital role in ensuring the success of the IIAS programs and activities. Working closely with the Program Manager and the broader Secretariat team, the Assistant Program Manager will be responsible for:

1. Program Coordination

  • Supporting the Program Manager in the implementation and management of all IIAS programs, including conferences, publications, and quality assurance activities.
  • Collaborating with the Director General, Program Manager, and Director of Advocacy and Communication to execute the IIAS strategy.
  • Coordinating the organization’s activities efficiently to meet timelines and deliverables.

2. Project and Partnership Management

  • Managing the coordination of      projects and partnerships with international stakeholders.
  • Preparing comprehensive reports for the IIAS Directorate General and governing bodies.

3. Administrative and Governance Support

  • Providing governance and administrative support for IIAS governing bodies and activities, with the support of an administrative assistant.
  • Key responsibilities include:
    • Annual budgeting and financial planning.
    • Analytical accounting and financial reporting.
    • Organizing and supporting governance meetings for IIAS and its entities.
    • Ensuring compliance with governance requirements.
    • Managing external relations in Belgium.

 

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • Must be eligible to work in Belgium and able to start on short notice.

Education

  • A master’s degree (Level A) in Public Administration, Public Management, Political Science, or a related field.

Experience

  • At least 2 years of professional experience or significant internship experience in a relevant sector (e.g., universities, international organizations, public administration).

Languages

  • Proficiency in English and French is required. Additional languages are considered an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

  • Strong understanding of public administration networks and familiarity with European and international institutions.
  • Research methodology expertise and excellent writing skills (reports, papers).
  • Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks.
  • Interest in scientific events, publications, and education quality assurance.

Personal Attributes

  • Adaptable and proactive, with a solution-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to work autonomously while contributing to a team-oriented environment.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Respect for diversity and openness to different perspectives.
  • Willingness to travel internationally frequently.
  • Calm, pragmatic, and professional demeanor with a focus on delivering results.

 

WHAT WE OFFER

The IIAS Secretariat operates as a small, dynamic team based in the heart of Brussels, within the Federal Public Service Finances (Treasury) building, in proximity to the EU institutions.

As the Assistant Program Manager, you will benefit from:

  • A full-time contract for an initial period of six months, with the intention of transitioning to a long-term position based on performance and mutual agreement.
  • A hybrid work arrangement, combining office work in Brussels with opportunities for remote work.
  • Extensive opportunities for international      travel to represent IIAS at conferences and events.
  • A modern, fully equipped private office at the Secretariat’s headquarters.
  • A comprehensive benefits package, including:
    • A remuneration scheme based on Level A grade of the Brussels regional civil service (adjusted for diplomas, skills, and experience).
    • Holiday allowance and lunch vouchers.
    • Health and pension insurance.

The Assistant Program Manager will report to the Program Manager for program-related matters and to the Director General for administrative affairs.

Start Date: The position is available as early as June 2025.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application by Monday, 19 May 2025, to the following email addresses:

The application must include:

  1. A detailed CV highlighting your education, skills, and experience.
  2. A motivation letter.
  3. The names and contact details of two referees.

 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment and interview starting on May 27th, 2025 at the IIAS Headquarters:  Rue du Commerce 96, 6th floor, B-Block, 1040 Brussels.

Resources

Public administration and management research has long drawn most of its ideas from Western, industrialised democracies. Yet Asia and the Global South have become major sites of administrative change, with large-scale reforms, fast-moving technology and some of the most inventive experiments in governance. Research from these regions has grown accordingly, but it is still often used to illustrate or apply theories made elsewhere, rather than to produce new ones.

This special issue of Public Management Review aims to change that. It invites authors to treat practice in Asia and the Global South as a starting point for theory: to test, question or extend established approaches, and to propose new concepts and explanations. It does not look for a single theory of these regions, which are far too diverse for that, but for context-sensitive contributions that also say something useful for policy and practice.

ASPA and EGPA call for papers | New Orleans, April 12-13, 2027 | Deadline: November 30, 2026

As democratic institutions face mounting pressure worldwide, public administrators are increasingly asked to spell out the role of their field in protecting and improving democratic systems. The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) are responding with the 2027 Transatlantic Dialogue (TAD), held alongside ASPA’s Annual Conference.

The theme is The Role of Public Policy and Administration in Shaping Democracy and Promoting the Resilience of Democratic Norms and Institutions.

From 12 to 16 October 2026, the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) held its Annual Conference in Athens, hosted by EKDDA, the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government. Under the theme “Rethinking Governance for a Changing World”, the conference gathered 400 delegates from 57 countries and marked the 65th anniversary of the association. Athens was a conference grounded by learning and history but also new projects and connexions.

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