The European Disability Forum is recruiting an Operations Manager.

Reports to: Executive Director

Application deadline. Extended! 19 January 2026, 09:00 am Central European Time

Starting date: as soon as possible

Role Overview

The Operations Manager is a member of EDF’s management team, based at our secretariat in Brussels.

In cooperation with the management team, the Operations Manager will support the Executive Director in the development and implementation of EDF strategic and operational plans. The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operational management of the secretariat, including supervising staff and consultants, ensuring robust financial controls, human resource management, and optimising internal systems. The successful candidate will lead a diverse team, build continuous improvement, and uphold best practices in accordance with Belgian legislation and funding requirements, including towards the European Union. They will be an important pillar in our overall management and help us to ensure a positive and inclusive working environment.

The Operations Manager will support the Executive Director and governing bodies in maintaining the highest standards of governance and ethics.

Description of task and responsibilities:

• Financial planning, multi annual budget setting and financial reporting
• Management and oversight of financial, administrative and human resources processes.
• Preparation of monthly management accounts
• Providing financial information for monitoring of grants and contracts, including alerting project managers and the management team of underspending and overspending
• Budgeting and forecasting, including management of grant payments, co-financing, core expenditure, and salary and central costs apportionment to different projects
• Creating of analytical accounting codes together with the Funding and Grants Coordinator
• Maintaining communication with financial counterparts in partner and donor organisations, including the European Commission for our Operating Grant
• Continuous improvement to our accounting and financial management practices
• Supervision and support to staff and external experts involved in operations, human resources, fundraising and administration.
• Staying up to date on relevant legislation and ensuring EDF is compliant in the field of finance, administration and HR
• Fostering a healthy and productive environment for staff members, effective teamwork, and collaborative project delivery.

Communication

• Ensure financial procedures are well understood and communicated in writing, and during meetings and in training to all relevant staff and partners
• Answer and respond to e-mails and telephone calls related to finance

Financial Health of the organisation

• Supervise the daily accounting processes, including bookkeeping, payments, and income management in liaison with the Financial and Project staff and the external accountant
• Develop and maintain financial management systems, ensuring ongoing improvement and compliance.
• Prepare internal and external financial reports, annual accounts, and projections for EDF management, leadership and donors.
• Oversee budget planning, cash flow, invoicing, and fundraising activities.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, and financial authorities.
• Plan and oversee external audits for the EU operating grant as well as the statutory accounts
• Revise EDF financial policies and procedures as needed
• Ensure EDF uses the most efficient, effective and accessible external service providers for our operations.

 Funding Management         

• Supervise the financial aspects of an EU Operating Grant including budgeting and reporting according to the required formats.
• Manage daily finances daily aligned with EU and other donors funding regulations.
• Draft and review specific reports related to projects and donors.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and deadlines.

All the above finance tasks are in cooperation with EDFs Finance Officer, Funding and Grants coordinator and with our external accountant.

Human Resources

In close cooperation with UCM, our social secretariat, and an external HR consultant the Operations Manager will:

• Oversee payroll administration.
• Manage recruitment processes, contract preparation, and onboarding.
• Contribute to the development of HR policies and ensure staff are informed of their rights and obligations.
• Maintain up-to-date internal rules and work regulations and supervise benefits and insurance administration.
• Ensure HR practices and processes are in line with and fulfil Belgian employment law.
• Maintain a healthy and productive work environment, including by supervising appraisal processes, etc.
• Ensure that the staff training programme includes targeted training in finance, HR and administration as needed.

Governance Support

• Plan and manage the Finance Committee meeting, under the supervision of the Treasurer.
• Prepare Finance documents for governing body meetings
• Ensure EDF meets its administrative and financial requirements in Belgium.

Skills and Experience

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven expertise in finance and financial management systems, with a track record of process improvement.
• Fluency in both written and spoken French and English are essential.
• Demonstrated experience with EU funding processes and financial reporting.
• Proven knowledge of Belgian labour law and HR practices.
• Significant team management experience, with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop staff and consultants.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in relevant accounting and office management software.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of Belgian law regarding reasonable accommodation and support mechanisms for persons with disabilities.
• Experience in managing an EU operating grant would be beneficial.

In line with our salary scale, the salary range for this role starts at 5412 EUR per month.

EDF offers a comprehensive range of advantages, including health insurance, meal vouchers, group pension scheme, 13^th month, home working allowance, and contributions to public transportation costs.

Flexible working hours and hybrid remote work options are available to support work-life balance. EDF also invests in the professional growth of its staff through ongoing training opportunities and encourages participation in international conferences and events. The organisation fosters a collaborative and supportive team environment, prioritising employee well-being and career development.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a motivation letter (in English) to the EDF recruitment email address: recruitment@edf-feph.org

Deadline extended: 15 January 2026 at 09:00 (Central European Time)

Interviews will take place in person, in Brussels on 28 January 2026. The interview will take place in a combination of French and English.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. For further information about EDF and this role, please visit our website. www.edf-feph.org

Equal Opportunity Statement

EDF is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, and value the experience and perspectives that diversity brings. If you need any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.

Persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.