ABOUT ETHNO & JMI
Ethno is a global folk, world and traditional music program aimed towards young musicians (up to the age of 30), with a mission to revive and keep alive global cultural heritage. A program of JM International (www.jmi.net), Ethno is present today in over 40 countries worldwide, engaging young musicians through a series of annual international music gatherings, as well as workshops and concerts, working together with schools, conservatories, and other groups of youth to promote peace, tolerance and understanding. At the core of Ethno is a democratic peer-to-peer learning approach whereby young musicians teach each other the songs and tunes from their countries and cultures. It is a non-formal pedagogy that has been refined over the past 30+ years, embracing the principles of intercultural dialogue and understanding. Ethno provides a unique opportunity for young people from across the globe to come together and democratically engage through music in a manner that is characterised by respect, generosity and openness. For more info visit www.ethno.world.
THE POSITION
The Ethno Global Coordinator (EGC) is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of JM International's Ethno program worldwide. As such, the position requires an experienced all-round cultural professional, with strong strategic planning skills and ample experience/capability in managing large-scale cultural projects, including grant writing, budgeting and reporting. The candidate must clearly demonstrate the ability to perform consistently in a demanding environment, as well as a history of successful cultural events organisation, with a focus on conference and training events. A strong musical background and, in particular, a knowledge of folk, world and traditional music is an asset. The candidate should have a firm understanding of modern communications and marketing, as they will be responsible for overseeing Ethno’s global communications outputs, promoting both Ethno and JMI brands. The principal responsibility of the EGC is the management and implementation of an international grant, which primarily includes the Ethno Mobility programme (80+ Ethno Residencies/annum), the Ethno Organisers Annual Training and Artistic Mentors Training, as well as overseeing the implementation of Ethno USA and the programs' Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning system. The Ethno Global Coordinator is expected to deliver quickly, effective work that meets top international standards, handle well under pressure, have solid knowledge of the traditional/folk music sector and a passion for music, people and culture.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordination of the global Ethno program
- Manage Ethno’s current grants, apply for new grants and fundraise for the program in general.
- All Ethno-related reporting.
- Supervise the work of the Ethno Global Assistant, Ethno USA Project Manager and Ethno Interns.
- Support the work of the Ethno Committee and network
- Represent Ethno at international events and forums
- Liaise, integrate and coordinate all Ethno staff efforts within the JMI Head Office
REQUIREMENTS
- Relevant Degree / Vocational Equivalent: Applicants must show that they have studied in a field relevant to the position and/or have the vocational work experience equivalent
- 10+ Years Cultural Management Experience: As this is a senior position, applicants must demonstrate several years of engagement as a cultural manager in a position of responsibility, preferably managing a team. You must demonstrate an all-round understanding of fundraising, grant writing, communications, event management and monitoring, evaluation and learning.
- Strong Financial Management:
The applicant must have ample experience in the financial administration of cultural projects of a significant size, including managing budgets, reporting and coordination.
- Technologically Adept: Applicants must be familiar with all modern work technologies, including Google Workspace, social media platforms, digital project management tools, graphic design tools, etc.
- English: All work is carried out in English, thus, excellent levels, both written and spoken, are required. Additional languages are an asset, but not required.
- Representation: The EGC will represent the Ethno program at relevant events and program-related activities, attending all Ethno Committee meetings as an ex-officio member, transferring the knowledge, know-how and decisions from those meetings into actionable measures.
- Musical Background: An authentic connection with folk, world and traditional music, either as a musician or cultural professional, is an asset but not required.
CONDITIONS
The JMI Ethno Global Coordinator works independently, but in close collaboration with the JMI head office team, as a JMI team effort will be required for the implementation of the program. The EGC reports directly to the JMI Programs & Marketing Director, who in turn reports to the JMI Executive Director. For all administrative and financial matters arising from the employment, the Ethno Global Coordinator reports to the JMI Executive Director. The EGC is responsible for the supervision of Ethno Global Assistant and Ethno USA Project Manager.
The EGC works from Brussels, Belgium, during official JMI office hours. Relocation costs (except for your international flight) to Brussels are not covered. The EGC must be available to travel at least 5 times per year.
The selected applicant can expect a salary of between 2,600-3,000 euros per month (NET), depending on experience and seniority. The contract includes health and social security, lunch cheques (1/working day), a “13th salary” as of year two of employment, local transport, 20 days holiday/year, as well as an annual state-assigned end-of-year bonus. An Initial period of a six-month trial is mandatory, after which a permanent contract may be offered, depending on the candidate's performance.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants must apply via the following link by no later than 1 February 2026. A selection process will take place in the second half of February that includes up to three rounds of interviews and testing.
Applicants must be ready to begin as of 1 April 2026.