Project Manager, Moldova

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
Duration: 22 months (with a possibility of extension upon availability of funding)

Please note: This position is contingent upon receipt of funding and donor approval.

ABOUT IWPR:

Founded in 1991 and operating currently in three dozen countries around the world, the Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) is an independent nonprofit organisation that supports journalists and civil society to help drive change in countries experiencing conflict, crisis, and transition. Our work includes:

• Training and mentoring: IWPR trains and mentors journalists and rights activists to improve their ability to identify and present factual information.
• Providing platforms: IWPR helps local talent establish and strengthen media outlets and civic groups.
• Removing barriers: IWPR works with partners to remove barriers to free expression and citizen engagement
• Strengthening media and civil society: IWPR helps strengthen the ability of media and civil society to speak out.
• Empowering societies: IWPR helps societies find their own solutions.

IWPR’s reporting has exposed violations, led to political and legal reform, and improved people’s lives.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC) is a civil society platform aimed at supporting counter disinformation efforts in the Republic of Moldova and building resilience to malign influences. ICDC was established in 2023 as part of the Countering Disinformation in Moldova (CDM) project implemented by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) and its local partners.

The Centre is designed to support efforts to identify and counter externally driven attempts to influence the population against its democratic interests. The ICDC brings together civil society actors, independent media and academic institutions from different parts of the country, and it encourages their collaboration and joint efforts aimed at strengthening the resilience of the Republic of Moldova to disinformation and malign influences.

SUMMARY:

The ICDC Project Manager will be responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and overall success of the Centre. They will lead efforts to coordinate the activities of civil society organizations (member CSOs), independent media, and academic institutions to counter disinformation and build societal resilience to malign influences.

The Project Manager will also oversee the development of the Centre’s internal capacities, ensure effective collaboration among stakeholders, and represent ICDC in national and international forum.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Implement the ICDC’s strategy and activity plan in alignment with its vision, mission, and values;
• Lead the Centre’s efforts to counter and prevent disinformation and malign narratives from spreading;
• Oversee the development and execution of ICDC’s projects and initiatives, ensuring they contribute to building overall societal resilience to malign information operations.

2. Operational Management:

• Manage day-to-day operations of ICDC, including staff supervision, financial management, resource allocation and ICDC website;
• Develop and operationalize internal processes to ensure the Centre’s effectiveness and sustainability;
• Ensure that ICDC’s activities are conducted in a transparent, accountable, and ethical manner.

3. Coordination and Collaboration:

• Facilitate collaboration between CSOs, independent media, and academic institutions to enhance the impact of their efforts against disinformation;
• Coordinate research and analysis on malign influences and information operations, ensuring the dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders;
• Build and maintain partnerships with national and international organizations, government agencies, and other relevant entities.

4. Advocacy and Representation:

• Lead ICDC’s advocacy efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for countering disinformation in Moldova;
• Represent ICDC in national and international forums, promoting the Centre’s mission and objectives;
• Engage with policymakers, media, and civil society leaders to advocate for policies and practices that build societal resilience.

5. Capacity Building:

• Support the capacity building of CSOs, independent media, and other stakeholders in countering disinformation, promoting critical thinking and building resilience;
• Develop training programs and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of ICDC’s members and partners.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Oversee the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan to assess the impact of ICDC’s activities;
• Regularly report to IWPR’s Moldova Programme Director and the Board of Directors on the progress of ICDC’s initiatives and the achievement of strategic objectives.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Advanced degree (minimum Master’s) in Communications, Media Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field;
A minimum of 7 years of experience in a leadership role within civil society, media, or an international organization;
Proven track record of managing programs focused on countering disinformation, media literacy, or related areas;
Experience in strategic communication, operational management, and advocacy;
Experience in successful fundraising campaigns.

Skills and Abilities:

Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team;
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders;
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop actionable strategies;
Fluency in Romanian and English is required; proficiency in Russian is an asset.