Project Manager, Moldova

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
Duration: 1 October 2024 – 31 March 2025, with the possibility of extension

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:

The Building Resilience through Innovation and Collaboration (BRIC) project aims to strengthen the capacity, collaboration, and effectiveness of local Moldovan organizations to counter disinformation and enhance the resilience of the Moldovan public. The program addresses the vulnerability of Moldova’s information landscape to disinformation, malign influences, and hostile interference.

SUMMARY:

The BRIC Project Manager will oversee the overall implementation of the BRIC project, ensuring its smooth execution and alignment with strategic goals. This role involves coordinating project activities, managing relationships with local partners, and ensuring that objectives are met. They will also work closely with the Evidence and Learning Coordinator and with the Project Officer / Administrative Assistant, who will be hired to implement this project.

This role will focus on successful project implementation, capacity building, and driving collaboration to strengthen Moldova’s resilience to disinformation and malign influences. The role will also involve close cooperation with other members of IWPR’s local staff involved in this and other projects in Moldova and will report to the Moldova Programmes Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Overseeing the project implementation:

• Manage and oversee the implementation of the Building Resilience through Innovation and Collaboration (BRIC) project;
• Coordinate all activities related to the BRIC project with Evidence and Learning Coordinator and Project Officer / Administrator;
• Oversee the work of local subgrantees and ensure the timely implementation of their projects;
• In cooperation with the Evidence and Learning Coordinator, ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting, including outcome tracking to measure the project's impact on countering disinformation;
• Liaise with local partners to gather evidence on disinformation trends, audience vulnerabilities, and project success;
• Meet regularly with subgrantees, review their monthly narrative reports, provide constructive feedback, and gather essential information for organizational and donor reporting;
• Participate in external project evaluations and assist evaluation teams in conducting on-site activities;
• Regularly review the M&E and operational plans and track the progress towards planned project objectives;
• Help other project staff develop IWPR’s Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC) in Moldova, until it becomes a fully independent, locally registered entity;
• Oversee the implementation of the ICDC Strategy and Action Plan, and the content of the project website, in close cooperation with the ICDC Manager and ICDC Administrator / Content Producer;
• Report regularly to Moldova Programmes Director, as well as the Europe, Eurasia & Asia Director;
• Prepare regular narrative reports for the donor and assist Finance team with financial reports;
• Build and maintain good relationship with all stakeholders in Moldova, including local CSOs, international organizations, Moldovan government, and the
• Centre for Strategic Communication and Combatting Disinformation (CSCCD);
• Cooperate closely with IWPR teams from different projects who reside in Moldova and helps them when necessary.

2. Capacity Building & Mentorship:

• Plan local training sessions and mentorship activities with Moldovan stakeholders, in cooperation with other project staff;
• Help develop and implement a capacity-building plan in collaboration with the Evidence and Learning Coordinator and Project Officer / Administrator.

3. Evidence Gathering & Research:

• Support research efforts related to disinformation in Moldova, particularly identifying vulnerabilities in the information environment;
• Work with IWPR's local partners to gather evidence on the impact of external influence and disinformation;
• Utilize research findings to adapt project interventions and support future project design.

4. Independent Countering Disinformation Centre:

• Assist other team members in running the Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC) in Chisinau and measuring impact of its activities;
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration in fighting disinformation;

5. Coordination & Project Support:

• Oversee the work of IWPR’s local partners to ensure smooth project implementation, including financial reporting and event organization;
• Work closely with other members of IWPR staff in Moldova, especially with the team implementing Countering Disinformation Moldova: Collaboration and Defence (CDMCD);
• Travel to various regions of Moldova as needed to attend events, workshops, or interview stakeholders;
• Identifying new ideas for future IWPR projects in Moldova.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:

• Foster cross-sectoral collaboration among organizations and institutions working to counter disinformation;
• Attend conferences, workshops, and other events to represent the project and gather insights for enhancing project strategies.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced degree (minimum Master’s or equivalent) in Communications, Media Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field;
• Project Management: Demonstrated experience in project management, preferably with the international organisation, in the fields of media, governance, or counter-disinformation;
• Experience with event organization, reporting, and financial oversight. In-depth knowledge of programmatic, financial, compliance and reporting requirements;
• At least 7 years of experience working within civil society, media, or an international organization;
• Proven track record of implementing projects focused on countering disinformation, media literacy, or related fields;
• Experience in project management, preferably within an international organisation, monitoring, strategic communication, operational management, and advocacy;
• Experience with fundraising and communication with the donors.

Skills and Abilities:

• Communication Skills: Superior written and verbal communication and ability to liaise effectively with local and international partners. Strong interpersonal skills to negotiate and work with foreign experts, managers, government and non-government officials, local staff, and target populations;
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with changing priorities, and across different regions and stakeholders;
• Language Skills: Fluency in English and Romanian is required; Russian is a plus;
• Time Commitment: The Project Manager is expected to devote necessary time to the successful performance of the role. Accuracy and attention to detail are required;
• Compliance: The Project Manager must comply with all relevant laws, company policies, and health and safety procedures;
• Flexibility: The role may require participation in events outside of normal working hours.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV, a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role, and three references by 25 September 2024. IWPR will offer a competitive salary to successful applicants.