Project Officer, 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 Project Officer will assist with administration and general operations support under IWPR’s Building Resilience through Innovation and Collaboration (BRIC) project. The Project Officer will provide assistance in a range of administrative and operational tasks, ensuring key processes are correctly followed and documented around matters such as financial management, procurement, general administration and security.

They will also support project implementation and will assist Project Manager and Evidence and Learning Coordinator; deliver all tasks in line with IWPR’s policies and procedures, as well as the donor requirements; and will ensure that financial and project activities are delivered and reported on as per donor requirements.

The successful applicant may be expected to work on additional smaller IWPR initiatives in Moldova as and when required, including in the areas of media and CSO development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist BRIC Project Manager in local administrative matters related to the delivery of project activities, completing contracts and payment forms, coordinating travel, and arranging project meetings and workshops;
• Assist with local payments as required, via close liaison with the BRIC Project Manager and HQ finance team, including local fees and stipends;
• Contribute to financial reporting and strong financial processes as per IWPR requirements, including collating and submitting evidence of expenditure, such as payment request forms, invoices and timesheets;
• Document minutes of key meetings, and record information such as key points of discussion, actions assigned and decisions made;
• Regularly update local directories of key project documents, including project work plans, events calendar (such as reporting and training), and procurement logs;
• Ensure due diligence processes are followed and in line with IWPR / donor policies;
• Ensure all activities are conducted in correspondence with local laws;
• Deliver administrative tasks as required by IWPR management team in the UK;
• Assist BRIC Project Manager in other administrative tasks, as required;
• Represent IWPR at meetings, workshops, and other events, as required;
• Contribute to a work environment that is non-discriminatory and promotes open dialogue on gender-related and culturally sensitive issues;
• Report to BRIC Project Manager assigned to this project.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is desirable;
• Minimum three years of project administration related experience, ideally in fields such as international development, civil society and media. An equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered;
• Experience with administration of grant and service contract delivery with a range of partners and donors would be highly desirable, along with the understanding of donor rules and regulations.
• Proven experience of building and maintaining effective working relationships across a range of internal and external parties;

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently, managing multiple streams of work, shifting priorities, and effectively work within deadline pressures;
• Ability to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures in an open-minded, non-dogmatic manner;
• Strong communication skills in English, Romanian and Russian, and the ability to write in a clear, concise, well-organised manner;
• Advanced computer skills in Windows and Google based packages;
• Ability to travel locally, if needed.

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.