With immediate effect, Free Press Unlimited is looking for a Project Officer (32-38 hours/week), with a focus on projects in the MENA region. Based in the Netherlands.
Please note: Candidates must have a valid residence and work permit for the Netherlands to be considered.
Starting date: As soon as possible
Access to information, independent media and freedom of expression are crucial to citizens and social organisations that want to combat poverty and inequality in their society. By reporting independently, and making public debate possible, independent media can contribute to positive change in their society. Free Press Unlimited offers worldwide support to journalists and media professionals through its advocacy work, emergency assistance, advice, trainings, capacity building and awareness raising.
As Project Officer within the Media in conflict team, you will contribute to improving access to reliable information in conflict-prone and politically complex environments. You will provide substantive, organisational and administrative support to international media development projects with a focus on projects in the MENA region. Working closely with the Thematic Programme Lead, you contribute to the implementation, monitoring and thinking of solution to keep the access open to work for all projects with a focus on safe environment, quality and impact. This means you are not only involved in logistical and financial coordination, but also play an active role in adjusting and delivering project activities, making sure they align with strategic goals and address the needs of partners in the countries involved.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a passionate Project Officer, with appropriate conflict and culture sensitivity . Our ideal candidate is independent, self-confident, and decisive, and has strong organisational skills and the ability to keep an overview and to set priorities.

In addition the following requirements apply:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a similar role, preferably in an international context. Affinity and experience working in the MENA is an asset
• Strong language and communication skills in Arabic (oral, written, reading, and informal translation during meetings); Proficiency in English; Knowledge of French is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in project management
• Experience in partner management, including maintaining effective communication and collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Proven experience with budget monitoring and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of and affinity with media development, journalism or freedom of expression.
• Experience in independently coordinating and implementing projects (not just providing support).
• Proactive, collaborative and solution-oriented.
• Experience with organising logistics for events or meetings, both in the Netherlands and internationally;

• Support the Thematic Programme Lead in preparing and drafting project proposals. Help design Theory of Change and strategic goals.
• Gather project impact evidence and data for positive change via lobby and advocacy initiatives (including existing policies, research, literature to substantiate advice and recommendations)
• Maintaining effective and trust-based relationships with local and international partners
• Develop and manage contracts with donors, partners and service providers.
• Organise and coordinate project-related logistics, including meetings, travel, visas, and accommodation.
• Coordinate financial and narrative reporting processes, including drafting reports and monitoring project budgets.
• Maintain project documentation and files, and contribute to evaluations and audits.
• Coordinate external providers (e.g. trainers, interpreters) where necessary.
• Provide input to improve internal processes and efficiency, including input into the Thematic Programme of access to reliable information in violent and pol-economy complex context