Do you have experience in the implementation of co-operation projects? Are you motivated and passionate about supporting the Republic of Moldova in the field of multilevel governance, open government, and human rights at local level? Do you have the potential to work in a dynamic and creative team, in co-operation with a variety of stakeholders, coordinating and liaising with them, in particular supporting grant agreement implementation? If so, this vacancy may be the right opportunity for you.

The project “Promoting multi-level dialogue, open government and human rights at local level in the Republic of Moldova” focuses on enhancing the dialogue between local and central level on upcoming reforms in the country, adopting open government principles and a human rights approach in local decision-making at the local level, including through capacity development and grants to local authorities and their association. The project is implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance (CEMG) at Congress of Local and Regional Authorities as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028 upon availability of funds.

As a Project Officer you will:

1. assist with planning, organisation, co-ordination, implementation and follow-up of project activities in accordance with the workplan of activities and in close coordination with the Senior Project Manager and under the supervision of the Programme Co-ordinator at the CEMG and in collaboration with project partners, stakeholders and consultants;
2. ensure quality and relevance of the project outputs and seek maximum impact and effectiveness having regard to the Council of Europe’s standards, core values and priorities; report regularly suggesting priorities and adjustments as necessary;
3. in co-ordination with the Senior Project Manager, ensure the preparation and drafting of documents (e.g. work plans, project reports, terms of reference for different contractual engagements; briefings, speaking notes, relevant meeting documentation and draft minutes; mission reports related to project activities, official speeches etc;), including editing documents prepared in English and in Romanian;
4. ensure the management and follow up of the budget in line with the logframe and workplans, as well as the implementation of procurement procedures required for project activities, in accordance with the Council of Europe regulations and procedures;
5. support the preparation and monitoring of the implementation of grants to local authorities and/or their national association;
6. contribute to the selection of local consultants and service providers and prepare contracts in co-ordination with the Senior Project Manager, the Project Manager and management in the HQ;
7. work with local and international short-term consultants, as well as service providers when carrying our tasks and missions in the field, providing content-related and organisational assistance, and reporting any problems encountered, suggesting priorities and adjustments as necessary;
8. contribute to raising the visibility of the project by drafting web news items and press releases and by disseminating information, and by providing advice and inputs on publications;
9. report to superiors on the results achieved, on further requirements, risks and opportunities of developments or events;
10. contribute to the efficient functionning of the Office and work in close collaboration with the Head of Office, the Deputy Head of Office, and project management in the field and in HQ;
11. undertake official journeys in connection with project activities and participate in relevant meetings, seminars, working groups etc. related to the project activities;
12. perform any other tasks related to the implementation of the project as requested;
13. promote the Council of Europe values internally and externally.

You must:

1. hold a completed full course of general secondary education and appropriate professional qualifications in an area relevant to the call; a focus on international development or international co-operation, international affairs, political science, gender studies or public administration would be an advantage;
2. have at least three years of relevant professional experience at a national or international level in project management and experience in providing technical assistance on issues related to human rights, rule of law and democracy;
3. have an excellent knowledge of Romanian (mother tongue level) and excellent knowledge of English (C2);
4. be a citizen of the host country or one of the 46 member States of the Council of Europe and fulfil the conditions for appointment to the civil service of that state;
5. have discharged any obligation concerning national service (military, civil or comparable);
6. not be the parent, child, stepchild or grandchild of a serving staff member of the Council of Europe;
7. be under the age of 65 years.

Demonstrate to us that you have the following competencies:

1. Professional and technical expertise:
2. experience in project management and implementation of technical co-operation or policy-oriented projects, in particular in good governance, local democracy, or human rights;
3. knowledge and understanding of the Council of Europe and other international standards relevant to the project;
4. experience in working with governmental institutions and civil society on projects or programmes related to human rights, the rule of law or democracy;
5. knowledge of the overall political situation in Europe, in particular in the Republic of Moldova;
6. ICT skills: sound computer skills and experience using standard tools in office applications (word processing, presentations, outlook, spreadsheet, databases, internet publications
7. Planning and work organisation
8. Teamwork and co-operation
9. Results orientation
10. Concern for quality
11. Drafting skills
12. Communication
13. Relationship building

Would be an asset:

Professional and technical expertise:

- previous professional experience in an international environment;

- previous experience working with local authorities;

- previous experience in coordinating grants;

- knowledge of other languages.

Adaptability

Resilience

Creativitiy and innovation

If successful, you may be offered employment based on temporary contracts at grade B4. Employment is limited to 31 December 2025 and may be extended to the length of the project and dependant on funds availability. You will receive a basic monthly gross salary of €2081.65 which is exempt from national income tax. This salary may be supplemented by other allowances depending on your personal situation. You will be affiliated to a pension scheme and social and medical insurance. You will also benefit from 32 working days leave per year and other advantages (including flexible working hours, training and development, possibility of teleworking, etc.).

This recruitment procedure is carried out in accordance with Rule No. 1234 laying down the conditions of recruitment and employment of locally recruited staff members working in Council of Europe Duty Stations located outside of France.

If your profile matches our needs and you are not recruited straight away, you may be placed on a list of eligible candidates.

Deadline for applications is 12 December 2024 (midnight Central European Time). You can apply in English or French using the Council of Europe online application system on: www.coe.int/jobs. Please fill out the form providing all requested details and explain how your competencies make you the best candidate for this role. It usually takes a few hours to fill it in, so please take this information into consideration while applying.

Only applications that best meet the abovementioned criteria, and that demonstrate the best profile in terms of qualifications, experience, and motivation, shall be considered for the next stages of the recruitment evaluation process, which may consist of different types of assessment. Further information on the assessment process will be provided to the selected people in due course.

Applications from staff members of the Council of Europe, who currently hold a fixed-term (CDD) contract or former staff members whose fixed-term contract has ended less than 12 months before the deadline for applications, will not be considered.