Do you have experience in the implementation of co-operation projects? Are you passionate about local democracy and principles of public open government and public ethics? Would you like to contribute to the activities of an International Organisation working for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law? If so, our job offer may be the right opportunity for you.

The Project “Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and open local governance in the Republic of Moldova” is implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova (2021-2024). The project aims to strengthen the political dialogue between local and central authorities and provide support for improving the quality of local governance through open government, public ethics, integrity, corruption prevention, and gender equality at local level. Employment is limited to the duration of the project, which is expected to end in March 2024.

Your role

As a Senior Project Officer, you will carry out multiple assignments to meet the overall and specific objectives of the Council of Europe Project “Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and open local governance in the Republic of Moldova” and play a key role in implementing the project’s activities in the field. More specifically, you will perform the following tasks in accordance with the Organisation’s procedures, guidelines and priorities, with a concern for quality, efficiency, accuracy and confidentiality:

• plan, organise and follow up on project activities, in accordance with the project work plan and its calendar of activities, ensuring timely delivery; and relevant reporting;
• ensure quality and relevance of activities, and contribute to the planning, implementation and assessment of the project;
• establish and maintain close working contact with relevant project partners and stakeholders, and ensure a regular information flow on the activities organised and progress in project implementation;
• prepare and ensure control and follow-up on budgetary and financial issues related to the project activities, and propose adjustment measures as needed;
• provide substance input on specific activities and regular advice to headquarters concerning local developments in the thematic area;
• provide effective assessment of results and achievements and regular advice to supervisors about problems encountered; suggest priorities and adjustments as necessary;
• provide technical support and substance briefings to headquarters-based staff, members of the Congress and short-term consultants when carrying out missions in the field;
• maintain regular contact and exchange with the beneficiaries, stakeholders, partners/donors as well as with consultants;
• contribute to raising the visibility of the project, provides and ensures adequate information flow with the project stakeholders and relevant partners and experts;
• co-ordinate your work within the framework of the overall action of the Council of Europe Office;
• contribute to the efficient functioning of the Office, in collaboration with the Head of Office and the direct project management;
• contribute to the development of Congress co-operation activities as needed;
• promote Council of Europe values internally and externally.

What we are looking for

As a minimum, you must:

• hold a completed full course of general secondary education and appropriate professional qualifications (e.g. in project management and/or governance);
• have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in contributing to the implementation of co-operation projects in the field of governance, at international and/or national level, of which at least two years in a management position;
• have an excellent knowledge of Romanian (mother tongue level) and a very good knowledge of English.
• be a citizen of the host country or one of the 47 member States of the Council of Europe;
• be under 65 years of age at the closing date of this vacancy notice.

Demonstrate that you have the following competencies

Professional and technical expertise:

• proven knowledge and understanding of European standards for local and regional democracy, ethical and open governance, as well as the Council of Europe’s work in this field;
• awareness of the current political context and the system of local self-government in the Republic of Moldova and policies and projects implemented at the local level;
• knowledge of the overall political, economic and social context in the region and in Europe;
• relevant experience in the implementation of projects, including the management of financial resources.
• knowledge of project management tools (Project Management Methodology, logframes, risk monitoring, budgeting, etc.);

Results orientation:

• Planning and work organisation
• Teamwork and co-operation
• Relationship building
• Analysis and problem solving
• Negotiation
• Concern for quality

Deadline for applications is 22 March 2022 (midnight Paris 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.