Project Officer Media in Conflict

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.

Your core responsibilities

• 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

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;

What we offer

We offer you the opportunity to contribute to a special mission. You will work in an exciting and challenging international working environment of 50 active committed colleagues who work both from home and in a nice office in the heart of Amsterdam. We are curious about your talents and your social drive to work with us on our mission.

We provide:

• A one-year contract, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding;
• This is a medior-level position with a gross monthly salary between €3,400 and €4,000, depending on experience (based on full-time employment)
• 8% holiday allowance;
• An excellent pension scheme;
• 25 days of paid leave per year;
• A vitality allowance;
• Fresh fruit at the workplace;
• Two additional public holidays that are important to you
• A laptop and mobile phone;
• Reimbursement of travel and home office expenses.

Interested?

Then we would love to hear from you! Please apply by sending your English CV and short cover letter (both in PDF format) no later than August 15, 2025 to Tamara Lunacek (HR Officer) via vacancies[at]freepressunlimited.org. For questions about the content of the position, you can contact Elisabetta Plebani, Programme Lead at plebani[at]freepressunlimited.org. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close the vacancy before the stated closing date if we have received a sufficient number of suitable applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Free Press Unlimited values diversity and aims to be an inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcome and respected. We believe that our differences strengthen our work, drive innovation, and improve results. We therefore encourage all candidates to apply.

An assessment and screening will be part of the selection process.

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