Senior Project Officer

Thein Skopje implements projects and programmes which aim to support North Macedonia in meeting the Council of Europe standards in the field of humain rights, the rule of law and democracy.

You will be part of the team implementing the freedom of expression and freedom of media related projects, which includes a Project Assistant based in the Council of Europe Programme office in Skopje. A Programme Manager at the Council of Europe’s headquarters in Strasbourg will oversee project implementation. 

The project's implementation will be supervised by the 

As a Senior Project Officer, you will:

• ensure and supervise the planning, organisation, implementation, and follow-up of project activities in accordance with the project work plan and in line with the Council of Europe's procedures and the Project Management Methodology (PMM), with a concern for quality, efficiency, accuracy, and confidentiality;
• design project activities and financial work plans and ensure close monitoring and follow-up of expenditures in accordance with the Council of Europe regulations and procedures and in co-ordination with local partners and management in headquarters; 
• conceptualise, co-ordinate and support the organisation of project inputs through tailor-made events (seminars, workshops, conferences, expert meetings, etc.); 
• ensure budget monitoring and the implementation of project related procurement procedures and verify the purchase files, draft contracts, deliverables, and payment documents in consultation with headquarters; 
• co-ordinate, organise and supervise the work of a project assistant, as well as of international and national short-term consultants, including ensuring follow-up and quality of progress and final submissions; 
• prepare and draft documents in accordance with the quality and style requirements of the Council of Europe (e.g. progress, annual, and mission reports, terms of reference for various contractual engagements; briefings, speaking notes, official speeches, relevant meeting documentation and minutes etc.), including editing documents prepared by non-native speakers (in English/Macedonian);
• assist in the preparation of files and information for the internal and external evaluations and audits; 
• contribute to raising the visibility of the project by drafting web news, press releases and disseminating information;
• establish and maintain close working contacts with relevant project partners and local stakeholders, international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in the field of freedom of expression and of the media; 
• undertake official journeys in connection with project activities and participate in meetings, seminars, working groups, etc. related to project activities;
• contribute to the efficient functioning of the Office, coordinate internally with other relevant projects implemented by the Office, regularly inform the Office management on the implementation of the project, and coordinate work within the broader framework of the overall activities of the Office;
• monitor developments at national level (legal, policy, institutional) in the areas covered by the project and keep the Office management and the project management team in headquarters,  regularly informed of project results, further needs and risks and opportunities for further interventions;
• contribute to the development of new project proposals and activities;
• perform other duties as required to ensure the efficient implementation of the project;
• promote Council of Europe values internally and externally. 
  

You must:

• hold a completed full course of general secondary education and appropriate professional qualifications for the position;

• have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the areas of freedom of expression/freedom of the media/human rights and democracy-related fields, of which at least 3 years’ experience in project management and in the delivery of international technical assistance projects;

• have an excellent knowledge of Macedonian (first language level) and a very good knowledge (at least C1 level) of English (one of the Council of Europe's two official languages); knowledge of Albanian would be an asset;

• 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;

• be currently present in North Macedonia;

• have discharged any obligation concerning national service (military, civil or comparable);

• not be the parent, child, stepchild or grandchild of a serving staff member of the Council of Europe;

• be under the age of 65 years.

Your application must demonstrate to what extent you have the competencies listed below. To help you doing so, feel free to consult our .

• Operational - Planning and work organisation
• Operational - Analysis and problem solving
• Operational - Drafting skills
• Operational - Results orientation
• Interpersonal - Teamwork and co-operation

• Professional and technical expertise:

• good knowledge and understanding of Council of Europe and other international standards relevant to freedom of expression and of the media; 
• good knowledge of and experience in applying internationally recognised project management methodologies and tools;
• experience leading teams involved in the management of projects;
• strong understanding of the media landscape and broader political context in North Macedonia;
• experience with working with authorities at the national, regional and local levels as well as with Civil Society Organisations and other international organisations; 
• sound computer skills and experience in using standard tools in office applications (word processing, presentations, outlook, spreadsheets, databases, internet publications).

• Interpersonal - Relationship building
• Interpersonal - Communication
• Interpersonal - Adaptability

• These would be an asset:

  • higher education degree in law, international cooperation, political science or in a related field. 

This job vacancy is for a local external recruitment based on fixed-term contracts. Employment is limited to 31 December of the current year and may be extended. You can consult the conditions of employment (salaries, allowances, pension scheme, social insurance etc.) on the webpage .

For more information on how we recruit, you can consult the page . This recruitment is carried out in accordance with . The deadline for applications is indicated in the General information section of this vacancy notice (see above) and is fixed at 23:59:59 (CET/CEST). When applying, make sure your motivation shows how your competencies make your profile the best for the role.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Council of Europe welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion or belief. Under its equal opportunity policy, the Council of Europe is aiming to achieve gender parity in staff employed in each category and grade. At the time of appointment, preference between suitable people shall be given to the person of the gender which is under-represented in the relevant grades within the category to which the vacancy belongs.

Applicants with specific needs are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact us at , we will ensure that your request is handled.

The information published on the CoE’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication of the vacancy notice. Any changes to these conditions during the recruitment process will be updated on our Portal and will apply at the time of the job offer. Our career's website is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. Should you have remaining questions, please contact us at .