Context

International IDEA has a mandate to support democracy worldwide. Since its establishment in 1995, the Institute has sought to fulfill this mandate by incrementally expanding its geographic footprint. Increasing demand for the Institute´s support in countries across Europe, coupled with key developments that have highlighted the weakness of democratic institutions in some European countries, has motivated the Institute to establish a Regional Europe Programme (REO).

The REO has a strategic objective to support democracy in Europe, with an emphasis on Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. In Albania, International IDEA aims to support public institutions and civil society in enhancing the resilience and quality of democratic institutions and processes. Key areas of our engagement relate to parliamentary strengthening, electoral processes and political finance, and promoting the expertise and capacity of civil society organisations and media to participate in decision-making processes, making them more responsive to the demands of the EU accession agenda.  

The Project Officer is responsible for supporting the design and implementation of activities within International IDEA’s parliamentary support project in Albania, with a particular focus on civil society and media. The role involves maintaining regular contact with boundary partners, the donor, and other field implementers, while monitoring and reporting on political developments relevant to the success of the action. The Project Officer undertakes representational functions as delegated by the line manager and, with the support of the Budget & Programme Performance Team, monitors and evaluates the reach and impact of project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contributes to the implementation and coordination International IDEA´s parliamentary support project in Albania, focusing on the components relating to civil society and media;

2. Supports the implementation of sub-grants to civil society, including by ensuring coordination and follow-up with grantees;

3. Prepares concept notes and supports the development of budgets and work plans for related project activities;

4. Oversees the planning and organization of relevant events and workshops, ensuring administrative and logistical aspects are addressed;

5. Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders: including public institutions, civil society and media actors, as well as international partners;

6. Coordinates the engagement of experts and consultants, prepares contractual documentation, and monitors quality and delivery of outputs in line with International IDEA’s policies and procedures;

7. Monitors and analyzes political and socio-economic developments relevant to parliament, civil society and media’s role in the EU accession process, feeding insights into project design and adjustments;

8. Liaises with multilateral and bilateral democracy assistance actors to ensure synergies, visibility, coordination, and identify areas of further support;

9. Supports project and budget monitoring; contributes to the drafting of implementation, monitoring and donor reports (quarterly, annual, etc.).

General Profile

• Combines a good knowledge of the state of democracy and governance in Albania and of the EU accession process, acquired through academic studies in political science, law, social science or related fields, and the relevant work experience;

• Has experience with project implementation in the field of parliamentary support, civil society and media capacity strengthening and EU accession, contributing significantly to the project life cycle;

• Can work with minimal guidance and supervision;

• Adds value to team-based activities in their unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;

• Acts as a model or mentor for less experienced colleagues;

• Can be expected to travel to any geographical area involved in their projects;

• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;

• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s core values: Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism;

• Integrates a gender and inclusion perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Project Manager, Albania

Education and Experience

• University degree in political science, law, international relations, communication, public administration or related disciplines;

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in democracy and governance in Albania in the field of political participation and representation, support to civil society and media, EU accession;

• Experience working with civil society, media, and parliament;

• Demonstrated project implementation experience is essential;

• Demonstrated experience in results-based report writing;

• Experience in resource mobilization, including conceptualization and formulation of successful funding proposals and knowledge of fundraising methods:

• Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluating projects, including the design and use of results-based frameworks, performance indicators, and reporting systems.

• Fluency in written and spoken Albanian and English is required

Terms of Contract:

• This post is advertised subject to the confirmation of funding.

• Local Post.

• Fixed term appointment until 31 January 2029.

• Remuneration - ALL 378 250 GROSS per month

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Albania for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CET) 01 February 2026. 

• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.

• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.

• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, International IDEA will review applications on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.