On behalf of the European Commission, the Goethe-Institut will assume management of the programme “Support to Public Service Media in the Western Balkans” with an overall budget value of Є3.3 million for a period of over 39 months starting on 1st September. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Deutsche Welle Akademie. The programme will aim towards a realistic reform of public service media in the Western Balkan countries, notably by introducing new collaborative approaches and innovative tools for quality production and audience engagement.
The programme will work with Public Service Media (PSM) entities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia offering the following components:
• tailored in-house consultancies to improve internal governance and organisational performance in response to specific needs and priorities of each PSM;
• capacity-building programmes for PSM media professionals such as innovation labs, hackathons, multimedia workshops, mentoring and masterclasses, training of trainers, conducting focus groups;
• regional cooperation, networking, and visibility opportunities for PSMs to expand partnerships in the region;
• various grant scheme offers for PSM, management, journalists and technical staff focused on enhancing high-quality, audience-relevant and innovative programming, and reporting.
For this programme we are seeking to hire a
Team leader – SUPPORT to public service media in the Western balkans
This is a full-time position with a contract duration of 39 months based in the Goethe-Institut’s regional Headquarter for South-East Europe in Athens, Greece.
The Team Leader is expected to start as soon as possible. The role will require frequent travel to the Western Balkan countries.
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
The Team Leader will take on the lead role in delivering the “Support to Public Service Media in the Western Balkans” and will report to the Programme Director as well as liaise with the European Commission’s Programme Manager as required. S/he will be responsible for managing a team of five staff and for working with the key stakeholders and the implementing partner to develop and deliver a strategic vision for the programme.
In this capacity, the Team Leader plays a crucial role in establishing a proactive working environment, providing momentum, and maintaining focus. S/he is responsible for the implementation of quality assurance methodologies and for identifying potential solutions to unforeseen situations.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The Team Leader is ultimately responsible for overall oversight and programme delivery. As such, s/he will:
• Set up the project team and project office(s);
• Create detailed work plans and manage and quality assure the timely delivery of all programme activities in line with agreed contract, policies and standards throughout the full project cycle;
• Ensure the project is managed and delivered in accordance with all sub- granting, financial management and procurement standards;
• Prepare the agreed narrative, financial interim and final reports and devise immaculate documentation records;
• Develop, maintain and regularly update a project risk management strategy;
• Lead the programme team in line with Goethe-Institut policies and standards; oversee the recruitment and performance management of short-term staff, experts and consultants;
• Ensure the implementation of the monitoring & evaluation strategy as well as the communication and visibility plan;
• Manage relations and appropriate liaison and engagement with key project stakeholders including the EU;
• Report the progress of the programme at regular intervals to the Programme Director, EU, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead on all internal communication including the backstopping team;
• Lead the cooperation with the grantees and the implementing partner on a strategic level.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Higher education degree relevant to the position
• Full working proficiency in English and in a local language spoken in one of the Western Balkan countries
• Good knowledge of the German language is an asset
• Certified qualification in project management is an asset
ROLE SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• 7 years of relevant professional experience, including at least three years in management positions including responsibilities for staff
• Proven experience of large-scale programme coordination during all stages of the project cycle including EU funded projects or other donor-funded international programmes, preferably in the media sector
• Knowledge of project implementation in the Western Balkan region
• Excellent financial management skills with multi-annual projects
• Good knowledge of setting up and overseeing complex grant management systems
• Track record in managing a diverse team and shaping a cohesive and supportive team environment, as well as leadership experience in projects with a similar scope
• Skills and experience in analysing and resolving complex situations
• Experience of managing consultants and subcontractors in delivering contracts
• Knowledge of coordination of complex stakeholder relationships in politically sensitive contexts
• Excellent communication, negotiations, and presentation skills
DESIRABLE
• Knowledge of EU Pillar Assessed Contribution Agreements (PACA)
• Programme and team leadership experience working in the context of public service journalism
• Existing networks with key stakeholders in the Western Balkans media sector, including Public Service Broadcasters
• Existing networks with public service media entities in the EU
• Understanding of matrix/remote management in a regional setting
WE OFFER
• An attractive remuneration package including 29 days of annual leave per year
• Flexible working hours, possibility to work remotely on occasion
• A dynamic and motivated work environment
The Goethe-Institut is an equal opportunities employer and supports inclusion. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, will be treated with preference.
By submitting your application documents, you agree to the storage of your personal data (according to Art. 4 No. 1 GDPR) for the duration of the application process.
Please submit your application (CV and cover letter) in English, highlighting how your skills and experience meet the role profile to Bewerbungen-athen@goethe.de
Please indicate your earliest starting date in your application.
Applications are accepted until 16.09.2023, however applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews might take place before the scheduled deadline.
The candidate will need to hold an EU Nationality. The Goethe-Institut will not be able to sponsor a work visa to work in Greece.
This role is subject to contract signature with the European Commission.