Programme Officer Arab World

Free Press Unlimited is an international non-governmental organisation working to improve access to reliable news and information in countries with underdeveloped media services or restrictive media environments. Free Press Unlimited works to ensure that objective news coverage and information are and remain available to people the world over. Particularly in countries where there is little to no press freedom.

Across the globe, journalists and media pioneers have taken it on themselves to supply their communities with objective information. Free Press Unlimited actively supports these professionals in over forty countries, by offering them, among other things, trainings and temporary financial and material aid, and by strengthening their professional capacity. So that as many people as possible gain and keep access to truly vital information.

The "Ethical Journalism for Syria" programme seeks to support Syrian media actors engage in national-level debate about the future of journalism in their country. The programme will bring together relevant Syrian emerging media organisations to operate under a common charter. Ethical Journalism for Syria seeks to raise the standard of journalism in Syria, specifically by working through its beneficiaries. Free Press Unlimited is currently seeking to hire: Project Officer for this programme.

Purpose of the job:
The focus of the work lies at supporting the several target groups as well as stakeholders of the programme. The suitable candidate is expected to serve on the programme's planning, monitoring the output of the beneficiaries, and evaluate the implemented projects, offering advice, and support as necessary. The location of the job will be in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Main tasks and functions:

• Supports programme coordinators in the design of project proposals;
• Supports programme coordinators in planning, organisation and execution of projects and solicits the assistance of external consultants when required, within the financial-quality framework set by management;
• Monitors the progress and execution of project activities and reports delays and changes;
• On request of programme coordinators executes contracts and agreements with consultants, business partners and partner organizations;
• On request of programme coordinators handles communication connected to acquisition, preparation, execution and termination of projects.;
• Plans and organises meetings and visits within the framework of projects, in the Netherlands and arranges all necessary facilities upon request:
• Responsible for external communication contributions, web texts and updating project information, including the design and development of educational materials to support project goals;
• Takes minutes and reports on meetings and project related events;
• Arranges travel, lodging and insurances for staff involved with project activities and investigates quality and service charges;
• Prepares data for (external) evaluation and surveying of project results and finances;
• Updates and monitors all project related data including contact and contract data and timelines;
• Follows and studies relevant developments in the area of interest including new research.

Required skills and experience:

• You have a college degree or BA in a relevant academic field or equivalent relevant work experience.
• You have a minimum of 3 years in support functions, preferably in an international environment;
• You have experience with gathering data and assessing and prioritising complex sets of information and data;
• You have logistical experience organizing events & activities preferably in the Netherlands & Abroad;
• You have experience in the field of media, education and sustainable development;
• You have excellent communication skills and fluent command of Arabic and English (Dutch is an asset)

Terms and conditions:
Free Press Unlimited will contract the employee according to Dutch labour legislation. Selected candidates will receive first a full-time contract for one year with possibility of extension based on performance. Free Press Unlimited aims to start the position from the 1st October 2014. Salary according to Free Press Unlimited salary scale with a minimum of EU 2.437,-- and a maximum of EU 3.656,-- gross per month based on 38 hours per week (full time). Additional allowances and insurances for the local situation are part of the employment.

Application procedure:
If you are interested please send your CV and a motivation letter (preferably in PDF-format) to vacancies[at]freepressunlimited[dot]org before September 19, 2014 and refer to 'Project Officer Arab World'. For more information please contact Dina Zbeidy (T: +31 20 8000 480, E: zbeidy[at]freepressunlimited[dot]org)