Strengthening the prison and probation reforms, provision of health care and the treatment of patients in closed institutions in the Republic of Moldova Project is hiring a Project Officer

Are you motivated, organised and with an eye for details? Would you like to contribute to the activities of an International Organisation working for human rights, democracy and the rule of law? If so, our job offer may be the right opportunity for you to work within criminal justice sector, in particular related to prison, probation and closed institutions.

As part of the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe (Cooperation in Police and Deprivation of Liberty Unit), you will carry out multiple assignments to meet the objectives for the implementation of the Project “Strengthening the prison and probation reforms, provision of health care and the treatment of patients in closed institutions in the Republic of Moldova”, in co-operation with the Project stakeholders, and in compliance with the Organisation’s regulations and/or donor requirements. The Project’s intervention areas focus on prison administration, prison health care, including mental health care, probation, and psychiatric institutions.

As a Project Officer you will:

• assist with the organisation, co-ordination and implementation of the project activities in accordance with the work plan and its calendar of activities;
• contribute to the preparation and drafting of documents (e.g. reports, terms of reference for different contractual engagements that are aimed at implementing relevant project activities; briefings, speaking notes, relevant meeting documentation and draft minutes; mission reports related to project activities, official speeches etc;), including editing documents prepared by non-native speakers (in English);
• ensure consistency of the documents prepared;
• ensure the implementation of procurement procedures required in the context of preparation of project activities and ensure the verification of purchase files, draft contracts and payment documents;
• assist and liaise with local and international short-term consultants, as well as service providers; prepare documentation, monitor the progress and report any problems encountered; suggest priorities and adjustments as necessary;
• liaise with a project team in the field and in the headquarters;
• provide assistance to short-term consultants, assist in coordinating their work;
• assist the budgetary follow-up of relevant expenditures in accordance with the Council of Europe regulations and procedures, as well as donor requirements;
• contribute to project reporting in line with the requirements;
• contribute to raising the visibility of the project by drafting web news items and press releases and by disseminating information;
• report to superiors on the results achieved, on further requirements, risks and opportunities of developments or events and work in close collaboration with the Head of Office, the Deputy Head of Office, Senior Project Officer and the direct Project management in headquarters;
• undertake official journeys in connection with project activities and participate in meetings, seminars, working groups etc. related to the project activities;
• promote the Council of Europe values internally and externally.

As a minimum, you must:

• hold a completed full course of general secondary education and appropriate professional qualifications;
• have a minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience at a national or international level in project management and experience in providing technical assistance on issues related to human rights and rule of law ;
• have an excellent knowledge of Romanian (mother tongue level) and excellent knowledge of English.
• be a citizen of the host country or one of the 46 member States of the Council of Europe;
• be under 65 years of age at the closing date of this vacancy notice.

Professional and technical expertise:

•  knowledge and understanding of the human rights instruments and in particular, the Council of Europe principles and work in the criminal justice and penitentiary fields;
• proven experience in project management and implementation of technical co-operation or policy-oriented projects;
• knowledge of project management tools (Project Management Methodology, logframes, etc.);
• experience in working with governmental institutions, or the justice sector stakeholders, or civil society on projects and programmes related to justice sector reform, or human rights or related fields;
• knowledge of the overall political and social situation in Europe, in particular in the Republic of Moldova;
• sound computer skills and experience in using standard tools in office applications (word processing, presentations, outlook, spreadsheet, databases, internet publications).

If successful, you may be offered employment based on temporary contracts at grade B4. Employment is limited to 28/02/2024 and may be extended. You will receive a basic monthly gross salary of €1 233 which is exempt from national income tax . This salary may be supplemented by other allowances depending on your personal situation. You will be affiliated to a pension scheme and social and medical insurance. You will also benefit from 32 working days leave per year and other advantages (including flexible working hours, training and development, possibility of teleworking, etc.).

Deadline for applications is 21 June 2022 (midnight Paris time). You can apply in English or French using the Council of Europe online application system on: www.coe.int/jobs. Please fill out the form providing all requested details and explain how your competencies make you the best candidate for this role. It usually takes a few hours to fill it in, so please take this information into consideration while applying.

Only applicants who best meet the abovementioned criteria will be considered for the next stage, which may consist of assessments and/or an interview. Further information on the assessment process will be provided to the selected candidates in due course.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Council of Europe welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of sex, gender, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion or belief. Under its equal opportunities policy, the Council of Europe is aiming to achieve parity in the number of women and men employed at all levels in the Organisation. In the event of equal merit, preference will therefore be given to the applicant belonging to the under-represented sex in the grade. During the different stages of the recruitment procedure, specific measures may be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities.