Extended deadline: Senior Project Officer



Do you have experience in the implementation of co-operation projects? Would you like to contribute to the activities of an International Organisation working for human rights, democracy and the rule of law? Are you interested in contributing to the protection of human rights of refugees and migrants? If so, our job offer may be the right opportunity for you.

The Council of Europe Project “Strengthening the human rights protection of refugees and migrants in the Republic of Moldova” aims to provide tailor-made support to the Republic of Moldova in addressing the needs of refugees and migrants and building resilient migration, asylum and reception systems in the long term. In light of the increased number of women, children, and the elderly among the refugee population, particular attention will be given to promoting policies and practical solutions that address their specific needs. A particular focus will also be given to supporting staff and personnel working in these fields, not only in terms of strengthening professional capacities but also in addressing burnout and overwhelming demands in an unprecedented situation.
The Project will work towards achieving the following expected results.1: National authorities advanced the legislative and policy framework on the human rights protection of refugees and migrants in line with European and international human rights standards. 2: Legal professionals, the judiciary, migration authorities, civil servants and other professionals (police, border guards, Ombudsperson office, etc.) apply a human rights and gender-based response to the needs of refugees and migrants. 3: Access to support services and information for refugees and migrants at the local level is facilitated.
Overall, the Project will build on the Council of Europe human rights standards, especially the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and promising practices developed in other Council of Europe member States.

Your role

As a Senior Project Officer you will be required to perform the following tasks in accordance with the Council of Europe’s procedures, guidelines, and priorities with a concern for quality, efficiency, accuracy and confidentiality:

  •  Plans, organises, co-ordinates, implements and follows up on project activities in accordance with the project workplan and calendar of activities, in close co-ordination with the project team in Chișinău and in headquarters (HQ) and in co-operation with local partners and stakeholders; reports problems encountered; suggests priorities and adjustments as necessary;
  •  Establishes and develops effective contacts and liaises with local stakeholders, project consultants and other relevant actors as regards the implementation of project activities;
  •  Contributes to the efficient functioning of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău and informs regularly the Head of the Office and Deputy Head of Office in Chișinău about the implementation of the Project and co-ordinates his/her work within the broader framework of the overall activities of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău;
  •  Advises and briefs the management in HQ on the progress of the project implementation and other project-related issues;
  •  Assists in the event of an evaluation or audit of the project;
  •  Ensures quality and relevance of project outputs, suggests adjustments as necessary;
  •  Ensures office management and organises the work of assistants;
  •  Drafts and provides elements to all project related reports (activity and progress reports, mission reports, information notes, briefings, contributions, etc.) within set deadlines;
  •  Contributes to raising the visibility of the project by drafting web news items and press releases, by disseminating information and by providing advice and input on publications, in line with the project’s Communication and Visibility Plan
  •  Co-ordinates and contributes to financial, administrative and technical implementation of the project and ensures close budgetary follow-up of all project expenditures, in accordance with regulations, procedures and donor requirements;
  •  Selects local service providers and negotiates contracts in consultation with HQ;
  •  Undertakes official journeys in connection with the project activities;
  •  Performs any other task related to the implementation of the project as requested;

What we are looking for

As a minimum, you must:

  •  hold a University degree in political or social sciences, law, international relations or a related field;
  •  have a minimum of 3 years relevant professional experience in management of technical assistance projects focusing on the protection of human rights, or at least 3 years of experience in public sector institutions working in relevant fields;
  •  have very good knowledge of one of the two official languages of the Council of Europe (English or French) and excellent knowledge of Romanian (mother tongue level);
  •  be a citizen of 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.

Demonstrate to us that you have the following competencies:

  •  Professional and technical expertise:

- Good knowledge of Council of Europe and international standards, in particular in the area of migration, asylum and refugees

  •  Planning and work organisation
  •  Analysis and problem solving
  •  Concern for quality
  •  Results orientation
  •  Teamwork and co-operation
  •  Initiative
  •  Drafting skills
  •  Communication

These would be an asset:

  •  Professional and technical expertise:

- specific knowledge of and experience with Council of Europe standards and monitoring mechanisms in the field of asylum, migration and displacement issues
- experience in Council of Europe and/or other international standard-setting or monitoring organisations in the field of asylum, migration and displacement or related cooperation mechanisms;

  •  Adaptability
  •  Creativity and innovation
  •  Negotiation
  •  Vision and Strategic Insight

What we offer

If successful, you may be offered employment based on temporary contract at grade B5. You will receive a basic monthly gross salary of € 1569.46 which is exempt from national income tax. This salary may be supplemented by other allowances depending on your personal situation and you will be affiliated to a Council of Europe pension scheme. You will also benefit from private medical insurance, 32 working days leave per year and other benefits (including flexible working hours, training and development, possibility of teleworking, etc.).

Applications and selection procedure

Deadline for applications is 24 October 2022 (midnight French time). Applications must be made in English or French using the Council of Europe online application system. By connecting to our website www.coe.int/jobs you can create and submit your online application. Please fill out the online application 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 in an application form, so please take this information into consideration while applying.