Project Officer Safety of Journalists

The Safety team is currently looking for a Project Officer, with a focus on the MENA region (32-38 hours a week).

Access to information, independent media and freedom of expression are crucial to citizens and social organisations that want to combat poverty and inequality in their society. By reporting independently, and making public debate possible, independent media can contribute to positive change in their society. Free Press Unlimited offers worldwide support to journalists and media professionals through its advocacy work, emergency assistance, advice, trainings, capacity building and awareness raising.

Over the past years, the hostility towards the media has led to an unprecedented level of danger for journalists. When media professionals are unable to do their work without risking harm, they will be unable to function as society’s watchdogs; to expose crimes and injustice; and to provide reliable information and independent news to the public.

The Safety team of Free Press Unlimited works towards a safer environment for journalists globally. We provide emergency and legal assistance to journalists and media in distress through our Reporters Respond programme. In addition we work on the prevention and protection of media workers through advocacy for a better enabling environment and through regional safety meetings where knowledge is shared and networks are strengthened.

Now we are looking for a passionate Project Officer focusing on the MENA region (knowledge of the Arabic language is a must) to strengthen the team . Starting date: As soon as possible. The position is based in the Amsterdam office.

What you will do

• Provide urgent emergency assistance to journalists in distress;
• Develop and maintain partner relationships and strengthen the network;
• Continuously expand your expertise on safety trends in Asia or the MENA region;
• Support with the planning, organisation, reporting (financial and narrative) and responsible for the implementation of projects;
• Develop learning and knowledge products based on our safety support;
• Support in the design of project proposals;
• Develop contracts and agreements with donors, service providers and partner organisations.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a passionate Project Officer, with appropriate sensitivity for cultural differences. Our ideal candidate is independent, self-confident, and decisive, has strong organisational skills and the ability to keep an overview and set priorities.

In addition the following requirements apply:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in similar programs in the human rights and NGO sector;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Excellent knowledge of Arabic is a must;
• Proactive and flexible;
• Resilient and able to work under pressure;
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills, ability to create new and nurture established relationships with multiple stakeholders;
• Knowledge and experience in project management;
• High level of integrity and accountability;
• Eligibility to work in the EU.

What we offer

We offer you the opportunity to contribute to a special mission. You will work in an exciting and challenging international working environment of 70 colleagues who work both from home and in a nice office in the heart of Amsterdam. We are curious about your talents and your social drive to work with us on our mission.

In addition we offer:

• An employment contract for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding;
• Depending on your expertise and experience, the salary is a minimum of EUR 3,500 and a maximum of EUR 4,800 gross per month based on a full-time employment;
• 8% holiday allowance;
• Excellent pension scheme;
• 25 days of leave per year;
• Vitality allowance;
• A good work-life balance; e.g. exchange national holidays for your own important ones;
• Laptop and phone;
• Compensation for travel and work from home costs. 

Interested?

Then we would love to hear from you! Please apply by sending your English CV and short cover letter (both in PDF format) no later than February 10 to Tamara Lunacek (HR Officer) at lunacek[at]freepressunlimited.org

For questions about the position you can contact Peter Heintze, Team leader at heintze[at]freepressunlimited.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date.

Free Press Unlimited is an organisation that upholds the importance of diversity, and where everyone feels welcome and appreciated. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better organisation - one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better results. That is why we encourage everyone to apply.

An assessment and screening will be part of the selection process.

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