ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Come join a team of dynamic colleagues and partners who are passionate about promoting digital rights and Internet freedom in Serbia! Internews is seeking a Project Director to support a 4-year, USAID-funded project focused on advancing digital democracy in Serbia. The Project Director will lead all aspects of program implementation, including overseeing the budget, project timelines, and deliverables. In addition to ensuring overall compliance with Internews’ policies and funder requirements, the Project Director will also supervise project staff and maintain strong relationships with local partners and the USAID Mission. The Project Director will report to the Regional Director for Europe and Eurasia with thematic supervision from the leadership of the Global Internet & Technology Initiatives team.

LOGISTICS

This is a remote position, based in Serbia. Candidates must be based in Serbia and have work authorization in Serbia that does not require sponsorship from Internews.

Note: This position is contingent upon receipt of funding and donor approval; this position has an anticipated start date in August / September 2024.

This is a limited-duration position with an expected end date in September 2028.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

• Oversee all aspects of local implementation, including ensuring deliverables meet the project requirements and all timelines are met.
• Ensure that all aspects of project implementation (contracts, subgrants, events, etc.) comply with Internews’ policies and funder requirements.
• Supervise project staff, potentially to include a Program Officer and a number of part-time staff.
• Maintain clear, consistent, and open communication with headquarters in Washington, DC across regional and thematic departments relevant to the project’s scope.
• Track project budget, including monthly spending and regular forecasting.
• Coordinate work with all project partners, ensuring clarity of roles, clear and secure communications, and the harmonization of activity plans.
• Maintain strong and positive relationships with donor representatives in Serbia and other USAID activities focused on civil society, rule of law, media, and government accountability.
• Work closely with the donor and project partners to adapt implementation to changing circumstances in the operating environment.
• Support engagement with government counterparts, civil society, media, women’s organizations, the private sector, academia, think tanks, and regional and multilateral organizations.
• Ensure strong project communications that effectively demonstrate project impact, including overseeing quarterly reports, project updates, success stories, etc.
• Keep up to date on local, regional, and international news related to Internet freedom, digital democracy, AI, tech-facilitated gender-based violence, and surveillance.
• In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience, including 5 years’ experience in successfully managing projects funded by major international donors in relevant thematic areas (advocacy, civil society, human rights, media development, internet freedom, digital rights, etc.).
• At least two years of experience in senior management roles.
• University degree OR equivalent lived/professional experience.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) and working proficiency in Serbian (written and spoken).
• Excellent English-language written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build consensus among various (and sometimes competing) stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local civil society ecosystem, including stakeholders and other relevant actors.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple ongoing assignments.
• Ability and willingness to travel within and outside Serbia.
• Optimism, a sense of humor, and excitement about supporting and elevating the voices of people across the globe to effect positive change.
• Proficiency in MS Office.

Preferred

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but who are interested and wiling to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• Previous experience leading donor-funded projects.
• Firsthand knowledge in the fields of Internet freedom and digital rights, and/or experience managing programs focused on support in these areas.

This position is being offered and hired by Internews Network. Benefits will be consistent with Internews Network’s offerings and will be reviewed during the hiring process. Additional information can be found on our Benefits page.

Internews Network is an EEO/AAP/OFCCP employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. Internews does not discriminate based on race, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.