Project Officer Media in Conflict Collapse

Please note: Candidates must have a valid residence and work permit for the Netherlands to be considered.

Starting date: As soon as possible

Who we are

Free Press Unlimited’s mission is to ensure that independent news and independent information are available and remain accessible to everyone, especially to people living in countries where (press) freedom is absent or restricted. By supporting local media professionals and journalists, Free Press Unlimited helps ensure that people have continued access to the information they need to survive and to develop. Free Press Unlimited aims to create and expand freedom of expression by promoting press freedom and media diversity.

As Project Officer, you will provide substantive, organisational, and administrative support to international media development projects in the MENA region. Working closely with the Thematic Programme Lead, you contribute to the implementation, monitoring, and adjustment of project activities, ensuring they align with strategic goals and meet the needs of partners. Your role covers logistical and financial coordination, as well as actively supporting project delivery and impact.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Support the Thematic Programme Lead in preparing and drafting project proposals. Help design Theory of Change and strategic goals. Draft advocacy and communication content and tools.
• Gather project impact evidence and data for positive change via lobby and advocacy initiatives (including existing policies, research, literature to substantiate advice and recommendations)
• Maintaining effective and trust-based relationships with local and international partners
• Develop and manage contracts with donors, partners and service providers.
• Organise and coordinate project-related logistics, including meetings, travel, visas, and accommodation.
• Coordinate financial and narrative reporting processes, including drafting reports and monitoring project budgets.
• Maintain project documentation and files, and contribute to evaluations and audits.
• Coordinate external providers (e.g. trainers, interpreters) where necessary.
• Provide input to improve internal processes and efficiency, including input into the Thematic Programme of access to reliable information in violent and pol-economy complex context

What we are looking for 

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

In addition the following requirements apply:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in a similar role, preferably in an international context. Affinity and experience working in the MENA is an asset
• Strong versatility and experience in advocacy and outreach, a dynamic, go-getter attitude, and strong skills in drafting texts, advising on angles, and engaging target audiences.
• Fluency in Arabic (spoken, written, and reading) is required, including the ability to provide informal interpretation during meetings. English is the working language; French is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in project management
• Experience in partner management, including maintaining effective communication and collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Proven experience with budget monitoring and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of and affinity with media development, journalism or freedom of expression.
• Experience in independently leading and executing projects, not limited to support roles.
• Proactive, collaborative and solution-oriented.
• Experience with organising logistics for events or meetings, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

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 50 active committed 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.

We provide:

• A one-year contract, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding.
• A gross monthly salary between €4,300 and €4,900, depending on experience (based on full-time employment).
• 8% holiday allowance;
• An excellent pension scheme;
• 25 days of paid leave per year;
• A vitality allowance;
• Fresh fruit at the workplace;
• Two additional public holidays that are important to you;
• Laptop; 
• Reimbursement of travel and home office expenses.
   

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 March 26, 2026 to Tamara Lunacek (HR Officer) via vacancies@freepressunlimited.org. 

For questions about the content of the position, you can contact the Programme Lead at plebani[at]freepressunlimited.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close the vacancy before the stated closing date if we have received a sufficient number of suitable applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible!

Free Press Unlimited values diversity and aims to be an inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcome and respected. We believe that our differences strengthen our work, drive innovation, and improve results. We therefore encourage all candidates to apply.

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

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