Project Officer Safety of Journalists Collapse

Free Press Unlimited is currently looking for a Project Officer with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa (32-38 hours/week) – Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (remote work is not possible for this position).

Please note: Candidates must have a valid residence and work permit for the Netherlands to be considered.
Starting date: As soon as possible

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.

In recent years, hostility towards the media has escalated, increasing risks for journalists worldwide. When media professionals cannot work safely, society loses vital watchdogs who expose injustice and report on conflicts.

Our Safety Team works globally to protect journalists by providing emergency and legal support through the Reporters Respond programme. We focus on prevention by advocating for safer environments and facilitating regional safety meetings. We address physical, mental, legal, and digital safety. Additionally, we place particular emphasis on gender-related issues.

What you will do:

As a Project Officer for Safety & Security, you will play a key role in supporting journalists at risk and contributing to effective safety efforts.

Your core responsibilities:

Providing urgent emergency assistance to journalists in distress from Sub Sahara Africa through our Reporters Respond programme;
Organising project-related gatherings, meetings and visits in the Netherlands and abroad, including arranging necessary logistics and facilities in coordination with the Programme lead;
Building and maintaining relationships with local partners and expanding the network (with a focus on Sub Sahara Africa);
Specialist knowledge and experience in digital safety and/or mental health and psychological care is considered a significant advantage.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a passionate and culturally sensitive Project Officer with strong organisational skills and a hands-on mentality. You are independent, confident, and able to set priorities in a dynamic environment.

In addition the following requirements apply:

Higher professional education (HBO) level of thinking and working;
Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the human rights or NGO sector, preferably within international programmes;
Proven knowledge of journalism, media development, and/or safety-related issues affecting media actors;
Proven track record of working with partners in Sub Sahara Africa;
Strong coordination skills to liaise with in-country partners and protection actors;
Track record in MHPSS initiatives and / or digital security issues;
Excellent verbal and written command of English and French;
Proactive, flexible, and resilient, able to work under pressure.
Familiarity with digital safety and/or mental health and psychological care is an advantage;
Experience with organising logistics for events or meetings, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

Key competencies

Analytical and detail-oriented;
Well-organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks;
Adaptable and able to learn quickly;
Strong communication skills, including sensitive communication with individuals under distress;
Effective networker and stakeholder manager;
Result-driven mindset.

What we offer:

We offer you the opportunity to make a real impact by contributing to press freedom and safety for journalists. You will work in an exciting and challenging international working environment of around 50 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;
This is a medior-level position with a gross monthly salary between €3,400 and €4,000, depending on experience (based on full-time employment).
8% holiday allowance;
An excellent pension scheme;
25 days of paid leave per year;
Vitality allowance;
Fresh fruit at the workplace
Two additional public holidays that are important to you
Laptop and mobile phone;
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 August 22, 2025 to Tamara Lunacek (HR Officer) via vacancies@freepressunlimited.org.

For questions about the content of the position, you can contact Ruth de Vries, Director of Operations at devries[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 screening will be part of the selection process.