Deputy Head of the East European Program (Focus on Ukraine and Moldova)

Location: Prague (with work-related trips abroad)
Starting date: As soon as possible
Type of contract: Full-time
Duration: one year (with the possibility of an extension)
Salary: 58 000 - 61 000 CZK

The primary goal of People in Need's Centre for Human Rights and Democracy is to support civil society actors - individuals, grassroots initiatives, informal movements and established organizations, independent media and journalists - in their efforts to defend freedom and human rights. The East European Program is currently focusing on support of civil society in countries of Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. The main programmatic focus includes:

• Capacity development: we support our partners to identify their capacity gaps and respond to these needs, tailoring our interventions to their specific requirements. We use a trauma-informed methodology that centres resilience at the heart of our holistic capacity development program.
• Protection: we seek to safeguard civil society actors to support their safety, well-being, and continued ability to carry out their work effectively.
• Advocacy: we amplify the voices of local actors and advocate for increased protection civil society actors on the international stage.

We are looking for a Deputy Head of the East European Program who will help further develop our flagship programs supporting civil society and media in Ukraine and Moldova, as well as contribute to the Centre’s work in other program countries. You’ll work closely with the Head of Program and Team Leads of the Moldova and Ukraine teams to shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and guide fundraising and advocacy initiatives. We’re seeking someone who understands the regional context, brings hands-on experience supporting civil society and/or independent media in complex environments, and shares our conviction that local actors and their real needs should be at the center of this work. If you’re passionate about defending democratic rights and freedoms, comfortable navigating institutional fundraising, and thrive in collaborative leadership, this could be the role for you.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic planning: works closely with the Team Leads to continuously update country strategies and approaches based on evolving contexts, needs and resources.
• Fundraising: leads the fundraising efforts for the Moldova and Ukraine portfolios. Helps shape and communicate the Centre’s vision for the programs, maintains relationships with strategic partners, key institutional and private donors. Takes part in identifying relevant funding opportunities and developing grant proposals.
• Representation, networking and advocacy: represents the Centre at relevant conferences, public forums, and strategic meetings; engages with key advocacy and protection networks that PIN is part of; provides conceptual inputs for the Centre’s advocacy events and initiatives.
• Team management and capacity development: directly manages the Team Leads for Moldova and Ukraine and provides overall leadership and support to the Moldova and Ukraine teams. Fosters a positive and productive work environment, encouraging professional development, team collaboration and learning.
• Financial and operational oversight: works closely with the finance team to ensure sound financial management, compliance with donor regulations, and strategic resource allocation.
• Organizational coordination: regularly engages with the teams responsible for other regional and global programs, monitoring and evaluation, media and comms, systems and operations, to ensure smooth cooperation, visibility and learning.
• Provides back-up or substitution for the Head of Program when needed.

SUITABLE CANDIDATES SHOULD POSSESS:

• University degree in international affairs, political science, human rights, law, development, business administration or a related field
• Fluency in English. Native or non-native knowledge of Ukrainian, Romanian and/or Czech constitutes a strong advantage
• At least five years of experience at national or international level in civil society, human rights, media, good governance or democracy support, including at least two years of management experience
• Good understanding of political issues and trends in Eastern European region, with focus on Ukraine and Moldova. Familiarity with the South Caucasus region constitutes an advantage.
• Experience with institutional fundraising, especially the EU institutions
• A solid grasp of donor expectations, project cycles, and narrative reporting
• Experience with networking and representation; availability to travel (on average once a month) to the region and within the EU to liaise with partners and donors
• Excellent organizational and communicational skills
• Ability to effectively manage time and handle multiple assignments
• Ability to work well under pressure and react quickly in emergency situations
• Conceptual thinking and reliability
• Proven ability to work both independently and as an effective team member

PEOPLE IN NEED OFFERS:

• Possibility to work in a well-established NGO with an international outreach
• Interesting and meaningful job in a team of experienced and highly motivated people
• Space for personal development, growth and building a professional nework
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home
• Team supervisions and individual psychosocial support for staff
• Monthly gross remuneration ranging between 58 000 CZK and 61 000 CZK
• 25 days of paid leave per year
• Contract for one year with the possibility of an extension (depending on funding)
• Work-related trips abroad