JOB OPPORTUNITY : Programme Coordinator

Terms of Reference (ToR) – Programme Coordinator

• Project Name: Boost Democratic Participation in Cities to Recharge Democracy in Europe (DeCiDE)
• Organisation: Human Rights Cities Network (HRCN)
• Position Title: Programme Coordinator (Part-Time)
• Location: Remotely but being based in Brussels, Belgium, is considered as an asset for representation reasons. 
• Duration: From early February 2025 until the end of the project (31 August 2026)

Background

The DeCiDE project, funded under the CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values) Programme, aims to enhance urban democracy and human rights practices in Europe, through community participation in human rights monitoring and knowledge sharing between cities’ networks. This project will develop and pilot a practical monitoring tool to support the growth of human rights cities and promote meaningful citizen engagement. By fostering innovative governance, the project will ensure a stronger connection between citizen participation and policymaking, from the local to the EU level.

As a partner organisation in this project implemented together with the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM), the Human Rights Cities Network (HRCN) is seeking a part-time Project Coordinator to manage the project effectively. The coordinator will work closely with the lead organisation, other project partners (including 10 pilot cities), and stakeholders (representatives from local authorities, CSOs, academia, experts) to ensure the successful implementation of the project’s activities and objectives.

Key responsibilities

1-Project management and coordination

• Oversee the overall coordination and ensure implementation of the work packages under the responsibility of the HRCN within the DeCiDE project.
• Ensure compliance with the project’s objectives, timelines, and budget.
• Maintain regular communication with the team, external experts, the coordinating organisation (GPM) and other partners.
• Provide weekly updates and reports to the project’s coordination team.
• Ensure advocacy of the project. 
• Ensure complementarities with other activities, including other project proposals.
• Identification and management of external expertise according to the need.

2-Stakeholder engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between the HRCN and cities participating in the project.
• Facilitate collaboration with civil society organisations, local authorities and academia.
• Organise events, workshops, webinars and meetings with stakeholders to ensure effective participation and input.

3-Administrative and financial oversight

• Prepare and submit periodic technical and financial reports to the coordinating organisation.
• Monitor expenses to ensure adherence to the allocated budget for the HRCN activities.
• Support the preparation of project documentation and ensure proper record-keeping.

4-Communication and dissemination

• Ensure visibility of the project 
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of project outputs, such as publications, monitoring tools, and promotional materials.
• Represent the HRCN at project events and external forums, as required.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing communication materials, including press releases, newsletters, and social media posts.

Qualifications and skills

• A degree in a relevant field such as political science, human rights, public administration, or project management.
• At least 3 years of experience in project coordination, preferably within EU-funded initiatives.
• Familiarity with issues related to human rights, democracy, citizen engagement, and urban governance.
• Experience in monitoring tools and indicators. Experience in human rights monitoring is an asset.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in English (knowledge of French, Spanish or German is an advantage).
• Proficiency in MS Office and online collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom).
• Knowledge of the EU’s funding and reporting requirements is a plus.
• Team spirit, flexibility and autonomy are essential.

Working conditions

• This is a part-time position (estimated 20 hours per week) with a SMART contract.
• Working remotely and attending online meetings a few times per week depending on the activities. Being based in Brussels, Belgium, is considered as an asset for representation reasons. 
• The initial contract will run until the end of the project (August 31, 2026), with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
• Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience and in line with EU project funding guidelines.

Application process

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
2. A cover letter explaining their motivation and suitability for the role.
3. Contact details of two professional references.

Deadline for Applications: 10 January 2025
Applications should be sent by email to: hrcn@humanrightscities.net  with margarita.spasova@humanrightscities.net in copy

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. 

Starting date: early February 2025

Equal opportunity

The Human Rights Cities Network is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation.