Project Officer , Kids News Network

For most people around the world, access to reliable information is by no means a matter of course. Nevertheless, everyone needs impartial information. So that they can assess their own situation and influence it. If you don’t know what’s going on around you, how can you make the right decisions?

Free Press Unlimited works to ensure that reliable news and information are and remain available to people across the globe. Particularly people in countries where there is little to no press freedom. By supporting local media professionals and journalists, Free Press Unlimited helps to enable as many people as possible to gain and keep access to the information they require to survive and develop.

We are looking for a Project Officer with the main focus on Kids News Network. The projects are part of the department for Media Development and will work closely together with two Program Coordinators. Programme Coordinators and Project Officers are part of a team headed by a Team-leader. Staff members are ready to assist and replace others in case of emergency or absence.

Purpose of the job

Free Press Unlimited is expanding its activities related to the Kids News Network. The focus of the work lies in supporting TV channels and production companies in the South with the production of a Kids news TV program. The support to these 10-12 partner organisations concerns financial support as well as training and advice. They deliver content for the bi-weekly World Kids News program. The support aims a quality improvement of the news journals and financial self sustainability of the programs.

Main tasks and functions

• Supports programme coordinators in planning, organization and execution of projects and solicits the assistance of external consultants/trainers when required, within the financial-quality framework set by management;
• Monitors the progress and execution of project activities and reports delays and changes;
• Contributes to the periodic reporting to the different funding organisations
• Support to the production of World Kids News
• Monitors the quality of kids news programmes and gives feedback to partners
• Coordination of the elaboration of a training manual and an audience measurement tool for the Kids News Network
• Responsible for external communication contributions, web texts and updating project information on the www.kidsnewsnetwork.nl website and social media.
• Supports programme coordinators in the design of new project proposals;
• On request of programme coordinators executes contracts and agreements with consultants, business partners and partner organizations;
• On request of programme coordinators handles communication connected to acquisition, preparation, execution and termination of projects.;
• Plans and organizes meetings and visits within the framework of projects, in the Netherlands or abroad and arranges all necessary facilities upon request:
• Arranges travel, lodging and insurances for staff involved with project activities and investigates quality and service charges;
• Prepares data for (external) evaluation and surveying of project results and finances;
• Updates and monitors all project related data including contact and contract data and timelines;
• Follows and studies relevant developments in the area of interest including new research.

Required skills and experience

• You have a college degree or BA in a relevant academic field or equivalent relevant work experience.

• You have a minimum of 3 years experience in support functions, preferably in an international environment;
• You have experience with gathering data and assessing and prioritising complex sets of information and data;
• You have logistical experience organizing events & activities preferably in the Netherlands & Abroad;
• You have experience in the field of media, education and sustainable development;
• You have excellent communication skills and fluent command of Dutch and English;

• Additional languages especially Spanish is an asset (or Portuguese, Russian, Arabic or Hindi)

Terms and conditions

Free Press Unlimited will contract the employee according to Dutch labour legislation. The project has secured funds for four years. Selected candidates will receive first a full-time contract for six months with possibility of extension based on performance. Free Press Unlimited aims to start the position as soon as possible. Salary according to Free Press Unlimited salary scale with a minimum of € 2.389,-- and a maximum of € 3.584,-- gross per month based on 38 hours per week (full time). Additional allowances and insurances for the local situation are part of the employment.

Application procedure

If you are interested please send your application including a motivation letter and curriculum vitae to the Director of Free Press Unlimited atvacancies[AT]freepressunlimited.orgbefore June 9^th2013.Refer to 'Project Officer Kids News Network'. For more informationyou can ask Ms Chermene Fisser, +31 20 8000 469 or by email fisser[AT]freepressunlimited.org