Terms of Reference
Background:
Founded in 2004 under the Macedonian law as a “civic association” (or an NGO) the Center for Research and Policy Making- CRPM engages in policy analysis, seeking to open the policy making process to citizens, improve laws, assess institutional capacities for their implementation as well as monitor and evaluate how much these policies are creating public value or are directed towards the “Europeanization” of Macedonia and the region.
CRPM regularly organizes forums, roundtables, and debates offering to policy makers “just-in-time” policy recommendations that are product of comprehensive policy research, well-argued and focused on Government actions on policy issues subject to the CRPM’s research interest. The research activities and analysis of CRPM’s team are followed with advocacy efforts that are fully aligned with the communication and advocacy strategy of the organization. Some of our policy proposals are being accepted by the government, while others, although there is an intense public discussion, are not. CRPM is ranked 42 among CEE and SEE on the Think Tank Index in 2020 and has received the PASOS think tank award in 2011, best policy study award in 2013 and the Japanese Medal for Outstanding Research in Development by the Global Development Network in 2016.
The organization has active portfolio of projects in 7 countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova and Serbia.
Job Position:
CRPM seeks for a dedicated individual that will assist in implementation of the activities within the Units for Human and Sustainable Development.
Program Officer that is competent in project cycle management and coordination, shares the gender equality and environmental values, is motivated to work with youth, have rich experience in working with CSO’s, is welcomed to join our team and contribute in realization of organization mission and vision. The individual will have an opportunity to work with a regional and diverse team of specialists from the region.
Main tasks and responsibilities of the Program Officer
The main responsibilities of the Program Officer include, but are not limited to:
- Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day project implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and program work-plans;
- Maintain program correspondence and communication;
- Keep project record, collect, register and maintain all information on project activities;
- Contribute to the preparation and implementation of progress reports;
- Assist in logistical organization of meetings, training and workshops; arrange field visits, and write minutes from the meetings;
- Prepare routine correspondence and memoranda for Program Manager/ Executive director’s signature;
- Receive, screen and distribute correspondence and attach necessary background information;
- Provide support to international and local consultants in the implementation of their tasks for the achievement of project results (communication, contracts, agenda, visas, hotel reservations, etc.);
- Maintain records on all program personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, time and attendance – if appropriate, etc.) in accordance with accepted policies and procedures;
- Prepare and issue contracts;
- Collect and process data
- Contribute to drafting project documents and reports and coordinate with CRPM Program Managers.
Financial and procurement responsibilities
- Assist in preparation of payment requests for grants;
- Support the preparations of project work-plans and operational and financial planning processes;
- Support the monitoring project activities, budget and financial expenditures and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions;
- Check financial and narrative reporting of the sub grantees in the program;
- Assist in preparing expenditure and program budget status reports;
- Assist in procurement and recruitment processes; assist the project manager in preparation of ToRs for the consultants / experts;
- In accordance with the Work Plan arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services;
- Ensure that contractual processes follow the stipulated CRPM manuals;
- Prepare financial reporting records and coordinate with CRPM Financial Manager.
Communication responsibilities
- Assist the program manager in drafting and production of media releases, brochures, media kits and other knowledge products and resource materials including distribution;
- Adapt the local/national communication materials, activities, processes and messages with regional ones;
- Content development for CRPMs web site and project(s) web site(s) and coordination of outreach activities through social media;
- Assist the communication officer in posting on CRPM (social) media;
- Contribute to communications activities for broader CRPM work program.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Necessary Qualifications:
- University degree in social, economics, business, administrative, philosophy studies, education studies, policy studies or similar fields;
- At least 2 years of experience in working on project cycle management and solid knowledge of all aspects of planning and implementing a project cycle;
- At least 2 years of experience working with donor funded projects in civil society sector;
- Excellent communication, presentation, organizational and writing skills;
- Understanding of the concept of gender equality and sustainable development;
- Experience in narrative and financial reporting;
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English;
- Advanced computer skills, especially MS Word, internet browsing, Ilustrator or MS Publisher and e-mail communication (knowledge of SPSS or STATA will be considered an advantage).
- Knowledge in Albanian will be considered an asset.
Values:
- The sensitivity of the target group requires high level of understanding, gender-sensitivity and use of the principle of non-discrimination.
- Multiculturalism and multicultural policies are pillars of CRPM values as an organization and thus are highly respected and nurtured. Any individual applying for this position should share them.
Competences
- Knowledge of all aspects of planning and implementing a project cycle;
- Excellent communication, presentation, organizational and writing skills;
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English;
- Knowledge of MS Office suite (knowledge of SPSS or STATA will be considered an advantage);
- Proactive, creative, solution-oriented person and team Work;
- Intercultural sensitivity and awareness is a must;
- Strong commitment to CRPM’s mission and values.
Application process:
Please send your CV and motivation letter to crpm@crpm.org.mk with the title “Application for Program Officer”, no later than 15.05.2023.
The application process in CRPM is competitive and goes through 3 phases: eligibility check, assignment/test, and interview.
The working language of the organization is English, but we communicate in Macedonian, Albanian and Serbian.
CRPM is equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. We encourage the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.
Contractual status:
All CRPM employees work on employment contracts with full benefits package.
Period of engagement: 3 months of probation period with possibility to extend to 48 months contract.
Gross salary is defined based on the qualification, experience and in accordance with the CRPM Salary policy and ranges between 36000 and 45000 MKD.
