Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries Program Officer

Magnus is seeking a dynamic individual to become Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries Program Officer with our partner, Helvetas . In this role, you will manage program activities, partnerships, and implementing partners in the EaP countries (Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova), ensuring compliance and providing essential support to the EaP regional manager.

About Helvetas
Helvetas is an organization specializing in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Their vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

About Magnus
Founded in 2019 in Armenia, Magnus is an HR & Recruitment agency that assists businesses and job seekers. Only in 2023, our Business wing connected over 100 companies with talented individuals and helped 111 professionals to embrace new careers. Currently, we are collaborating with Helvetas to support their recruitment efforts for the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries Program Officer role.

About you
You are a strategic, communicative, detail-oriented, and adaptable professional, perfectly suited to handle the following 3 key performance objectives:

1. Management and support of two Implementing Partners (IPs): Ensure effective oversight, technical assistance, and compliance for two Implementing Partners and regional projects.
2. Integration of EaP portfolio into knowledge management and learning processes: Enhance program knowledge management and learning processes by integrating activities from EaP countries.
3. Compliance and support for EaP program administration: Ensure adherence to program rules and effectively support program administration.

About the role
1. Management and support of two Implementing Partners (IPs):

• Oversee the work of Implementation Partners through regular exchanges and direct collaboration in accordance with the Partnership Agreements entered with these organizations. Provide technical assistance, capacity building, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Oversee contract and agreement management to ensure all parties fulfill their obligations.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the work of Implementation Partners, Track the progress of IPs and regional projects to ensure milestones, timelines, and quality standards are met. Develop and implement risk management strategies, providing feedback and guidance for continuous improvement. Prepare and present reports on project outcomes and impact to senior management, donors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication channels between IPs, regional projects, and stakeholders. Foster strong relationships and partnerships that align with project objectives and contribute to overall success. Share best practices, lessons learned, and relevant information to enhance collaboration.
• Provide backstopping support to Implementing Partners in the application of an MSD approach and related tools and coordinate additional technical inputs by internal and external resource persons.  
• Support IPs in the planning and allocation of resources, including financial management, to ensure projects stay within budget. Support strategic planning and development by identifying opportunities for growth and alignment with organizational goals.
• Regularly coordinate with RECONOMY EaP hub Program officers to ensure quality in the implementation of the Program Facilitation Unit (PFU) led project “Circular Business Models and Resource Efficiency for Competitiveness and Growth of the Textile & Apparel Sector” in the EaP to ensure achievement of objectives, to obtain, analyze, and update on country developments – potential challenges/ risks and opportunities.

2. Integration of EaP portfolio into knowledge management and learning processes:

• Coordinate necessary monitoring activities (research, capacity building, backstopping, data collection etc.) in EaP countries with the program’s EaP hub MRM/KML Officer in line with RECONOMY’s MRM manual and requirements, providing evidence for steering, reporting and learning purposes. 
• Coordinate necessary activities for knowledge management and learning in EaP countries with the program’s EaP hub MRM/KML Officer and in line with RECONOMY’s KML strategy, linking activities in EaP countries to the program’s and Helvetas overall KML to ensure the regional value addition.  
• Ensure synergies and regular updates of information related to the emerging economic and political developments in EaP countries and provide advice for new entry points in line with the overall Helvetas goals and strategy. 

3. Compliance and support for EaP program administration:

• Monitor compliance of engaged system actors as well as Implementing Partners with rules and processes laid out in the Partnership Agreements and coordinate necessary activities with the EaP countries regional manager and Program Administrative Manager.  
• Plan and co-organize different workshops, events & study trips. 
• Contribute to the report’s development at all levels. 
  
  

Mandatory Requirements: 

• Degree in economics, business management and administration or related
• Project management practical experience (practical experience/knowledge of MSD approach would be a big plus)
• Some experience/knowledge of the Textile sector (familiarity with the resource efficiency & circular economy in the textile sector would be a big plus)
• Understanding key trends in the Eastern Partnership region
• Experience in working with associations (in at least two countries)
• Professional linkages and nexus in EaP countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine)
• Facilitation skills – to establish linkages between relevant stakeholders/market actors
• Coordination skills – to coordinate activities of partner organizations (contracted market actors)
• Analytical skills – ability to explore assessments/analyses necessary to the project
• Writing skills – to develop ToRs for assessment/analyses, develop monthly updates and reports
• Understanding of the essence of the “Business Model”
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Good knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring and controlling
• Ability to travel frequently
• Ability to work in a diverse team
• Ability to adapt to new environment
• Goals and results-oriented
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Organizational skills
• Time management skills
• Proficiency in English 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Residency of one of the following countries: Georgia/Armenia/Moldova

Optional Requirements:

• The Project Management Professional (PMP) or any other related certificate
• Understanding and experience in Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM)
• Understanding and experience in Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI)
• Understanding and experience in Environment & Climate Change (ECC)
• Effective leadership skills
• Proficiency in one of the following languages: Armenian, Moldovan, Georgian, or Russian.

Hiring stages:
1) Initial phone screening: A 30-minute call with Eliz Melkonyan from Magnus to explore your career background, and assess your enthusiasm for the role. This is your opportunity to learn more about us and for us to understand your potential fit.
2) Professional interview: A comprehensive interview with key company representatives. This stage is designed to dive deeper into your skills and experiences, and to see how well you align with our company’s vision and culture. The interview will be held in English. 
3) Offer negotiations and final offer: Once we’ve mutually confirmed the fit, we will discuss the terms and conditions, leading to an official offer. This is where we ensure that our partnership begins on the right foot with clear and agreeable terms.

How to Apply:
Before applying, please consider the following prerequisites:

1. Ability to travel frequently.
2. Understanding of key trends in the Eastern Partnership region.
3. Experience working with associations in at least 2 countries.
4. Professional connections in Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine).
5. Residence in either Georgia, Armenia, or Moldova.

The expected starting date is October 1st, 2024, or upon agreement.
To apply for the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries Program Officer position, please follow these mandatory steps:

1. Send your CV to info@magnus-hr.com with "Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries Program Officer" in the subject line.
2. Fill out the following Form to answer several quick questions to simplify and expedite your application process.

 Both actions are required for your application to be considered.

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We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the team!