JOB VACANCY – PROJECT COORDINATOR AND RESEARCHER

Balkan Green Foundation (BGF) is a regional organization established to advocate and promote sustainable development in the Western Balkans, specifically concentrating on a number of key topics such as sustainable economic development, environmental protection, energy development, and climate change.

Position description:

The Balkan Green Foundation (BGF) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Coordinator and Researcher to join our team in our Prishtina office. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable development initiatives across the Western Balkans, focusing on key areas such as environmental protection, energy development, and climate change.

As Project Coordinator and Researcher, will manage projects that advance BGF’s mission to promote the green transition in the region. The position requires a combination of project management expertise and in-depth research capabilities, allowing you to oversee and support project activities while also conducting data-driven research to provide evidence-based insights that inform policy and practice.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• ​ Oversee the overall implementation of projects, ensuring progress aligns with the annual work plan, log frame, and budget.
• ​ Coordinate project activities and services, ensuring smooth execution of tasks and collaboration with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders.
• ​ Monitor project progress to ensure compliance with donor requirements, coordinating closely with stakeholders, local communities, and project partners to facilitate effective operations.
• ​ Ensure project objectives and targets are met as outlined, using predefined indicators to assess progress and impact.
• ​ Take financial responsibility for project implementation, ensuring adherence to donor guidelines and proper budget management.
• ​ Track project budgets, manage funding allocations, and monitor spending to ensure efficient use of resources.
• ​ Prepare, update, and submit work plans and progress reports (monthly, quarterly, annually), working closely with partners and ensuring timely reporting to donors.
• ​ Notify donors promptly of any events or challenges that could impact project implementation, providing solutions where necessary.
• ​ Maintain official project records and ensure compliance with donor rules and regulations, national laws, and international best practices.
• ​ Ensure all documentation related to narrative reports, budget spending, and procurement complies with donor requirements.

Research:

• ​ Conduct rigorous research and analysis on topics related to sustainable development, energy, decarbonization, climate resilience, and environmental protection.
• ​ Author and co-author research publications such as working papers, policy briefings, case studies, and blogs to advance the foundation’s knowledge-sharing efforts.
• ​ Provide evidence-based recommendations to inform policy, strategies, and practices for stakeholders across the region.

Fundraising:

• ​ Actively contribute to fundraising efforts by identifying potential funding sources, preparing proposals, and establishing relationships with potential donors.
• ​ Assist in developing fundraising strategies that align with BGF’s goals and mission, while ensuring the sustainability of ongoing projects.

Communications & Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• ​ Draft project-related content, including reports, blog posts, and social media updates to raise awareness of BGF’s projects and promote knowledge sharing.
• ​ Assess project progress, document achievements, and identify key lessons learned for future initiatives.
• ​ Organize, facilitate, and participate in meetings, workshops, conferences, and events to promote BGF’s work and deliver research findings.

Additional Responsibilities:

• ​ Perform other duties as required by the supervisor to support the organisation’s objectives and ensure project success.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

• ​ A university degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration, Economics, Management, or a related field is required. A BSc/MSc in energy or environmental policy is an advantage.

Experience:

• ​ At least three years of experience in project coordination, implementation, and evaluation, preferably within civil society organizations or sustainability-focused initiatives.
• ​ Proven experience in managing the full project cycle, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
• ​ Demonstrated experience in research, data analysis, and publication.

Knowledge & Expertise:

• ​ A solid understanding of sustainable development principles, green transition in Kosovo and the region, and environmental protection. Familiarity with concepts like energy systems, decarbonization efforts, climate resilience, and the circular economy is beneficial
• ​ Familiarity with donor requirements, budgeting, and financial management.
• ​ Expertise in the Western Balkan region’s sustainability challenges and opportunities is a plus.

Skills:

• ​ Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including public institutions, businesses, citizens, and NGOs, to foster collaboration and strategic partnerships.
• ​ Advocacy: Develop and implement advocacy initiatives to promote sustainable development and influence policy changes in the Western Balkans.
• ​ Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to lead diverse teams, develop work plans, and provide strategic guidance.
• ​ Excellent communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, partners, and donors.
• ​ Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, particularly in data analysis and impact assessment.
• ​ Self-driven, proactive, and able to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration with team members.
• ​ Ability to thrive under pressure and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• ​ Public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to represent BGF at external events and meetings.
• ​ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with other digital tools is an asset.
• ​ Proficiency in English and Albanian (written and verbal); knowledge of additional Western Balkan languages is a plus.

Application Process:

All interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1.​ A Cover letter (in English) outlining your qualifications, experience, and motivation for applying, and explaining how you meet the criteria listed above.

2.​ An updated CV (in English), which should include a section listing any relevant publications or research papers you have authored or contributed to.

Please send your application through the button “Apliko Këtu” or to [email protected] with the subject line ‘Application for Project Coordinator and Researcher’. The application deadline is 18 February 2025.

Equal Opportunity:

The Balkan Green Foundation offers equal opportunities to all individuals. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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