Project Officer - Support - SAFE (w/m/d) --- limited contract

The Support and Assistance for Free Expression (SAFE) project builds on the Voices of Ukraine programme launched by ECPMF in 2022 under the Hannah-Arendt-Initiative in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
SAFE addresses the growing risks faced by journalists and independent media not only in Ukraine but also in four neighbouring countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova, working across five countries in total where media workers operate under conditions of war, repression, or increasing authoritarian pressure. The programme combines rapid emergency assistance with medium-term measures to strengthen safety, well-being, and professional sustainability of journalists. Its components include emergency financial and technical support, psychological support, insurance and hostile environment training, tailored trainings, advocacy and communication activities, and residency programmes. Through this multi-component approach, SAFE enables journalists and media organisations to continue their work as a key pillar of democratic resilience across the region.
The Women in Investigative Journalism project promotes the professional growth, visibility, and cross-border collaboration of women and non-binary journalists in Ukraine, whose mobility, access to international networks, and opportunities for collaboration are limited by the ongoing war. It strengthens the role of women in inclusive and independent investigative journalism in Ukraine through a study and exchange program with colleagues from Eastern Partnership countries, Germany, and other EU member states. This includes a study trip, training sessions, plug-ins, and participation in national and international events. These activities aim to strengthen media pluralism and resilience against disinformation in Ukraine. By promoting cross-border dialogue, rapprochement, cooperation, and visibility, the project empowers female reporters to assume leadership roles, strengthen their professional resilience, and contribute to gender-equitable and ethical journalism.

The Project Officer will implement ECPMF’s emergency response mechanisms under the SAFE project, with a primary focus on the Emergency Fund and the Psychological Support Fund. The role involves delivering timely, needs-based support to journalists and media workers at risk, including emergency financial assistance, safety-related support, and access to individual psychological care in the focus countries.
As these components are newly introduced within the SAFE framework, the Officer will work closely with the ECPMF team to support the establishment and gradual operationalisation of the emergency and psychological support mechanisms, including the development of workflows, coordination procedures, and implementation tools.
The Officer will work as part of the SAFE core team, in close cooperation with the Programme Coordinator and the Event & Engagement Manager, and will collaborate closely with communications and reporting functions to ensure coherent implementation, visibility where appropriate, and accurate documentation of activities and results.
The Officer will support the implementation of training grants under the Emergency Support Scheme, facilitating access to tailored trainings that strengthen journalists’ skills, safety, well-being, and professional resilience. The role includes contributing to case assessment, documentation, monitoring, and reporting, as well as supporting the strengthening and expansion of partnerships, including collaboration with new trusted organisations alongside existing partners, to ensure effective and accountable delivery of support.
In addition, the officer is expected to assist the team of Women in Investigative Journalism project in helping organise a study tour for Ukrainian journalists in Germany and neighbouring countries and to support communication activities.

• A degree in a socio-political subject (political science, communication science, media studies, law, human rights) or equivalent educational programme.
• At least 3 years experience in NGOs, civil society organisations, or governmental institutions implementing support or assistance programmes
• Keen understanding of the journalism landscape in the Eastern Neighbourhood Partner countries  (i.e. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine)., including political, legal, and security challenges faced by journalists and media workers.
• Ability to assess emergency support needs in a journalism context, balancing urgency, fairness, and sustainability.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to liaise effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Experience coordinating planning and dissemination of calls for applications, updates, and other fund-related communications.
• Ability to manage several activities at the same time in dynamic working environments.
• Familiarity with grant management, case management, or support mechanisms.
• Familiarity with event management.
• Intercultural sensitivity and keenness to work with people from different cultural backgrounds.

You are:

• Based in Berlin or Leipzig.
• Fluent in English. A working knowledge of German, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Georgian, Moldovan, and Ukrainian are an advantage.
• Well-organised, curious, a fast learner and proactive team player.
• Willing to travel for work.