\nProject Officer – LIFE FAIRTHRIVE Project (EC Funding)
\nOVERVIEW
\n
Fairtrade changes the way trade works by putting farmers and workers first. That means better prices, decent working conditions and more trade power for small-scale producers.
\nFairtrade International is an independent non-profit organization representing 1.8 million farmers and workers worldwide. Leading by example, Fairtrade has producers represented in 50% of its governance. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered certification mark appearing on more than 30,000 products, which is the most recognized and trusted sustainability label in the world. Fairtrade International and its member organizations collaborate with businesses, engage shoppers, activate civil society, and enable producers to take control in order to bring about a fair, sustainable future — a future rooted in social justice.
\nFairtrade International has secured a grant under the European Commission’s LIFE Programme for the LIFE FAIRTHRIVE Project, a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of companies, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in EU Member States, to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
\nThe project will be implemented in partnership with Fairtrade Germany, Fairtrade Finland, Fairtrade Belgium, Max Havelaar France, and Fairtrade Italy, coordinated by Fairtrade International. It will provide awareness-raising, training, and practical tools for companies to meet EUDR compliance requirements.
\nFairtrade International, as the project lead, is responsible for project management, financial oversight, compliance with EU funding rules, and monitoring and evaluation.
\nObjectives / purpose:
\nThe Project Officer (70% FTE) will play a key role in the coordination, financial and administrative management, and compliance of the LIFE FAIRTHRIVE Project with European Commission requirements. The post holder will take the lead in meeting reporting obligations towards the EC, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting the project's implementation. Specifically, the Project Officer will:
\nThe post holder will be responsible for the following:
\nProject Management and Coordination
\n• Work with implementing partners to provide technical direction of the project, ensuring quality and timely delivery of milestones.
\n• Support the setup and management of internal project management tools, the Consortium Steering Committee, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) mechanisms.
\n• Lead the coordination of the project’s kick off meeting and further trainings for implementing partners on donor compliance requirements.
\n• Coordinate and contribute to regular project coordination meetings.
\n• Assist in fostering synergies with other complementary EU projects.
\nFinancial and Administrative Management (together with the project’s assigned Finance Manager)
\n• Support financial oversight to ensure the project adheres to EC LIFE programme regulations.
\n• Assist in coordinating financial reporting in close collaboration with the Finance Unit.
\n• Ensure accurate and timely submission of narrative and financial reports to the European Commission.
\n• Assist in ensuring compliance with EC financial and administrative procedures.
\n• Help identify and mitigate financial and operational risks associated with the project.
\nMonitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) (together with the Global Impact Team)
\n• Support the implementation of MEL processes to track project outcomes, assess impact, and apply lessons learned.
\n• Work with MEL experts to analyse project data and identify improvements.
\nStakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
\nAct as the point of contact for the European Commission and consortium partners.
\nSupport capacity-building activities to train project partners on compliance and grant management.
\nAssist in organizing consortium meetings, webinars, and learning exchanges.
\nVisibility and Communication
\n• Support compliance with EC visibility and communication requirements.
\n• Assist in the development of project communications materials, such as case studies and reports.
\n• Maintain a dedicated project page on the Fairtrade Impact Map platform.
\n• Assist in participating in external events and industry platforms to promote the project.
\nOther Responsibilities
\nProvide up-to-date reports on the project for staff, management, and the Booard
\nTravel as required.
\nSupport other duties and tasks as required, consistent with the skills and expertise of the role.
\nLevel of education
\nUniversity degree in development, business, international relations or comparable qualifications
\nKnowledge / Job Specific Competencies (E= Essential; D=Desirable):
\nProfessional Skills
\nPersonal Qualities
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