Job Title: Project Manager
Seniority Level: Experienced (3+years of experience)
Type of employment: Full-time
Company: MedINA
Location: Athens-based / hybrid
About MedINA:
The Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA) was established in 2003 as a non-profit organization.
Our vision is a world where societies prosper in harmony with nature and our mission is to improve the wellbeing of local communities by conserving and protecting their natural resources and promoting their cultural heritage.
We address environmental issues in a holistic manner by implementing environmental interventions but also by recording and promoting cultural practices and traditions, and accounting for human welfare, providing opportunities for sustainable development. Our multidisciplinary staff come from the fields of ecology, environmental management, agronomy, planning, architecture, anthropology, archaeology, education, and others.
Our shared values are:
● Commitment: We are committed to our mission, aspiring to make the world a better place for all.
● Collaboration: We believe in collective action as a driver to bring change.
● Diversity: We believe that diversity of species and ecosystems, cultures and opinions, backgrounds and expertise make us better and stronger.
● Passion & Creativity: We love what we do. We’re excited and inspired by new ideas.
Main Purpose/Objective of the role:
We are looking for an experienced project manager who is passionate about transforming food systems and empowering rural communities, to join our Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Programme.
The project manager will have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in rural development and he/she will play a crucial role in providing expert guidance and support to our organisation and the communities we serve. Beyond his/her involvements in the diverse activities of the sustainable food systems programme, the project manager will also manage a Horizon Europe project, that aims to create and coordinate a group of stakeholders to foster innovation and sustainable and inclusive rural development.
This role is part of our Sustainable Food Systems Programme and reports to the Programme Manager. It requires close collaboration with other members of the Programme team as well the Communications Officer and the Finance and Operations Manager.
Responsibilities:
· Lead the planning and implementation of rural development projects in collaboration with local communities and partners.
· Lead the management of a Horizon Europe project in which MedINA is a project partner and is responsible for activities in the Greek pilot region.
· Implement the Horizon Europe project’s actions, overseeing day-to-day execution as well as evaluating progress according to project objectives, budget and timeline. Fulfil the responsibilities of MedINA to project partners and the coordinating partner.
· Coordination of all activities and events taking place in the Horizon Europe pilot region, including research, awareness raising and capacity building actions.
· Engage with the local communities, assess their needs and enable feedback. Develop innovative project plans to address the identified needs and challenges in rural areas.
· Prepare and deliver high-quality reports, including technical reports for the Horizon Europe project, presentations, and other project documentation.
· Collaborate closely with the Financial Department for the delivery of financial reports for the Horizon Europe projects.
· Foster strong partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and support for rural development initiatives.
· Participate in internal meetings and contribute with expertise in the smooth implementation of active projects, the development of new projects and funding proposals. Also, support the delivery of reports and other strategic documents to further the SFS programme.
Skills:
· Proven project management skills, including the ability to initiate, monitor and assess progress, ensure timely delivery of outputs and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams in a national and international context.
· Experience in managing or participating in European funded projects.
· Teamwork and people skills i.e. the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues in the programme team as well as members of the community and other stakeholders.
· Communication skills (public speaking, preparing and delivering presentations).
· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions.
· Strong knowledge of sustainable rural development and innovation processes (including bioeconomy and circularity), as well as an understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors affecting rural communities.
· Knowledge of EU policies like Green Deal, Farm to Fork Strategy, EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, EU Nature Restoration Law as well as UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Word).
· Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Qualifications:
· Advanced degree in sustainable agriculture, food systems, rural development, bioeconomy or a related field.
· Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in project management, consultancy, or related roles, with a proven track record in agrifood systems and rural development.
· Proven excellent command of both Greek and English oral and written (C2 Proficiency in English or similar).
Will be considered a plus:
· Previous experience in Civil Society Sector.
· Experience in working with international consortia and networks.
· Experience in managing or participating in Horizon projects.
· Driving license
Application Process:
If you are passionate about conserving and protecting natural resources, as well as promoting their cultural heritage, we invite you to apply using this link https://apply.workable.com/j/548DC7BD52. MedINA is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.
A cover letter will be appreciated. The cover letter should not extend one A4 page. The canditate is invited to describe why he or she is suitable for the proposed position and interested in working at MedINA.
Applications are accepted only in English.
Deadline for submission of applications: 12/5/2024.
