GMF’s Engaging Central Europe initiative (ECE) was launched in 2021. ECE responds to the illiberal developments, democratic backsliding, and weakening of the rule of law across Central European countries. ECE supports democratic and civil society resilience and revival, media pluralism, electoral integrity, rule of law, civic education, citizen participation, and regional cooperation in the easternmost member states of the European Union and NATO. It provides flexible support to civil society organizations, initiatives, and individuals that make a vital contribution to protecting and enhancing democracy. ECE was designed as a multi-faceted, multi-year, and multi-donor democracy promotion program for the region. ECE is built on the understanding that democracy and security in Central Europe are closely intertwined: only a democratic Central Europe will be a secure Central Europe.

Job Summary:

The Program Assistant provides support on all aspects of ECE programming. The central task of the position is assistance to the ECE program team, including on programming, grantmaking, and administration, outreach to potential grantees and partners, field visits, and monitoring of local and regional dynamics. The Program Assistant also contributes to grantee and donor relations, monitoring and evaluation, communication and reporting on ECE operations.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Support with overall programming, grantmaking, and administration of ECE
• Outreach to and communication with civil society in the Central Europe region
• Guidance to civil society partners on GMF assistance, advice on ECE grantmaking procedures, and support through capacity-building and networking
• Maintenance of relevant internal databases and documentation
• Assistance with regular communication and reporting to multiple donors

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Raising awareness of GMF and ECE programming among potential partners, grantees, and donors
• Organization of events related to ECE programming

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

• Knowledge of Hungarian civil society and its needs; prior engagement in a local NGO or civic initiative is an advantage
• Proven organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English AND Hungarian; other regional languages, especially Romanian, Polish, Slovak and/or German are an advantage
• Sound understanding of Hungarian politics and developments in the Central Europe region
• Effective interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and good judgement
• Willingness to work flexibly and responsibly in a small project team
• Ability and willingness to regularly travel in the Central Europe region

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required. MA in international relations, political science, Eastern European studies or a related field desired.

A valid work and residence permit for Germany is required to be considered for this position. This is a 2-year fixed-term contract from the date of hire.

Salary: 2,850 EUR/month gross

Please include a potential list of publications.

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Historically, underrepresented groups include (but are not limited to) Black, Latinx/o/a/e, Indigenous, Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, biracial, multiracial, female-identifying, the disability community, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized identities.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At GMF we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at GMF.

GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.