Background

Form of Employment: Full-time or 80% part-time 
Starting Date: 01.09.2026
Application Deadline: 18.08.2026
* Please note that this position may be closed earlier than the deadline if a certain number of applications is received therefore early applications are encouraged.   
Contract Duration: limited to one year, with the possibility of extension.  
Location: Berlin 

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. DRI promotes the political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies, and the development of democratic institutions worldwide.
DRI’s programme and knowledge team works on democracy-related issues across the EU, Eastern Partnership countries, MENA and Sub-Sahara Africa, with collaborations also in Asia and Latin America. Thematically, our work centers on enabling public participation, with a specific focus on youth and women, protecting the rule of law, ensuring the integrity of electoral processes, strengthening local governance, reducing polarization, and promoting democratic innovation. The team is also closely collaborating with DRI’s digital democracy unit, which deals with issues of political disinformation, hate speech, algorithms, and platform design. 

To help drive and support this work, DRI is looking for a Programme Coordinator with project management experience and a strong knowledge of civic participation and elections. The person should also have diverse knowledge of the MENA region, and be a team player, who is ready to take initiative.
Overall, this is a unique position to combine your passion for coordination and content work, while working on democracy, elections and civic participation.

Your tasks

Under the supervision of the Head of Programmes and Knowledge, you will coordinate and provide oversight to all phases of programme implementation in accordance with the project proposal(s)/contract, the donor requirements and conditions and DRI policy and procedures.  You will, in particular, ensure programme planning, development, monitoring and updating of work plans, effective delivery of programme activities in compliance with project documents and the fulfilment of reporting requirements as well as ensuring compliance with the relevant financial, procurement and reporting procedures.  You will also develop new programme ideas and proposals and liaise with donors.  You will ensure close coordination and regular and effective communication between country teams and DRI management.  You will work closely with DRI’s country offices and teams in project countries and across DRI’s Berlin office.

Specific tasks of the position include: 

•    Monitor compliance and ensure quality delivery of project workplans and expenditure in line with overall objective of the respective project, donor regulations and internal procedures
•    Support and advise on development of project implementation plans, activity implementation and monitoring of implementation 
•    Ensure quality of and contribute to project publications and other communication products, in consultation with DRI executive management
•    Provide support and check compliance regarding the hiring of staff, the procurement of services, contracting and contract management of experts, auditors and evaluators as well as asset management
•    Ensure quality reporting of relevant project donor reports
•    Support and advise country office staff and project teams in development and implementation of specific fundraising strategies
•    Support and advise on project development, including concept notes, full proposals, and activity budgets 
•    Draft and review concept notes and proposals for presentation to donors, facilitate and conduct donor communication and outreach 
•    Represent DRI at donor and partner meetings and relevant project events in Berlin
•    Conduct regular travel to country offices and project locations to support relevant operations and programmes
•    Facilitate exchange of information, knowledge and lessons between country offices, project teams and HQ and feed this into organisation-wide processes 
•    Carry out research and analysis on project-relevant trends and issues, as required 
•    Propose adjustments to the projects in response to developments and ensure project risk analysis and mitigation
•    Keep supervisor and colleagues abreast of any relevant developments that may significantly affect the programme and discuss options for response
•    Ensure development and implementation of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) plans in line with DRI’s MEL strategy for respective projects
•    Ensure mainstreaming gender & diversity in respective projects
•    Support and advise on implementation and oversight of security policy, risk mitigation, and emergency planning 
•    Support and advise country director and project leads in issues related to the day-to-day management, including organisational development processes and staff management, if needed
•    Act as focal point on technical and thematic issues as assigned
•    Any other tasks as assigned

Your skills and experience

Required:​​​​

•    At least four years of experience in project coordination or management either with international organisations or NGOs;
•    University degree in international relations, political science, law, social sciences, or a related field; 
•    Previous work experience in the field of democracy, elections and governance;
•    Experience in coordinating complex multi-year projects, developing project proposals and outreach to funding partners;
•    Knowledge of and experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning as part of the project management cycle;
•    Excellent written and oral communication and negotiation skills;
•    A proactive approach to tasks, flexible, organized, and self-sufficient;
•    Ability to work in an international multi-cultural setting;
•    Creative thinking, innovation, and willingness to experiment with new approaches and solutions;
•    Demonstrated understanding of gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and the ability to mainstream these in project activities and result areas;
•    Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other tools used to track project activities and outputs;
•    Strong planning and organisational skills;
•    Full professional fluency in English, Arabic at working level.

Prefrred:

•    Experience with German and European Union-funded projects; 
•    Knowledge of other bilateral and multi-lateral donors;
•    Experience of working on governance issues in the MENA region;
•    Qualitative analysis skills and knowledge of relevant tools, such as statistical computing software, databases etc.
•    Knowledge of additional languages (French, German).

What we offer

DRI offers you:  

• Flexible working hours  
• Hybrid work model (depending on the role/team)
• 30 days of annual leave 
• A contribution to public transport (company ticket with BVG) 
• Vocational training for every employee 
• Comprehensive onboarding to help you settle easily and familiarize yourself with DRI 
• Regular team events (yearly retreat, BBQ, etc.) 

Application Instructions

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application (cover letter and CV) here. This position is subject to funding. Applying for this position by post mail is possible, please find our address details below. 
Closing date for applications: 18 August 2026. The position may be closed before the deadline has been reached, so early applications are encouraged. 
In the interest of transparency, the salary band for this position is 47,850 - 52,200 € (depending on former relevant experience). 
DRI is committed to diversity and treats everybody equally, independent of gender identity, sex, pregnancy, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, socio-economic status, political opinion (as long as respectful of democratic principles), or any other status protected by the laws in the locations where we operate.