PROJECT OFFICER (m/f/d)

Fairtrade is the most recognized and trusted sustainability label, working to make trade fairer for people and planet.

For more than three decades, Fairtrade has been making an impact on the way trade works. We believe that every farmer and worker should have access to a better way of doing business, and a better way of living.

Fairtrade International is an independent non-profit organisation representing more than two million small-scale farmers and workers worldwide. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark that appears on more than 37,000 products. Beyond certification, Fairtrade International and its member organisations (three producer networks and 19 national Fairtrade organisations) partner with producers and businesses, engage consumers, and advocate for a fair and sustainable future.

Unit’s description and purpose:

The International Partnerships and Programmes Implementation Unit leads and coordinates system-wide resource mobilisation and partnership development to enable the delivery of Fairtrade’s strategic priorities. It also ensures the effective management of externally funded projects led by Fairtrade International. Our purpose is to secure new financial resources and partnerships that empower Fairtrade and its members to improve the lives of farmers and workers and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through quality programmes and projects. A grant has been secured funded by the European Commission’s LIFE programme for a three year project (June 2025-May 2028) to be implemented in partnership with 5 national Fairtrade organisations in Europe. The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of companies, particularly 1000 MSMEs in 12 EU Member States, to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The Unit requires the Project Officer to coordinate the project that includes project staff allocated in five national Fairtrade organisations.

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Project Officer (70% FTE) will play a key role in the project’s coordination, financial and administrative management, and compliance 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:

• Ensure effective implementation of the project, organising on-line operational meetings with partners, documenting agendas and key decisions.

• Ensure coordination among all project partners resulting in effective project implementation, including the planning and delivery of annual in-person project meetings with partners.

• Compile a final internal and donor narrative report on project progress and challenges and liaise with donor on requested changes to the project.

• Maintain project financial documentation and process financial expenditure (in coordination with the Finance team).

• Ensure compliance with and visibility of donor requirements.

• Contribute to the implementation of the project’s data management protocols, and monitoring and evaluation plan (in close collaboration with MEL experts).

• Act as the primary contact for the European Commission and the Consortium Steering Committee, providing progress updates and reports.

• Manage and maintain the project’s risks, assessing their impact, and implementing mitigation strategies in collaboration with project partners and the Consortium Steering Committee to ensure project objectives are met.

• Actively engage with other related projects, creating synergies and leveraging complementary efforts. This will involve networking, coordinating joint activities, and sharing knowledge and resources to enhance overall project outcomes.

Additional project management tasks, and contribution to the IPPI team’s workplans will be expected that are consistent with the level and responsibilities of this post.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Level of education: The position holder will have a bachelor’s degree in development, business, international relations or comparable qualifications or another relevant field.

Years of professional experience: A minimum of 2 years’ experience in project management. Basic knowledge of EUDR (desirable).

Job Specific Competencies/knowledge:

• Grant-management

• Grant-financial management

• Project Planning and Implementation

• Project Monitoring and Controlling

• Stakeholder Management

• Donor relations

• Project Closure

Personal Qualities:

• Relationship Management

• Coordination

• Reporting

• Organization

• Independent Work

• Problem-Solving

• Attention to Detail

• Diplomacy

Software/Tools:

Project Management Software (e.g. NextCloud, others), MS365 ( Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point, Teams, Planner, Forms, Canva, Clipchamp, Kobo toolbox), Claude and other relevant AI digital tools

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• This is a fixed-term position from 1st of February 2027 until the project end date of 31 May 2028 within Fairtrade International.

• Location is at Fairtrade International offices in Bonn, Germany with the opportunity for hybrid work arrangements

• The office language is English.

• Salary as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Wholesale and Foreign Trade Industries for North Rhine Westphalia Group V and over tariff payment.

• Holiday Bonus and 13th salary

• 30 days of holidays per year (for fulltime employees)

• Subsidised public transportation ticket

• Subsidised meal services

• Childcare cost subsidy

Please note that Fairtrade International is strict on compliance with the required qualification criteria mentioned above, and only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Disclaimer: the position is contingent upon the successful signing of the project’s contract with the donor.

We will review applications as they come in, so we encourage interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience. As we are actively recruiting for this role we reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time.