Project Officer – LIFE FAIRTHRIVE Project (EC Funding)

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OVERVIEW

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. 
 
Fairtrade 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.
 
Fairtrade 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).
 
The 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.
 
Fairtrade International, as the project lead, is responsible for project management, financial oversight, compliance with EU funding rules, and monitoring and evaluation.
 
Objectives / purpose:
The 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:
  • Ensure coordination among all project partners to ensure effective project implementation.
  • Compile donor narrative reports and support the Finance team in compiling donor financial reports.
  • Ensure compliance with and visibility of project requirements.
  • Contribute to the implementation of the project’s monitoring and evaluation plan (in close collaboration with MEL experts).
  • Act as the primary contact for the European Commission and the Consortium Steering Group, providing progress updates, reports
  • Manage and maintain the project’s risk matrix by identifying potential risks, assessing their impact, and implementing mitigation strategies in collaboration with project partners and the Consortium Steering Group to ensure project objectives are met.
 

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will be responsible for the following:
 
Project Management and Coordination
•  Work with implementing partners to provide technical direction of the project, ensuring quality and timely delivery of milestones.
•  Support the setup and management of internal project management tools, the Consortium Steering Committee, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) mechanisms.
•  Lead the coordination of the project’s kick off meeting and further trainings for implementing partners on donor compliance requirements.
•  Coordinate and contribute to regular project coordination meetings.
•  Assist in fostering synergies with other complementary EU projects.
 
Financial and Administrative Management (together with the project’s assigned Finance Manager)
•  Support financial oversight to ensure the project adheres to EC LIFE programme regulations.
•  Assist in coordinating financial reporting in close collaboration with the Finance Unit.
•  Ensure accurate and timely submission of narrative and financial reports to the European Commission.
•  Assist in ensuring compliance with EC financial and administrative procedures.
•  Help identify and mitigate financial and operational risks associated with the project.
 
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) (together with the Global Impact Team) 
•  Support the implementation of MEL processes to track project outcomes, assess impact, and apply lessons learned.
•  Work with MEL experts to analyse project data and identify improvements.
 
Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
  • Act as the point of contact for the European Commission and consortium partners.
  • Support capacity-building activities to train project partners on compliance and grant management.
  • Assist in organizing consortium meetings, webinars, and learning exchanges.
 
Visibility and Communication
• Support compliance with EC visibility and communication requirements.
•  Assist in the development of project communications materials, such as case studies and reports.
• Maintain a dedicated project page on the Fairtrade Impact Map platform.
•  Assist in participating in external events and industry platforms to promote the project.
 
Other Responsibilities
  • Provide up-to-date reports on the project for staff, management, and the Booard
  • Travel as required.
  • Support other duties and tasks as required, consistent with the skills and expertise of the role.

SKILLS REQUIRED (E = essential, D = desirable)

Level of education
University degree in development, business, international relations or comparable qualifications
 
Knowledge / Job Specific Competencies (E= Essential; D=Desirable):
  • At least 1-3 years professional experience in project coordination (E)
  • Experience with project management funded by international donors, including preparing reports (E)
  • Experience in multi-country projects involving multiple implementing partners(D)
  • Understanding of EC grant management and financial procedures (D)
  • Experience supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes (D)
  • Good working knowledge of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and relevant sustainability policies (D)
  • Understanding of the Fairtrade system (D)
Professional Skills
  • Collaborate well with team members and relevant stakeholders (E)
  • Strong communication and relationship management skills (E)
  • Fluent in English, with strong writing skills (E); additional EU languages (i.e: German, French, Italian) are an advantage (D)
  • Good understanding of and commitment to the Fairtrade movement (D)
Personal Qualities
  • Demonstrable ability to drive forward work independently (E)
  • Ability to motivate and engage others (E)
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks (E)
  • Results-oriented, respecting deadlines, and attention to detail (E)
  • Alignment with Fairtrade’s values: Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Partnership, and Can-Do Attitude (E)
 

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • A job offer for this position will be subject to the contract signature completion
  • This is a part-time role (70% FTE) based in Bonn, Germany.
  • Limited contract with a maximum of 36 months, in line with the project’s contractual period.
  • Starting date: 1 June 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter
  • The working language is English.
  • Salary as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Wholesale and Foreign Trade Industries for North Rhine Westphalia Group 5 and over tariff payments
  • International work environment
  • Holiday Bonus and 13th salary
  • 30 days of holidays per year (for fulltime employees)
  • Subsidised public transportation ticket
  • Subsidised meal services
  • Childcare cost subsidy
  • Possibility of hybrid working 

HOW TO APPLY

  • Please consult www.fairtrade.net for more information on Fairtrade International and the Fairtrade system
  • We are actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time.”