Project Manager

Role overview

Zinc Network is looking for a seasoned Project Manager to take charge of an established regional programme across Europe. This position calls for substantial experience running complex campaigns and multi-part programmes, especially where collaboration with media organisations and civil society groups is involved. You will work alongside project partners and Zinc’s cross-functional teams to deliver strong outputs and create meaningful impact.

Reporting to the Project Director and contributing to the programme leadership group, you will oversee the project end to end. Your remit will include financial control, risk and compliance management, partner and stakeholder coordination, contractual reporting, and delivery governance. You will also act as a central contact for clients and other stakeholders while ensuring internal teams and external partners stay aligned with client goals.

Programme delivery and coordination

• Take ownership of day-to-day project activity, making sure delivery stays aligned with agreed plans, timelines, budgets, and client objectives.
• Bring together multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and partners to support smooth collaboration and high-quality execution.
• Track project progress and performance, spot issues early, and put corrective measures in place when needed.
• Ensure all outputs are delivered on schedule, within scope, and to the expected standard.
• Assist the Project Director with planning, prioritisation, and allocation of resources.

Client and partner management

• Act as a main contact for clients, partners, and important stakeholders.
• Develop and sustain productive working relationships across the project network to encourage trust and cooperation.
• Balance client expectations, partner needs, and project requirements so delivery remains successful and partnerships stay strong over time.
• Help partners deliver activities effectively while respecting editorial independence, local expertise, and organisational mandates.

Financial, contractual, and risk management

• Oversee budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting with support from programme leadership and finance colleagues.
• Monitor contractual commitments and compliance obligations, ensuring work meets client and donor standards.
• Maintain risk logs and apply mitigation actions across operational, financial, and reputational risks.

Strategy, learning, and reporting

• Contribute to the creation and refinement of strategies, workplans, and results frameworks aligned with client priorities and audience needs.
• Lead reporting processes by collecting and coordinating input from internal teams and external partners.
• Help embed monitoring, evaluation, and learning into delivery to improve effectiveness and impact.

Leadership and growth

• Support and manage project staff, consultants, and implementing partners where needed.
• Contribute to project expansion, extension opportunities, and broader business development efforts.

Role duration

This is a full-time position running until 31 March 2028. Any extension after that date will depend on continued funding.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of experience managing complex projects or campaigns in media development, strategic communications, information integrity, or a related area, with responsibility for budgets, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery.
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree, or equivalent professional experience, in international development, communications, journalism, political science, or a similar discipline.
• Experience with donor-funded, partner-led programmes and working within contractual, financial, and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, workstreams, and deadlines at once.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management ability, including experience working with media organisations, civil society partners, and other external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and client-facing materials.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and encouraging effective collaboration across technical, operational, and programme functions.
• Excellent organisation, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Professional fluency in English.
• Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches used in donor-funded programmes.
• Ability to speak one or more regional languages is an advantage.
• Must be eligible for UK or NATO security clearance.

Area of selection

The organisation aims to build a diverse workforce with a mix of professional and cultural backgrounds and encourages people from a wide range of perspectives to apply.

Conditions of employment

Anyone offered the role will need to meet the following conditions:

• Disclose any prior disciplinary action related to a substantiated safeguarding investigation, including any case involving trafficking-related activity, or any workplace investigation.
• Complete background screening, which includes employment verification, identity confirmation, sexual offender registry checks where available, and anti-terrorism vetting.

Application note

A cover letter explaining how you meet each requirement should be included with the application. If you need any accommodation during the hiring process, you should let the team know when they contact you.