How to apply for Europe Programme Officer - Balkans

About International Detention Coalition

The International Detention Coalition (IDC) is a global network of over 200 civil society organisations and individuals in more than 75 countries. It works to eliminate immigration detention and advance rights-based alternatives to detention. The role is remote-first, with the option of office or co-working space in some countries.

About the role

The Europe Programme Officer - Balkans coordinates projects and events, contributes to strategic advocacy, and supports the capacity of IDC members and partners in the Western Balkans. The role reports to the Europe Regional Manager and is a one-year contract with possible extension depending on funding. It is central to IDC's work on immigration detention and alternatives to detention in the region.

A typical day

A typical day might involve coordinating a regional event or project, drafting advocacy materials, and communicating with IDC members and partners across the Balkans. You would also attend virtual meetings with the Europe Regional Manager and contribute to strategic planning. The role is remote-first, so most work is done online, with occasional travel or in-person meetings depending on location.

Who International Detention Coalition is looking for

• Has a solid background in advocacy on migration and human rights, with a strong understanding of the Western Balkans context.
• Is highly organised and motivated, with strong communications, organisational, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Can coordinate projects and events efficiently and support capacity development of IDC members and partners.
• Already has the legal right to reside and work in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia.

Tips for this application

• State your legal right to work in one of the listed countries clearly in your application, since IDC cannot sponsor work permits or support relocation.
• Tailor your cover letter and CV to show advocacy experience on migration and human rights in the Western Balkans, not just general human rights work.
• Give concrete examples of coordinating projects or events, including how you managed timelines, stakeholders, and logistics.
• Show familiarity with IDC's focus on ending immigration detention and advancing alternatives to detention; mention any relevant work or research.
• If you have experience supporting civil society organisations or networks, highlight it, as the role involves capacity building of IDC members and partners.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific advocacy experience on migration and human rights in the Western Balkans, with examples of campaigns, policy work, or coalition building.', 'Your ability to coordinate projects and events efficiently, including managing multiple stakeholders and deadlines.', 'Your understanding of immigration detention and alternatives to detention, and why this work matters in the Balkans context.', 'Your legal right to work in one of the listed countries and your ability to work remotely or from a co-working space.']

Research before applying

• Read IDC's publications and reports on immigration detention and alternatives to detention, especially any focused on Europe or the Balkans.
• Look up IDC's member organisations and partners in the Western Balkans to understand the network you would support.
• Research current immigration detention policies and practices in the country where you are based and in the wider region.
• Understand IDC's advocacy approach and how it coordinates with members and partners on coalition building and capacity development.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would approach advocacy on immigration detention and alternatives to detention in a specific Western Balkans country.
• Your experience coordinating projects or events with multiple partners, including challenges and how you handled them.
• How you would support the capacity of IDC members and partners in the region, with examples of past capacity-building work.
• Your understanding of the political and human rights context in the Western Balkans as it relates to migration and detention.
• How you manage remote work and collaboration with a regional manager and network members across different countries.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without the legal right to work in one of the listed countries, as IDC cannot sponsor work permits or support relocation.
• Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention the Western Balkans, immigration detention, or alternatives to detention.
• Failing to provide concrete examples of advocacy, project coordination, or capacity building in your application.