Application Guide
How to Apply for Western Balkans Project Manager (70%)
at WAN-IFRA
🏢 About WAN-IFRA
WAN-IFRA Women in News (WIN) is a global programme dedicated to advancing gender equality in media through leadership development, research, and advocacy. Working here offers the chance to drive meaningful change in a region where media freedom and gender equity are critical issues.
About This Role
This part-time role leads coordination of WIN’s Western Balkans programme, overseeing implementation, monitoring, and financial management across multiple countries. You’ll be the primary regional contact for participants and partners, directly impacting gender equality in media.
💡 A Day in the Life
Start your day by checking emails from participants in Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia, then review a grant financial report. Mid-morning, you join a virtual check-in with the global WIN team, followed by updating the MREL tracker. Afternoon is spent preparing a partnership proposal with a local NGO and responding to participant queries.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who WAN-IFRA Is Looking For
- Proven project management experience in media development or international programmes, ideally with a gender equality focus.
- Deep familiarity with the Western Balkans region, including established networks with media organizations, NGOs, or donors.
- Hands-on experience with grant management, including tracking budgets, invoices, and donor reporting requirements.
- Fluency in English and Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian, with excellent cross-cultural communication skills.
📝 Tips for Applying to WAN-IFRA
Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience in the Western Balkans, including any previous work with media or gender programmes in the region.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your project management skills to the logframe and Results Assessment Framework mentioned in the job description.
Demonstrate financial oversight experience by mentioning specific tools (e.g., Excel, SAP) and processes (e.g., tracking advances, expense claims).
Show your network by naming organizations or contacts in the Western Balkans you’ve collaborated with, especially in media or gender equality.
Since it’s a part-time role (70%), clarify your availability and how you plan to balance this with other commitments.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for gender equality in media and how it aligns with WIN’s mission.', 'Concrete examples of managing multi-stakeholder programmes in the Western Balkans.', 'Your experience with MREL frameworks and financial reporting for donor-funded projects.', 'Language proficiency and cultural competence in the region.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review WAN-IFRA’s Women in News programme page, focusing on their approach to gender equality in media.
- → Read recent reports or case studies from the Western Balkans related to media freedom and gender.
- → Familiarize yourself with the Results Assessment Framework or similar MREL tools used by donors like Sida or Norad.
- → Check WIN’s social media and news for recent activities or partnerships in the region.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate specific regional knowledge—generic experience won’t stand out.
- Overlooking the part-time nature; ensure you address your capacity and commitment.
- Neglecting to mention language skills or providing vague proficiency levels.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!