Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland, and operating in over 35 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable
For the upcoming “Strengthening Social Cohesion through Civil Society and Mass-Media in Moldova“ (COSMA) project, tendered by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), we are looking for a results-oriented and innovative International Team Leader (F/M/D) - 100% based in Chisinau, Moldova. The COSMA initiative aims to empower mass-media and civil society organizations to function as agents of accountability, cohesion and transformation, using citizens’ priorities as entry points as well as attain a widespread societal consensus and support for an inclusive nation-building and cohesion of the Moldovan society based on democratic principles. Thus, the project will address Moldova’s immediate challenges and will contribute, in the long-term, to stability and resilience in the region. Duration of the first phase of the project, which is the object of this tender, is four years (July 2026 – June 2029). The position is contingent upon Helvetas being awarded the tender.
YOUR MAIN TASKS
As Team Leader, you will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the COSMA project in Moldova.
You will ensure high-quality project implementation through establishment of the Facilitation Unit, effective planning, coordination, and supervision, including sound administrative and financial management and compliance with donor and organizational requirements.
A key part of your role will be to develop and implement a human resources development plan for the project team, incl. a PSEAH mechanism, applied to partners and beneficiaries alike.
You will guide and support the project team in applying systemic and facilitative approaches, provide continuous coaching for them, and fostering effective engagement with partners and key actors.
You will oversee the development and use of the Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM) system/plan, ensuring that interventions are well designed and generate evidence for effective reporting, learning, accountability, and adaptive management.
You will strengthen knowledge management within the project and promote synergies with other SDC-supported initiatives, as well as with programmes funded by other donors in strengthening CSOs and mass media.
Beyond project management, you will represent the project externally, building and maintaining partnerships with mass media, civil society, government, and private sector stakeholders.
You will ensure that interventions are designed and implemented in accordance with the principles of inclusion, sustainability, while fostering the social inclusion as the central theme of the project.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant topic (e.g. governance, civil society, media, social cohesion and/or peace-building, public administration, public and private management) or other advanced education. Professional certification in project management and/or related areas preferred.
At least 10 years of international work experience in governance related areas, preferrably related to mass media and/or civil society strengthening. Confirmed experience in embedding gender inclusive considerations, Good Governance, Social Inclusion, Leave No One Behind, and Conflict Sensitive Program Management (CSPM) in project activities.
At least 10 years of experience in development cooperation or humanitarian response, including 5+ years of related experience in program management and in the management of a team comparable in size and scope. A track record of managing complex projects/programs (at least CHF 3’000’000) with a multi-partner set up.
At least five years of professional experience in the Eastern European region.
Very good knowledge of civil society and mass media sectors in Moldova.
Awareness of the process of EU accession and how this translates into a transformation of the governance system in Moldova, incl. development of civil society and media.
Extensive knowledge in adaptive and change management. Confirmed experience in facilitation of change processes, mediation and managing and coordinating complex interventions, in enabling projects/programs to realise a facilitation rather than a direct implementation role, and in establishing effective coordination/collaboration with other projects/programs.
Demonstrated strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills as well as skills in project cycle management (PCM) and results-based management (RBM); familiarity with SDC procedures; experience in facilitation and stakeholder capacity building are an advantage.
Excellent English skills; proven working knowledge in Romanian or Russian is an advantage.
Proficiency in MS Office and digital collaboration tools; strong interest in digital solutions for project management.
OUR OFFER
At Helvetas, you will be part of a purpose-driven organization where your work creates meaningful global impact. We foster a caring and collaborative culture built on trust, flexibility, and accountability. You will grow in a professional environment that values integrity, empathy, and continuous learning. → We care. We commit.
We offer you an interesting opportunity in a motivated team with attractive working conditions. You can expect a modern workplace in a multicultural setting.
READY TO APPLY?
Please submit your complete application by February 8, 2026 (motivation letter, CV, and certifications) via our online portal. For any questions related to this position please contact Snezana Misic (snezana.misic@helvetas.org) , Regional Governance Portfolio Manager, or visit our website www.helvetas.org.
We offer an international expat contract for 2 years (with possibility of extension) and attractive working conditions.
Helvetas, Swiss Association for International Cooperation, founded 1955 as Switzerland’s first private organization for development cooperation, is registered as a denominationally and politically independent, non profit oriented, specialised development association.
Helvetas is primarily committed to working towards the elimination of the causes of poverty and marginalization in the South and the East. Its mission is to actively contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of economically, socially and politically disadvantaged people within the frame of the Human Rights, with a focus on self-initiative activities and self-help in rural areas.
Together with some 44’000 members and their local groups, Helvetas is as well actively engaged in Switzerland with respect to solidarity in development, to promoting fair trade, and raising public awareness of the cultural wealth of development and transition countries.
In its international programme, Helvetas concentrates its actions in four working areas:
1. Infrastructure in Rural Areas including initiatives regarding water and sanitation, access and mobilization, livelihood, rehabilitation and construction of basic infrastructure,
2. Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, also comprising projects in the fields of climate, disaster risk mitigation and sustainable livelihood management,
3. Education and Culture, including a number of successful initiatives in Vocational Education and Training (VET), support to and lobbying for reforms in the VET System, improvement of teaching and learning environments, modernization of curriculum, assessment and development of learning materials, human resource development, development of alternative financing approaches, awareness-building and income generation through artistic forms of expression, promotion of cultural exchange and diversity of cultural expressions.
4. Civil Society and the State, which integrates projects supporting good governance, decentralisation and civil peace building/conflict sensitivity.
Helvetas’ development initiatives are guided by five approaches: striving for equality between men and women (gender), learning through dialogue between different cultures, protecting the environment, acting with economic and social responsibility and conflict prevention.
Helvetas is not only oriented towards material needs, such as procuring food and improved living conditions, but also towards aims regarding social, cultural, and spiritual aspects. These include the overcoming of paralysing dependence, reduction of inequality between the sexes, ethnicity, castes, building up of self-confidence or the strengthening of responsibility towards other human beings and the environment. Helvetas acts on the basis of human rights and makes every effort that these are also respected by its partner organizations. Also important are the promotion of democratic, decentralised structures, opportunities for participation, and joint responsibility as citizens.
For its international programmes, Helvetas’ mission is:
- to cooperate on a partnership basis with and in favour of the poor and disadvantaged population groups in the poorer regions of development and transition countries
- to share knowledge and experiences between Switzerland and partner countries as well as to further promote mutual exchange between partner countries
- to strengthen local structures and sustainable development and to promote human rights
- to develop suitable measures that prevent or mitigate violent conflicts
Wherever indicated, Helvetas applies a multi-stakeholder approach involving partners of civil society, the state and the private sector in reaching development goals. On the basis of participatory approaches, Helvetas strengthens its partner organizations. Their institutional sustainability is a key concern which is addressed through capacity building of the partner organizations. Furthermore, to leverage the best utilisation of its knowledge, to strengthen internal learning and to share experience and lessons learnt with other development actors, Helvetas (in 2000) elevated Knowledge Sharing (KS) to a strategic level. Helvetas nowadays plays a leading role in KS for Development, striving for continuous learning through an intranet and face-to-face workshops. Helvetas supports facilitation of international Communities of Practice (CoP), e.g. the “Water-for-food”-network () or the “KM4Dev” (Knowledge Management for Development) (www.km4dev.org).
Helvetas currently employs 77 staff (56 full-time posts) at the Head Office in Switzerland, and 45 expatriates (42 full-time posts) and 630 local staff in 20 developing and transition countries. In 2009, Helvetas had a turnover of around 64.3 Mio CHF; 54.2 Mio CHF for programme support abroad, 3.4 Mio CHF for information and advocacy activities in Switzerland, and 6.7 Mio CHF for administration and fundraising in Switzerland.
Helvetas’ Board of Directors (15 members) determines the overall strategy based on the bylaws and executes financial control functions. The operational implementation is with the Secretary General and the Management Board (7; Heads of Departments and Secretary General) based on department and working area strategies and financial plans. The International Programmes Department (19 full-time posts) at the head office is divided into a geographic team (steering, coordination, controlling of the country programmes) and the thematic team (technical assistance and expertise, monitoring). In the partner countries, programme offices with programme directors (15) are responsible for the implementation of projects and country strategies. The finance department (4) at the head office operates the financial control system. The Programme direction and programme country projects are audited yearly by an external, independent auditing company (KPMG, Zurich). Helvetas is ZEWO certified, avails a risk analysis system and a well elaborated monitoring and evaluation system.
Helvetas’ monitoring and evaluation system pursues three objectives: a) to provide information for strategic steering, b) to allow organisational learning and c) to assure accountability to its constituencies, donors and the ultimate beneficiaries. Helvetas conducts therefore a) periodic monitoring, b) internal and external evaluations, c) qualitative case studies and d) impact assessments in a set of selected projects. For the periodic monitoring Helvetas has developed an electronic Project Monitoring System (pms), which is linked to its Internal Control System.
Helvetas introduced a decentralized management system in 1990, delegating a high degree of autonomy to the country programme directors. A project monitoring system enables the programme directors to delegate operational responsibility to national project managers and staff. The Helvetas programme offices are responsible for coordination and strategic issues.
Helvetas has links with networks and partner organisations, e.g. being actively involved in the SDC governance network, the KOFF (Competence Centre for Peace Building) intervision group on conflict sensitivity and gender network at university of Bern. Strategic partnership agreements exist particularly with SCA, SKAT and KOFF.
