Project Officer – Electoral Risk & Cybersecurity Resilience, Moldova

Context

International IDEA has a mandate to support democracy worldwide. Since its establishment in 1995, the Institute has sought to fulfil this mandate by incrementally expanding its geographic footprint. Increasing demand for the Institute´s support in countries in Europe, coupled with key developments that have highlighted the weakness of democratic institutions in some European countries, has motivated the Institute to establish a Regional Europe Programme (REP), with a strategic focus on Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.

In Moldova, International IDEA works to enhance the resilience and quality of democratic institutions and processes, with core areas of engagement including electoral processes and political finance, parliamentary strengthening, and strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations to meaningfully participate in decision-making.

The Project Officer contributes to the delivery of International IDEA's mandate in Moldova, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Shielding Democracy in Moldova project. This role will focus on the implementation and coordination of project’s component on electoral risk management, protection of elections, and cybersecurity for democratic processes, working closely with national institutions and international partners to strengthen electoral resilience against both traditional and emerging threats. The officer will be part of the expanding team working across Moldova and Brussels.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Under the supervision of the Project Manager, implements and coordinates International IDEA´s ongoing initiatives in the field of electoral support in Moldova, and particularly its work on protecting elections, electoral risk management and cybersecurity of democratic processes in Moldova.

2. Supports the implementation of activities aimed at strengthening institutional resilience against cyber threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), and other technology-enabled risks affecting electoral integrity;

3. Coordinates cooperation with national counterparts, including the Central Electoral Commission, Cybersecurity Agency, StratCom, Ministry of Defense, Anticorruption agencies and other relevant public institutions and international partners, to enhance inter-institutional cooperation on democratic and electoral resilience;

4. Supports the development and implementation of methodologies, analytical products and technical tools related to electoral risk management and cybersecurity;

5. Prepares concept notes and supports the development of project proposals and budgets for implementation of project activities, related to electoral resilience, cybersecurity and democratic governance;

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6. Builds and maintains networks with key stakeholders; ensures their engagement and participation in project implementation;

7. Facilitates the recruitment and oversight of consultants, prepares contractual documentation, and ensures quality control of deliverables in line with IDEA’s policies and procedures;

8. Coordinates the substantive and logistical aspects of project-related events, workshops, simulations, trainings and study visits;

9. Monitors political, electoral, technological and cybersecurity developments relevant to democratic governance and provides regular analytical updates to inform programme implementation;

10. Liaises with multilateral and bilateral partners working on elections, cybersecurity and democratic resilience in Moldova to ensure coordination, visibility and identify opportunities for collaboration and resource mobilization;

11. Supports project implementation, budget monitoring and donor reporting; including narrative, financial and results-based reporting.

General Profile

• Solid knowledge of democracy and governance in Moldova and the broader region, supported by an academic background in political science, law, social science or related fields, and the relevant work experience;

• Demonstrates the ability to work across governance, electoral and cybersecurity communities, translating technical issues into programmatic and policy responses;

• Able to contribute meaningfully across all phases of the project cycle, from design and funding to project assessment and evaluation;

• Experienced in drafting and contributing to policy documents and publications;

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team;

• Serves as a resource person and provides guidance to junior colleagues;

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• Willingness and ability to travel within the region or globally, as required;

• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;

• Integrates gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations into all tasks and activities, in alignment with the Institute’s Core Values and commitment to the GEDSI policy.

Reporting line

• Project Manager, Moldova.

Education and Experience

• University degree in social science, political sciences, law, international development or other relevant discipline;

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience (including substantial internships) in supporting the implementation of projects in the field democratic governance;

• Experience of European Commission internal processes, working on EU projects and/or with national parliaments, as well as familiarity with EU processes and systems required;

• Experience working on projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America considered an advantage;

• Experience in engaging, cultivating and influencing stakeholders is an advantage;

• Experience of working in an international context, e.g. in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage;

• Fluency in written and spoken Romanian and English is required. Advanced proficiency in Russian is desirable.

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.

• Fixed term appointment until 31 March 2027.

• Remuneration - MDL 65 299 per month.

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Moldova for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications.

Use of AI in Recruitment
International IDEA places strong emphasis on human input in recruitment. Candidates must disclose any use of AI tools. All application materials, written assessments, and interview responses (as applicable) must be entirely human-generated and reflect the candidate’s own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of AI to generate content or misrepresent qualifications is not permitted. AI‑powered assistive technologies (such as screen readers or speech‑to‑text tools) may be used for accessibility purposes to ensure equal access to the recruitment process.

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CEST) 01 September 2026

• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.

• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.

• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, International IDEA will review applications on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.