Eurasia Partnership Foundation's (EPF) mission is to empower people to effect change for social justice and economic prosperity through hands-on programs, helping them to improve their communities and their own lives. EPF engages citizens in social, economic, and political developments, in order to effect substantive and sustainable positive socio-economic change at the local, regional, and national level through both operational programs and grant-making. EPF is supported by USAID, Sida, and other public and private donors, and is a member of the Eurasia Foundation (EF) Network: five local foundations supporting civil society that are based in Russia, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and Washington, DC. In South Caucasus, EPF is present in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

EPF is seeking a Program Associate for its EU-funded project Transparent Convergence to EU Policies in Sanitary Issues: the Case of Georgia and Moldova, which aims at increasing consumer activism in Georgia and Moldova, in order to ensure the quality and safety of food products. As part of this project, EPF and its partners will monitor Georgian and Moldovan food markets, including through random laboratory testing of food samples. The project implementers will also conduct annual assessments of government performance, with respect to their adherence to the food safety regulation and consumer protection. The results of these monitoring efforts will be publicized through various media outlets, to further enhance consumer and business awareness of sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) issues. The project will also contribute to improved advocacy capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) working in food safety and consumer protection fields, so that they are able to wage successful advocacy campaigns for improved SPS system. For improved protection of consumer rights, consumers in both countries will be provided free legal aid and court representation. A major component of the project is to support informed dialogue between CSOs and business community, namely food operators, so that the efforts directed toward protecting consumer rights take into account legitimate interests of entrepreneurs. To stimulate quality-oriented business practices, EPF and its partners will conduct annual competitions to reveal and acknowledge those businesses that deliver the highest quality food products to consumers. The project will be implemented during the next 30 months in Georgia and Moldova, in partnership with East Europe Foundation (EEF) Moldova and the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG).

Position summary: Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Program Associate supports an effective implementation of the project by providing program assistance, information management and administrative support.

Duties and responsibilities:

The PA will assist a Program Manager in any aspects of program implementation. Specifically, PA will be tasked to:

** Organize various events scheduled by the program: public roundtable, training course, grant competition, other.

** Draft program related internal or external documents.

** Review applications for grants, or services submitted to the program.

** Maintain and update the program website and contribute to updating of the program related information on Foundation's website and facebook page.

** Contribute to maintaining an electronic database of the Foundation with program related information.

** Maintain program files and ensure their completeness.

** Conduct monitoring of the program's grantees and contractors.

** Contribute to fundraising and outreach activities of the Foundation.

** Perform other duties as required.

Competencies and skills:

** Academic background: Master degree in a related field.

** Relevant work experience: At least 3 years of experience in providing program assistance.

Required knowledge and skills:

** Strong organizational and time management skills;

** Superior writing and communication skills;

** Sound understanding of CSO sector activities and principles. Experience in working at a CSO would be a plus;

** Thorough knowledge and understanding of the political, legal, economic and cultural context of Georgia;

** Ability to approach work with energy, commitment and a positive, constructive attitude;

** Proficiency in Georgian and English (Russian would be an asset);

** Ability to work independently and think proactively and creatively about problems;

** Ability to plan strategically to achieve long term goals;

** Ability to work under pressure and with a multicultural team of colleagues;

** Ability to travel within Georgia and outside.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter by e-mail to: vacancy@epfound.ge and indicate "Program Associate" in the subject line. The deadline for applications is October 29, 2013.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

source:jobs.ge