Programme Coordinator, based in Korca

About the job

JOB TITLE: Program Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Country Director

LOCATION: Korçë, Albania

DATE: Immediately

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: November 2023 – June 2025 (with the possibility of extension)

ORGANIZATION & VALUES

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) program is a five-year regional program managed by DAI for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia. CIDR assists partner governments and in-country organizations to work with key stakeholders and experts to assess cybersecurity gaps and priorities, make recommendations, and map courses of action to improve the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure and key institutions.

CIDR operates in the Western Balkans, Black Sea Region, and South Caucasus, where countries in recent years have come under more diverse and complex cyberattacks. CIDR is currently providing assistance in Albania, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia. This includes assistance in workforce development, cybersecurity assessment, cybersecurity governance, and information sharing of cyberattacks, threats, and solutions.

Position Overview

The Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR)/Albania is seeking a Program Coordinator (PC) to support the implementation of a 5-year USAID-funded Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) program. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and assisting in the implementation of all activities related to a comprehensive Cyber Secure Cities (CSC) pilot initiative in the Municipality of Korcë. This will involve working closely with municipal leadership, donors, and other stakeholders in Korça to ensure the gathering of all the necessary information, to coordinate with all the actors in the field, to assist in organization of various activities related to the adoption of smart city solutions that integrate IT management and cybersecurity into the municipality's overall development plan. The Program Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day follow up of all issues related to the implementation of activities in Korça. As a result, he/she will need to build and maintain solid relations with various actors and institutions in Korça, especially with the Municipality staff, and to participate in various meetings and roundtables in order to monitor and provide relevant information on development plans of municipality and beyond.

The Program Coordinator will be responsible for assisting in the organization of the various activities related to the implementation of Cyber Secure Cities activities, to contact participants, to secure premises for meetings, and to assist in all other logistics matters.

The Program Coordinator may be asked to assist in procedures for the development of internal policies for IT management and cybersecurity, in facilitating the procurement of licensed software for the municipality's computers, etc.

The Program Coordinator will be a critical member of the CIDR team in Albania and will play a vital role in representing the Program in Korça. The position requires a physical presence in the city of Korça, knowledge and understanding of how the local institutions, especially the Municipality of Korça, functions, excellent communication (in Albanian and English languages) and coordination skills, experience in working with stakeholders of all levels of seniority and professional backgrounds, and preferable technical understanding of cybersecurity and broader issues related to ICT. The PC will work closely with other members of the team based in Tirana, Albania, and throughout the region.

Roles & Responsibilities

Gathering the information: The Program Coordinator will be responsible and in charge of gathering of all the relevant information either from the Municipality of Korça or from other stakeholders such as civil society, academia, or private companies. The PC should be able to analyze that information and prepare written reports if and when needed.

Participate in meetings, events: The PC should follow up on various meetings, events and discussions with Municipality and other stakeholders that are relevant to the implementation of Cyber Secure Cities initiative. The PC should keep proper notes during those meetings and report back to CIDR.

Assist in Strategy Development and Policy Development: The Program Coordinator will be responsible for assisting towards different processes in developing a Cyber Secure Cities strategy and policy. This will involve coordinating and supporting technical consultants and/or partner resources in conducting research and analysis. Ensuring and gathering any necessary information from various levels and institutions.

Assist in various procurements for Municipality: The PC will support the Technical Program Manager and Country Director in supporting the municipality of Korcë in various procurement processes related to transitioning to fully licensed software for the municipality's computers, cloud computing, capacity building program etc. This will involve close coordination with the local partners. The Program Coordinator will work closely with the CIDR team throughout the procurement process and will serve as the contact for the beneficiary.

Stakeholder Engagement: The Program Coordinator will engage with stakeholders, including municipal leadership, donors, and other relevant parties, to ensure support for the Cyber Secure Cities pilot initiative. This will involve organizing meetings, workshops or conferences, and other events to communicate the strategy's objectives, progress, and challenges. The Program Coordinator shall build and maintain solid relations with all the relevant partners and institutions in city of Korça, but especially with Municipality of Korça.

OTHER TASKS:
 

• Assist in designing and implementing program activities.
• Oversee the day-to-day implementation of program activities in Korça.
• Facilitate meetings and events with key municipal and national stakeholders.
• Draft or contribute to program reports, work plans, monitoring and evaluation plans, and communications materials.
• Assist the Technical Program Manager and Country Director with other time-sensitive and priority tasks.
• Travel to Tirana as needed.
• Other tasks as directed.
  
   

REPORTING:

The Program Coordinator will be responsible for providing regular progress reports to the Country Director, municipal leadership, and USAID. He/she will closely work and engage with the Technical Manager. This will involve collecting data, analyzing results, report writing, and making recommendations for improvements.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

The Program Coordinator will travel to Tirana to engage with stakeholders and attend briefing meetings and workshops.

QUALIFICATIONS :
 

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in social sciences, or preferably in information technology, engineering, and cybersecurity.
• At least five years of experience working in the sector.
• Two years or more of experience of working for donor-funded programs in Albania.
• Experience with work plan development and implementing work plan activities, ensuring results are achieved or exceeded.
• Very good knowledge, understanding and working relations with institutions in the city of Korça.
• Experience of organizing activities and working with various stakeholders.
• Preferably, familiarity with technology developments and key cybersecurity notions.
• Experience working effectively with counterparts at various levels of government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong English language skills, verbal and written.
  
   

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

To apply follow this link; https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=DAINC&cws=48&rid=8428