Team Leader for the European Union-funded project “Enhancing protection of public spaces and critical infrastructure in the Western Balkans” (Croatia)

A (former) senior law enforcement officer or civil servant, with credentials in counter terrorism, critical infrastructure protection and public space protection, sound knowledge of the Western Balkans as well as international cooperation experience.

MISSIONS:

The Team Leader will be the authority over the project’s design and technical implementation He/She will:

• provide guidance and quality assurance throughout the delivery of the project.
• ensure that the project stays on course and in line with the stated objectives.
• run and have overall responsibility for the project (institutional relations, planning of activities, reporting, managing of the team).

TASKS:

Operational and technical management of the project

• To carry out the planning, implementation and follow-up of the activities, in accordance with the expectations of the contract;
• Conduct the internal evaluation of the project with regards to the project’s objectives and the indicators previously defined for each activity;
• Create, implement and maintain operational monitoring indicators;
• Ensure that the activities of the short-term experts deployed on the field are carried out smoothly and in a coordinated manner;
• Coordinate, in collaboration with the project manager and the administrator, the acquisition and provision of material and technological resources and infrastructure necessary for the execution of activities.

Representation and project coordination

• Present the project to the European Union representatives in the region and local authorities;
• Harmonise the project's action and seek all useful synergies with the programmes financed by other technical and financial partners (TFP) active in the region;
• Ensure good communication between all project actors.
• Contribute to the project’s visibility by participating in relevant regional and international events in order to represent the project and raise awareness of the EU’s involvement in this area.

Reporting to DCIS and CIVIPOL

• Write the quarterly and annual reports required by the contract;
• Produce monthly progress reports, at the occasion of a meeting online, and ad-hoc reports for the attention of the DCIS and CIVIPOL, especially on the operational results that were achieved by the project;
• Report any information that may be of interest to DCIS and CIVIPOL;
• Support the team on planning and budgetary reporting aspects;
• Support any initiative aimed at supporting or strengthening the cooperation activities of the Ministry of the Interior and CIVIPOL in the region, in accordance with the strategic framework of their respective actions.

Management of the field team

• Supervise, lead and coordinate the work of the experts mobilized in Croatia and the other Western Balkan partners.
• Ensure regular reporting of activities conducted by the experts; 
• Ensure the proper functioning of the local office;
• Ensure the continuity and smooth running of the project on-site;
• Support the recruitment of additional short-term experts or local staff, in close coordination with CIVIPOL.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

At least 10 years of experience in the field of intelligence with a focus on counter-terrorism.

Proven experience in management and team management.

The candidate must also have the following qualities and skills: 

• Member of a career internal security force (Police or Gendarmerie) with at least 10 years of professional experience in an active unit or young retiree;
• Specialist in operational and judicial police intelligence;
• Professional experience in the field of protection of public spaces and critical infrastructure.
• Knowledge and cooperation with services in charge of cyberissues, cybersecurity and cyberdiplomacy will be appreciated.
• Knowledge or experience in the management of an international cooperation project (with European funding would be an asset);
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with high-level authorities;
• Fluent in English, other Balkan languages will be appreciated;
• Excellent writing skills.

LOCATION:

The post will be based in Zagreb (Croatia). Regular visits to the Western Balkan partners (once a month at least) will also be required.

DURATION:

3 years full-time, initial contract of 1 year.

REMUNERATION:

According to skills and experience.

Contract according to the status of the expert.

CONTACT:

Please send your application in English before 05/01/2025 (cover letter + CV in EuropeAid format) to the following address sebastian.sperber@civipol.fr et claire.avon@civipol.fr