Request for Proposals: Project Implementation Expert

IREX (International Research & Exchanges Board) is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to serve as a Project Implementation Expert for short-term SAFE operations in East Africa. The consultant will play a key role in supporting project implementation, providing strategic and technical guidance, facilitating trainings, advising on risk mitigation strategies, and coordinating workshops tailored to local contexts.

This consultancy is part of IREX’s ongoing efforts to enhance journalist safety, media resilience, and holistic protection mechanisms across East Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on project implementation and administrative processes.
• Draft and review project work plans, reports, evaluations, and strategic documents.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality project outputs and adherence to budgetary and compliance standards.
• Advise and support local partners as a technical resource and coordinate with stakeholders to facilitate project delivery.
• Identify and propose solutions to implementation challenges in collaboration with the SAFE DC team.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with program partners and staff.
• Participate in knowledge sharing, training, and stakeholder engagement sessions.
• Uphold organizational policies, funder regulations, and project quality standards.

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Management, Journalism, Communications, Education, Evaluation and Learning, Business, Finance, Security, Social Sciences, or related areas).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience, or 9 years with a master’s degree.
• Strong understanding of journalism, media, and civil society operating environments in Africa.
• Proven experience managing project components independently and ensuring high-quality implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with media, government, and international partners.
• Excellent communication, representational, and organizational skills in English.
  Preferred Qualifications
• Experience conducting trainings in areas such as emergency response, risk management, digital safety, or psychosocial support.
• Experience developing risk assessments, management, and mitigation plans for individuals or organizations.
• Ability to travel within East Africa.
• Proficiency in regional languages (e.g., Swahili, Amharic, Somali, Hausa, Yoruba, or Lingala).

Evaluation Criteria

• Qualifications – 50%
• Previous Experience – 40%
• Immediate Start Availability – 10%
• IREX reserves the right to award multiple contracts and may, based on funding and performance, enter into subsequent contractual agreements for up to three years without issuing a new RFP.

Deadline: November 17, 2025