Job vacancy: Russian-speaking Programme Manager

CCB • January 19, 2021

Temporary position for approx.1 year with start in May 2021.

Background

The Programme “Creating and sustaining positive change in key thematic areas related to water – strengthening the role of NGOs and civil society in Belarus and Russia”, supported by Sida, builds on a long-term vision that strong public demand for participation in water resources protection and management will lead to positive policy changes and an improved system of long-term public engagement in decision-making processes. The Programme interventions are based on a strong and active civil society, which plays a key role in creating and sustaining positive changes in the water-related practices and governance. The Programme promotes the work and activities of local NGOs, which are the key part in local civil society through their capacity building and technical support.


Job description

The primary function of a Programme manager is to make sure the Programme runs smoothly. Assistance in coordination of Sida funded environmental Programme in Belarus and Russia, focused on promotion of sustainable water management and capacity building implemented by local environmental NGOs, partners and experts in two countries.


On a day-to-day basis, Programme manager key responsibilities will typically involve maintaining Programme documentation, such as plans and reports; assigning tasks and controlling schedules; communicating the Programme’s goals, progress, results to team members, partners and other stakeholders, managing the Programme’s budget and reporting (to CCB Board and the donor).


These tasks require a flair for time management, excellent communication and organisational skills.


Programme manager responsibilities

Coordination

  • Handling holistic administration and coordination for the Programme, providing administrative support to management.
  • Ensuring all parts of an assigned Programme are processed, organized, and progressing according to predetermined timelines and deliverable dates
  • Assisting and supporting the Programme director.
  • Designing and controlling the Programme schedule.
  • Ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Assisting in assigning tasks to relevant parties and check in for status updates.
  • Delegating tasks to team members in Belarus and Russia.
  • Initiating, organising and attending Programme and stakeholder meetings.
  • Organising Programme meetings and ensuring proper documentation and recording.
  • Tracking and communicating Programme risks and opportunities.
  • Analysing Programme progress and, when necessary, adapting scope, timelines, and costs to achieve planned results.
  • Coordinating internal and external resources, ensuring implementation within scope, schedule, and defined budgets for the overall Programme level and for each individual partner.
  • Supporting partners and management team with capacity building activities related to planning, reporting and monitoring.


Communication

  • Initiating and supporting commutation activities to update donor, management, board and other stakeholders on the Programme’s progress and success stories.
  • Administrating external and internal communication for the Programme.
  • Liaising with partners to determine the Programme’s objectives.
  • Facilitating contacts between Programme partners and the CCB Network.
  • Preparing information for media and social media about the Programme.
  • Acting as a point of communication between Programme and external actors.


Financial issues

  • Following up regularly on financial reporting and Audit requirements according to the agreements for both the CCB’s financial officer and for Programme partners who might need assistance
  • Tracking Programme budget and have a good picture of financial picture of the Programme implementation.
  • Handling financial queries.
  • Supporting preparation and approving of budgets for partners’ agreements. 
  • Being able to provide financial overview for the Programme and spending.
  • Compiling financial report for the Programme.
  • Controlling and administrating contacts with local auditors


Reporting

  • Following up on Programme activities with partners related to relevant indicators and fulfilment of Programme goals and objectives.
  • Reporting Programme outcomes and/or risks to the appropriate management channels as needed—escalating issues as necessary based on work plans.
  • Developing and improving reporting routines and templates for partners
  • Collecting partner reports (narrative and financial) and compiling joint reports for the Programme.
  • Supporting monitoring expert(s) and jointly developing monitoring report for the Programme with clear links to the fulfilment of the Programme objectives.


Logistics

  • Initiating, supporting and being responsible for arrangements for the meetings and events on the Programme level including accommodation and travels related to Programme implementation


Skills and Qualifications

  • At least Bachelor’s degree in related field.
  • 3+ years’ project management experience.
  • Computer proficiency in MS Word, Power Point and Excel.
  • Russian and English language fluency (reading, writing, speaking).
  • Strong verbal and presentation skills.
  • Professional certifications in Project management are of additional merit.


Personality

  • Diplomatic
  • Resilient
  • Tactful


Job place and working conditions:

This full-time, but time limited position will play a critical role in the CCB International Secretariat’s, with a focus on Eastern European work of the Coalition Clean Baltic and its 24 NGO member organizations advocating across the Baltic Sea catchment. You will work closely with the team in Uppsala to ensure effective implementation of CCB’s projects and initiatives.


As soon as current travel restrictions will be lifted, some travel will be necessary in relation to the Programme. You may also need to be able to participate in occasional meetings on weekends, since the network consists partly of volunteers who dedicate their spare time to environmental activism.


Salary comparable to NGO staff in Sweden and in accordance with the Collective Agreements of the respective Unions.


Location: CCB’s office is located Uppsala, Sweden, but remote work is possible even after the pandemic restrictions are lifted.


It is expected that you would start from 1 May 2021 at the latest.


How to send us your CV and motivational letter

Should you be interested in applying for this position please send you CV with a motivational letter by 1 March 2021 to secretariat@ccb.se.


Likewise, any inquiries related to this vacancy announcement should be forwarded to the above email or by phone to Executive Secretary Mikhail Durkin at +46 739 770 793.

EU Commission upholds Fisheries Law: Finland's 2025 Atlantic Salmon quota reduced after unjustified overfishing in 2024

By CCB • May 7, 2025
7 May 2025 - Yesterday the European Commission took a strong decision to deduct Finland´s 2025 Atlantic Salmon quota due to unjustified overfishing last year. This action is a clear application of the EU fisheries rules - aiming to ensure sustainable fishing practices and compliance with established quotas - and an important precedent for the consistent enforcement of fisheries law. In 2024, Finland was allocated a strict by-catch quota for Atlantic salmon, with direct fishing prohibited, except for some specific, minor exceptions. Despite this, Finland reported catching 3,162 salmon in a targeted fishery, under a claimed derogation stating the fishery was for scientific research purposes. Upon review, the European Commission concluded that these activities did not meet the legal standards for such an exemption and therefore found this claim unjustified. The number of vessels participating, 32, the number of salmon caught as well as the fact that Finland refused to re-release the salmon after conducting the “scientific research” are all reasons why the fishery cannot be considered to have been carried out for scientific research purposes. As a result, the same number of salmon caught beyond the legal limit in 2024 is now being deducted from Finland’s 2025 quota, from the same stock. “ We welcome the Commission's decision to take enforcement action and apply the law as intended. It sends a clear message to Member States that exceeding quotas will have consequences. However, more consistent enforcement is urgently needed across EU waters, especially in the Baltic Sea, where many fish stocks are collapsing and the ecosystem is in a poor state ” said Aimi Hamberg, CCB Marine Policy Officer. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland has already responded to the Commission´s quota reduction for Atlantic salmon by stating that this decision “is not legally justified” and they will consider taking legal action against it. As this matter continues to evolve, it is highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in managing fish stocks sustainably. Species like salmon, herring and cod , are under increasing pressure due to overfishing, climate change and habitat loss. In this context, rule enforcement is not just a bureaucratic step but a necessary action to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine life in the Baltic Sea.

CCB is looking for a Network Officer to join our team at the CCB International Secretariat (closed)

By CCB • April 9, 2025
Coalition Clean Baltic – CCB is a politically independent network, uniting 27 environmental non-profit organizations, as well as partners and experts from 11 countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the environment and natural resources of the Baltic Sea region by encouraging new and constructive approaches and engaging people to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem. CCB Secretariat is based in Uppsala, Sweden.