Hybrid Project Director – International Counter Violent Extremism Programme

at Zinc Network

• Job title: Project Director – International Counter Violent Extremism Programme
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, London, United Kingdom

About the role

• Project Director leading strategic communications programme focused on countering disinformation at Zinc Network. Managing teams and ensuring impactful delivery of the programme across Central Asia.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic leadership, management, and technical direction for the programme, serving as the primary liaison with donor and partners;
• Lead the design and delivery of evidence-based communication interventions to counter disinformation and violent extremist narratives;
• Oversee the development of strategies, work plans, and results frameworks aligned with donor priorities and regional needs;
• Manage cross-functional teams – including strategists, researchers, creatives, digital specialists, and regional partners – ensuring effective collaboration and knowledge integration;
• Represent Zinc Network to government counterparts, civil society partners, and international stakeholders across Central Asia;
• Oversee project implementation, budget management, and risk mitigation to ensure timely and compliant delivery;
• Ensure consistent application of safeguarding, security, and ethical communication principles;
• Provide senior oversight on reporting, MEL, and donor engagement, ensuring delivery of high-quality outputs and learning;
• Contribute to thought leadership and knowledge sharing within the broader strategic communications and counter-FIMI community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree, or equivalent industry experience in communications, international development, security studies, behavioural science, or a related field;
• Senior-level experience managing international, donor-funded programmes (FCDO, USAID, EU, UN, or similar);
• Proven record in delivering strategic communications, counter-disinformation, or CVE programming, ideally in fragile or sensitive contexts;
• Demonstrated experience leading large, multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex budgets and compliance frameworks;
• Regional knowledge and professional experience in Central Asia, with understanding of political, media, and cultural dynamics;
• Strong track record in stakeholder engagement and partnership management, including with governments, civil society, and media organisations;
• Experience applying behavioural science and audience insights to design communication interventions;
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to rapidly changing operational environments;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to donors and high-level stakeholders;
• Data-first mindset, with comfort using analytics, media monitoring, and audience insight tools to guide strategy and decision-making;
• Working proficiency in Russian or a Central Asian language is advantageous.