The International Press Institute (IPI) is seeking a Europe Research and Network Coordinator to support and expand our work to protect media freedom in Europe, with a focus on network and capacity building and combating media capture.
Specifically, this position will coordinate a new European Commission-funded programme launching in September 2026. The programme — implemented by a consortium of civil-society organisations led by IPI — will expand IPI and partners’ media capture research and advocacy work across all 27 EU member states. It will also strengthen coalition-building and civil society capacity in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), helping civil society actors develop stronger mechanisms for early warning, mitigation, and response to threats against independent media. In addition to coordinating the wider programme, IPI will specifically lead coalition-building activities in Hungary, where close engagement with media organisations, press freedom and human rights groups, and other stakeholders will be central.
The Europe Research and Network Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the overall programme. The coordinator will support the media capture research work led by a programme partner with extensive experience in the field and will oversee coalition-building efforts with the support of regional partners. The coordinator will directly lead the implementation of programme activities in Hungary. This role will also involve working with subcontractors and consultants.
The coordinator will be a part of IPI’s Europe Advocacy Team and will support IPI’s broader work to protect and promote media freedom in the region, with a particular focus on outreach and engagement with IPI’s network and partners.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a growing area of IPI’s work at a critical moment for media freedom in Europe.
Responsibilities
- Coordinating and managing programme activities, including ensuring timely completion of deliverables, effective partner communications, smooth financial management and programme reporting, and effective management of external researchers and subcontractors.
- Coordinating IPI’s media capture work, including:
- supporting the development of media capture research methodology
- editing and reviewing research reports, analytical articles, and project publications
- Organising public and closed-door meetings, such as public panels, partner meetings, and a regional and local level, roundtables and stakeholder consultations in Hungary and across the CEE region.
- Supporting communication, outreach, and advocacy campaigns at the regional and European level.
The role will also contribute more broadly to IPI’s Europe advocacy work, depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests. This may include:
- Supporting research and analysis for advocacy missions, reports and briefings
- Assisting with membership outreach and coordination of regional networks
- Expanding IPI’s engagement and partnerships across Central and Eastern Europe
- Contributing to monitoring and verification of press freedom alerts
- Representing IPI at relevant conferences, media events and regional gatherings
- Supporting communications work, including social media content production
Profile
Strong candidates will bring:
- Experience coordinating and managing projects and organising events, meetings, or trainings
- Expertise on media capture and/or press freedom, particularly in the CEE region
- Strong research, writing, editing, and analytical skills
- Strong knowledge of Hungary and broader regional dynamics in Central and Eastern Europe
- Experience with coalition-building, partnerships, or network coordination
- Excellent written and spoken English. Hungarian language skills are considered an asset.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners
IPI recognises that relevant experience and skills can come in many forms. We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed above.
Location
Vienna or Budapest preferred, with the possibility of remote work in Europe.
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Flexible working arrangements and remote work options
- Opportunities for professional development within a globally recognised press freedom organisation
- 25 days of paid annual leave in addition to public holidays
How to apply
Please send:
- A CV
- A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying and relevant experience
- Contact details for two referees
Your cover letter should address your experience related to media freedom, media capture, project coordination, advocacy, coalition-building or related areas, as well as the skills and perspectives you would bring to the role.
Applications should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line: “Europe Research and Network Coordinator”.
For questions, please contact Dumitrița Holdiș, Europe Programme Manager at dholdis [at] ipi.media.
Deadline: Apply as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews on a rolling basis.
About IPI
IPI was founded in 1950 by 34 editors from 15 countries who believed in the power of the free flow of information to promote peace. Today, it is a global network of editors, journalists and media executives from over 100 countries who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism. Our members include award-winning journalists, Nobel laureates and editors at some of the most prestigious media outlets around the world. Together we work to promote the conditions that allow journalism to fulfil its public function, the most important of which is the media’s ability to operate free from interference and without fear of retaliation. Our mission is to defend media freedom and support independent journalism wherever they are threatened.