Thrace Development Agency is recruiting experts within the scope of the Black Sea Basin – Dialogue for Innovation and Better Governance (DIALOGUE). 14 Ekim 2025

The DIALOGUE project aims to increase innovation capacity in Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania by enhancing cooperation between various actors such as public institutions, academia, civil society and business support organizations. The project focuses on building instructional capacity, promoting cross sectoral dialogue and creating a platform for sustainable transnational cooperation. Through activities such as needs assessments, policy recommendations and training events the project will bring together institutions to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, improve governance promote cross border cooperating.

This positions is part of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin BSB01104 – DIALOGUE for Innovation and Better Governance Project, implemented by Trakya Development Agency.

Within this scope 4 experts will be hired.

• Needs Assessment Expert (250 hours within 6 months)
• Policy and Public Cooperation Expert (200 hours within 6 months)
• Communication Assistant (200 hours within throughout the project
• Financial Assistant (100 hours within throughout the project)

The experts will work part-time throughout the project duration, in close coordination with the agency’s project team, contributing to the implementation of the project’s objectives and deliverables.

Position Details for the Needs Assessment Expert

Duration: Part-time (250 hours within 6 months)

Position Summary

Needs Assessment Expert will prepare the need assessment report. This report will address the civil society actors’ needs to engage them into decision making process to strengthen innovation-driven ecosystem. The expert will conduct desk researches, at least 10 face to face interviews and workshops/focus group discussions to gather information, analyze gaps, and develop strategies to address the identified needs, ensuring that the project’s activities align with the target groups’ expectations.

Needs Assessment Expert will prepare stakeholder mapping to support the establishment of the         Black Sea Innovation Platform, facilitate communication activities, and ensure input reports for project outputs.

The expert will work closely with the Agency’s project team and Policy and Public Cooperation Expert.

Responsibilities

• Identify and categorize relevant stakeholders (public authorities, business support organizations, NGOs, universities, etc.),
• Develop and maintain a stakeholder database to support project communication and collaboration,
• Plan and implement quantitative and qualitative research methods (such as surveys, focus groups, and interviews) to identify needs of target groups,
• Collect and analyze data to develop evidence-based recommendations,
• Prepare stakeholder mapping report to support the establishment of the Black Sea Innovation Platform, facilitate communication activities, and ensure input reports for project outputs.
• Prepare the Regional Needs Assessment Report for strengthening the innovation ecosystem,
• Collaborate with other project team members in analyzing findings and preparing reports,
• Contribute to the organization of workshops and stakeholder meetings,
• Support the development of strategies and policy recommendations based on the analysis results.
• Contribute to the preparation of “Actionable Policy Recommendation” and “Recommendations for Effective and Sustainable International Cooperation” reports for the innovation platform,
• Coordinate with other experts to ensure data consistency and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree Social Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, Statistics, Engineering or related fields,
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in survey design, data collection, stakeholder analysis, data management, social research, and reporting,
• Experience in EU-funded or international development projects (e.g. Interreg, IPA, Horizon) is an asset,
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken),
• Excellent command of MS Office tools and data analysis software (Excel, SPSS, Google Forms, etc.),
• Strong analytical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills,
• Team-oriented, proactive, and results-driven.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and organizational skills.

Position Details for the Policy and Public Cooperation Expert

Duration: Part-time (200 hours within 6 months)

Position Summary

The Policy and Public Cooperation Expert will develop the “Actionable Policy Recommendation” (APR) report  and will support the development of Recommendations for Effective and Sustainable International Cooperation (RESIC) reports. The APR report will be developed for regional and national authorities, tailored to address identified gaps. The expert will support to organization of regional policy dialogues and encourage relevant decision makers and civil society actors to advocate for adoption of policies.

RESIC report will be prepared with the aim of building trust and deeper international integration of ecosystems and public and civil society organizations including business support organizations. To prepare this report expert will conduct desk researches, work with other experts and service providers and support organization of international workshop in Bulgaria.

The expert will support the design of effective and sustainable international cooperation mechanisms and contribute to regional policy dialogues aimed at improving governance and innovation capacity.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of policy proposals and action plans under “Actionable Policy Recommendation   Report” within the project scope and
• Facilitate collaboration among relevant stakeholders, including public authorities, NGOs, and business support organizations,
• Contribute to the preparation of the report “Recommendations for Effective and Sustainable International Cooperation”,
• Participate in policy dialogue meetings at regional and national levels,
• Assist in coordinating workshops, focus groups, and other related events with stakeholders,
• Support advocacy activities promoting participatory and inclusive policy-making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Engineering or related fields,
• Minimum 5 years of experience in policy development, governance, or stakeholder cooperation,
• Experience in EU or international cooperation projects is an asset,
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken),
• Strong knowledge of regional development and innovation policy frameworks,
• Proficiency in MS Office and communication tools (Teams, Zoom, etc.),
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and analytical skills,
• Ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder processes and contribute to policy formulation.

Position Details for the Communication Assistant

Duration: Part-time (200 hours within 15 months)

Position Summary

The Communication Assistant will be responsible for supporting the Communication Manager in implementing project communication and visibility activities, including the website, social media, and other digital platforms. The role includes assisting in content creation, coordination of communication materials, and ensuring the smooth flow of information among project partners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Communication Manager in the implementation of communication and visibility activities,
• Create engaging content (texts, visuals, and videos) for social media and the project website,
• Support the design, preparation, and dissemination of communication materials (newsletters, brochures, press releases, etc.),
• Ensure consistent and timely information flow between project partners,
• Contribute to the organization and promotion of project events, workshops, and public campaigns,
• Assist in reporting and documentation of communication activities according to Interreg guidelines.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media, Public Relations, or related fields,
• Experience in communication, marketing, or social media management,
• Excellent English writing and speaking skills,
• Proficiency in MS Office, Teams, and social media platforms,

• High fluency in English speaking and writing proficiency.
• Excellent IT skills (including MS Office, Teams, Zoom, Miro, social media & CRM platforms).
• Experience working in communication activities of multinational and multicultural projects  is an asset.

• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools is an asset.
• Creative, detail-oriented, and able to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment,

Position Details for the Financial Assistant

Duration: Part-time (100 within 15 months)

Position Summary

The Financial Assistant will be responsible for supporting the Financial Management of the DIALOGUE project, including financial reporting, expenditure tracking, procurement support, and documentation in line with Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme rules. The expert will assist in the preparation of project financial reports, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with programme and institutional procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare financial reports, statements, and documentation in accordance with Interreg guidelines,
• Support the implementation and monitoring of the project budget,
• Assist with procurement, contracts, and expenditure tracking,
• Verify the eligibility and accuracy of financial documents,
• Ensure the proper filing and archiving of financial records,
• Liaise with project partners to collect necessary financial information,
• Support internal and external audits when required,
• Contribute to ensuring compliance with financial regulations and reporting deadlines.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration,
• Minimum 5 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, or EU-funded project finance,
• Knowledge of EU financial procedures and procurement rules is an asset,
• Excellent command of English (reading, writing, and speaking),
• Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) and accounting software,
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills,
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines effectively.

To apply: Please indicate the position you are applying for and submit your updated CV/Resume, including your personal details, educational background, professional experience, and relevant skills.

Deadline for Applications: 24 October 2025 18:00 pm

For Inquiries or to Submit Your Application, Please Contact Us At:

dasan@trakyaka.org.tr

+90 850 450 09 59