WORK
WITH US

Glocal Roots is a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting people on the move in Switzerland, Greece, and Turkey. Our mission is to break the cycle of dependency by fostering resilience and autonomy.

We are looking for a Project Manager to oversee and coordinate the day-to-day management, financial accountability and development of our community-based project in Kos. The project consists of three main areas: Community Centre, Helpdesk and Free Shop. The Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the project as a whole, including team coordination, financial management, daily operations, community engagement and partnerships. They will coordinate a small team of 4–5 volunteers and work closely with the wider organisation to ensure that the project is well-managed, accountable and responsive to the needs of the community.

This is a highly hands-on and flexible role that requires someone who can work independently, manage resources responsibly, adapt quickly to changing circumstances and build strong relationships both within the team and with the local community.

Key responsibilities of the job include:

Team & Volunteer Management

• Coordinate and supervise a team of 4–5 volunteers.
• Support the recruitment and selection of new volunteers.
• Conduct volunteer inductions and provide ongoing training and guidance.
• Monitor volunteers’ development and wellbeing throughout their placement.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and encourage teamwork and ownership.
• Organise volunteer handovers and departures.
• Ensure that the team follows project procedures, safeguarding principles and safety guidelines.
• Identify when additional support is needed and communicate this appropriately to the wider organisation.

Community Centre Management

• Oversee the daily functioning of the Community Centre and ensure that activities and services run smoothly
• Develop and organise activities responding to the needs and interests of the community.
• Interact directly with visitors and community members, creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment.
• Manage day-to-day challenges and ensure that the space remains safe, functional and accessible.
• Monitor the use of the space and ensure that project rules and boundaries are respected.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries between the needs of the community and the resources and capacity of the project.

Free Shop:

• Coordinate the organisation and distribution of essential items through the Free Shop.
• Communicate with partner organisations regarding donations, stock and product requests.
• Organise and monitor orders and inventory.
• Ensure that products are distributed in a fair, equal and inclusive way.
• Identify shortages and changing needs within the community and adapt distribution accordingly.
• Maintain good communication with partners and ensure that donations and resources are used responsibly.

Help Desk:

• Provide direct and online support to people accessing the project.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant Greek administrative and bureaucratic procedures.
• Support individuals with practical needs and questions, including navigating different services and institutions.
• Provide accurate and responsible information and support people in identifying appropriate services.
• Identify when a request is beyond the project’s capacity and appropriately refer or signpost individuals to specialised services or organisations.
• Continue developing knowledge of local services, procedures and resources relevant to the community.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing partner organisations on the island.
• Develop new partnerships and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Develop projects and activities in response to identified community needs.
• Maintain relationships with local supporters, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders.
• Represent the project at local festivals, community events and other relevant activities.
• Look for new ways to connect the project with the wider community of Kos and strengthen local engagement.
• Ensure that the project remains connected to developments and resources within the local community

Financial Management & Accountability

• Take responsibility for the financial management and accountability of the project.
• Monitor and manage the project budget, keeping track of planned and actual expenses.
• Oversee day-to-day project expenses and payments, ensuring that they are properly documented and processed on time.
• Keep accurate records of expenses, invoices, receipts and other financial documentation.
• Plan and prioritise expenses according to the needs and available resources of the project.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in the use of project funds.
• Communicate with the relevant management team regarding the budget, financial needs and any unexpected or significant expenses.
• Identify potential financial challenges and take appropriate action to ensure the sustainability of the project.

Accommodation & Operational Management: 

• Maintain communication with the real estate agency and landlords of volunteer accommodation.
• Oversee practical issues related to volunteer housing and coordinate solutions when needed.
• Ensure that project spaces, resources and equipment are properly maintained.
• Monitor the day-to-day operational needs of the project and ensure that they are addressed.
• Identify operational challenges and take initiative to find practical and sustainable solutions.
• Ensure that the different areas of the project work together effectively.

Experience & Skills:

We are looking for someone who ideally brings:

• Previous experience in project management, project coordination or a similar role is an advantage
• Experience working with or coordinating volunteers or a small team.
• Experience in community-based, non-profit, humanitarian or social work is a strong advantage.
• Good organisational and administrative skills and the ability to manage different responsibilities independently.
• Confidence with budgets, expenses and basic financial administration.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and confidence working with people from different backgrounds.
• A good level of spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of languages spoken within our community is a significant advantage, particularly Greek and/or Arabic.
• Driving license.

We value practical skills, motivation and a willingness to learn just as much as formal qualifications or previous experience.

About the Role in Practice

As the only Project Manager on the island, you will have a high level of responsibility and autonomy. The role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on daily management — from supporting an individual at the Helpdesk, to coordinating volunteers, managing the Free Shop, solving an operational issue, managing an expense or representing the project with a local partner.

The environment can change quickly, and priorities may need to be adapted according to the needs of the community, available resources and the wider context. Flexibility, good judgement and the ability to prioritise are therefore essential.

At the same time, maintaining the trust built with the community over the years is a central part of the role. The Project Manager should be able to combine empathy and accessibility with professional boundaries, ensuring that the project remains sustainable and realistic about what it can and cannot provide.

The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of the project while also recognising when to delegate, ask for support and involve the wider team. The ability to balance responsibility and accountability with teamwork is essential to the role.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Proactive, independent and comfortable taking responsibility.
• Flexible and able to adapt when circumstances or priorities change.
• Practical and solution-oriented when challenges arise.
• Approachable, empathetic and comfortable working with people from different backgrounds.
• Able to build trusting relationships while maintaining clear and respectful boundaries.
• A supportive team leader who can delegate, communicate openly and ask for support when needed.
• Reliable and able to use good judgement when making day-to-day decisions.
• Genuinely interested in community-based work and the values behind the project.

What We Offer

• Starting date: November
• Full-time salaried role
• 12 month contract, extension possible (3 month probation period)
• Great development opportunities and responsibility in a challenging context
• Project management experience
• Practical experience in a refugee context

How to Apply

Interested candidates are asked to send a CV and cover letter to sara@glocalroots.org. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis. The application process will be closed when a suitable candidate has been found.