REF SLOVAKIA – Call for Applications | Project Manager
Position Title: Project manager
Location: Bratislava (Hybrid work arrangements possible)
Type of Contract: full-time employment (part-time or other forms negotiable)
Start Date: as early as possible
ABOUT ROMA EDUCATION FUND
REF is an international foundation dedicated to increase the resilience of Roma communities in the face of social, economic, environmental, health, political changes and crises through education. REF envisions a future where educational innovation, inspired by the resilience and creativity of Roma communities, transforms learning for all. We challenge the premise of education systems that systematically fail marginalized learners, advocating instead for a reimagining of education as a transformative force for individual and collective flourishing. By 2033, we aim to be recognized as a pioneering voice in inclusive, community-led education, demonstrating that solutions co-created with historically excluded groups can revolutionize learning for both Roma and non-Roma learners alike. We believe that the most powerful innovations emerge from the margins, where necessity drives invention and courage fuels change.
We are currently expanding our team and looking for versatile and experienced professionals to support our strategic goals in Slovakia and beyond. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between policy and practice, playing a crucial role in implementing national reforms (specifically desegregation) while driving the organization’s growth through strategic project development and fundraising.
This role is ideal for a proactive professional capable of operating at multiple levels: working with state institutions on system reforms, ensuring local impact through field monitoring, and securing the organization’s future through successful grant writing and partnership building.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a versatile education policy and program experts who can bridge the gap between policy and practice. The successful candidate(s) will play a crucial role in implementing Slovak national reform projects (specifically related to desegregation) while contributing to the content development and sustainability of REF’s broader educational programs.
This position is ideal for a professional capable of operating at both the system level, working with state institutions, and the community level, ensuring that educational reforms are grounded in field realities. Depending on the skills and experience, the focus may vary from technical assistance and field monitoring in cooperation with state and public institutions and methodological development and fundraising to project management.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The role encompasses a blend of the following activities. Specific focus areas will be defined based on the candidate’s expertise:
1. Strategic planning, Policy, and Content Development
Contribute to the design and drafting of strategic documents, action plans (e.g., National Desegregation Action Plan), and methodological frameworks that define the organization’s vision for inclusive education,
Conduct in-depth desk research and comparative analysis of domestic and international practices (desk review) to identify best models and adapt them to the Slovak context,
Translate field needs into concrete educational programs and policy recommendations for state institutions and school founders.
2. Field Implementation, Monitoring and Data Analysis
Coordinate and conduct monitoring visits and verifications in schools and communities to assess the practical application of educational standards,
Map existing monitoring processes and workflows, analyzing gaps between prescribed standards and reality to propose concrete improvements for data collection, collect and systematize field evidence (reports, case studies, attendance logs) ensuring adherence to data protection and ethical standards,
Analyze participant feedback and field results to prepare background reports and recommendations for subsequent project phases.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Plan and facilitate consultations with diverse stakeholders, ranging from state and public institutions to municipalities and school directors,
Organize and manage consultation meetings, events, capacity building including training sessions and validation workshops, handling necessary logistics (venue sourcing, participant communication, and feedback collection),
Act as a liaison between the organization and partners to foster collaboration and ensure local buy-in for project activities.
4. Program management and operations
Provide administrative and operational support, including drafting minutes, managing document repositories, and preparing data for reporting,
Assist in the financial management of assigned activities, such as purchase requests, invoices, and tracking budget utilization in compliance with donor rules,
Ensure all activities comply with internal policies of the Roma Education Fund,
Identify funding opportunities, collaborate on the preparation of concept notes and fundraising materials to ensure the financial sustainability and future expansion of the organization’s programs.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
We are looking for a proactive professional who understands the Slovak education system and has a passion for equity.
Essential Qualifications:
Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in education, social policy, legal protection and human rights or project management.
Education: University degree in Education, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.
Skills:
Strong understanding of desegregation policies, inclusive education, and the realities of marginalized Roma communities.
Proven ability to draft high-quality written documents (policy papers, curricula, or project reports).
Experience in communicating with state and public institutions OR experience in fundraising and methodology design.
Languages: Professional fluency in Slovak and English (C1 level) is mandatory.
Tech Literacy: Proficiency in MS Office and collaborative tools; familiarity with digital education frameworks (DigComp) is an asset.
WHAT WE OFFER
Impact: Opportunity to work on high-level national reforms (TSI projects with UNICEF) and community-rooted innovations simultaneously.
Environment: A supportive, mission-driven team with an international network.
Compensation: Minimum base salary starting from €2,000 gross per month (full-time). Final offer will reflect the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and travel within the region.
APPLICATION PROCESS Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English.
2. Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your relevant experience in either policy/monitoring and/ormethodology/fundraising.
Please send your application to: marek.chomanic@roma.education Subject Line: Project manager – Application
Deadline for applying: 14 December 2025
REF is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly encourage applications from Roma candidates and individuals with deep knowledge of the communities we serve.
