Wikimedia CEE Hub/Staff

WIKIMEDIA CEE HUB

Regional hub covering Central and Eastern Europe

As of March 2025, the Wikimedia CEE Hub has three (3) staff members:

Regional CEE Hub Coordinator: Barbara Klen (barbara.klen@wmceehub.org)
Program Officer: Toni Ristovski (toni.ristovski@wmceehub.org)
Community and Communication Specialist: Karolina Gruszczyk (karolina.gruszczyk@wmceehub.org)

Regional CEE Hub Coordinator

The Regional CEE Hub Coordinator leads the development of a strong and sustainable support structure for Wikimedia affiliates and communities across the CEE region. This role focuses on designing and managing an entity that promotes equity, self-determination, and collaboration, in line with the goals of the Wikimedia 2030 Strategy. The coordinator ensures that the CEE Hub effectively implements its core programs, connecting and supporting affiliates, volunteers, and like-minded organizations. In addition to overseeing the team and reporting to the Steering Committee, this role plays a key part in shaping the future of the Hub by refining its programs and securing funding for long-term sustainability.

Key responsibilities

Implementing the CEE Hub programme: leading the Hub’s activities across administration, communication, and program support.
Managing the team: coordinating staff and freelancers to ensure effective program delivery.
Engaging with the Steering Committee: providing regular updates and ensuring alignment with community needs.
Connecting the movement: strengthening collaboration among affiliates, volunteers, and external organizations.
Communicating the Hub’s development: ensuring transparency and engagement both within the region and across the international Wikimedia movement.
Collaborating with other Hubs: exchanging knowledge and best practices with similar regional initiatives worldwide.
Shaping the future of the CEE Hub: refining programs and preparing future grant proposals to strengthen the Hub’s role in the Wikimedia ecosystem.

Program Officer

The Program Officer supports communities and affiliates in developing impactful programs and securing funding for their initiatives. By guiding communities through program planning, grant applications, and project implementation, this role strengthens self-determination and capacity across the CEE region. The Program Officer also plays a crucial role in shaping the most effective approaches for supporting diverse communities with different cultural and operational backgrounds.

Key responsibilities

Identifying funding opportunities: researching and sharing relevant grant calls with CEE communities.
Supporting grant applications: assisting affiliates in designing projects and securing funding.
Guiding program implementation: providing advice and support for executing activities effectively.
Simplifying grant processes: creating templates and instructions to make reporting and applications easier.
Assisting with grant reporting: ensuring communities have the support needed to complete reports efficiently.
Encouraging new initiatives: helping develop new programs and projects that align with community needs.
Facilitating regional cooperation: strengthening collaboration between affiliates through cross-border and inter-group projects.

Community & Communications Specialist

The Community & Communications Specialist plays a key role in making communication within the Wikimedia CEE region accessible, inclusive, and up to date. This role involves managing the Hub’s communication channels, sharing important updates, and supporting communities in their outreach efforts, including strategies, campaigns, and social media. Through regular engagement with affiliates and volunteers, the specialist helps strengthen connections and ensure that information flows effectively across the region. Additionally, the position focuses on evaluating and improving communication strategies to better meet community needs, working closely with the Program Officer, affiliates, and the CEE Hub Regional Coordinator.

Key responsibilities

Keeping the community informed: developing and implementing a communication strategy that reflects the affiliates’ needs and keep them updated on the CEE Hub’s work.
Showcasing the impact: creating and sharing presentations, reports, and materials that highlight the achievements of CEE communities at regional and global events.
Sharing news & updates: managing social media, blog posts, newsletters, and Meta page updates to keep the CEE communities connected and informed.
Supporting the communities’ communication efforts: helping affiliates and volunteers enhance their outreach and fulfill their potential.
Engaging with affiliates: holding regular meetings to listen, share updates, and collaborate on key initiatives.
Empowering CEE Youth Group: supporting the CEE Youth group in aligning their activities with the Hub’s strategy and amplifying their voice, especially in regards to communication efforts.
Evaluating and improving communication within the CEE Hub: regularly assessing communication efforts to enhance effectiveness, adapt strategies, and better serve community needs.