Communication Officer - HEKS/EPER

Job Title: Communication Officer 

Duty station: Chisinau 

Starting Date: ASAP 

Contract Type: Service-contract 

GENERAL CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND 

HEKS/EPER is a Swiss INGO founded in 1946. HEKS/EPER supports local partner organizations with around 200 projects in 34 key countries worldwide. HEKS/EPER Moldova Office cooperates with NGO active in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. 
 
HEKS/EPER was active in the Republic of Moldova from 2004 to 2020 and the latest Country Program 2016-2020 was aiming at improving the living conditions for people in the rural areas of the Republic of Moldova. The focus on the rural areas addressed the disparities and inequalities in development of urban and rural areas in Moldova. 
 
The conflict in Ukraine has created a regional humanitarian crisis. Moldova is one of the main refugee-hosting countries and a transit country for onwards. Moldova is Europe’s poorest country, with the lowest per-capita GDP, populated mainly in rural areas and economically unable to respond to such a big number of refugees without external aid. As of mid of November, around 110 000 of Ukrainian refugees are remaining in the Republic of Moldova.  

Due to such a context and knowing that HEKS/EPER has a previous strong experience in the country by supporting local partners, it has been decided to open again the Country Office (CO) based in Chișinău. HEKS/EPER is planning to implement projects through well-known partners, local and national NGOs with strong expertise and experience. In this context, HEKS/EPER recognizes the need for effective, transparent and engaging communication, which shall be committed to our human rights mainstreaming and respectful approach. The Communication Officer will be responsible for this dimension. 

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES AND TASKS 

• Creation of communication campaign concepts, including messaging, content, and production of materials that raise awareness about the importance and benefits of economic and social inclusion of refugees in Moldova, in Romanian and English; 
• Lead the organization of public events such as inaugurations, press tours, press conferences, etc.;  
• Develop and implement effective communication tools about HEKS's work on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram);  
• Produce, review, and edit digital and print publications, infographics, social media posts, news releases, talking points, briefers, and other public relations materials, as required in Romanian and English; 

• Using graphic design, image processing and video editing tools and applications to create visually appealing and impactful content; 
• Photographic services during the project activities/events;  
• Data collection regarding the audiences reached and impact indicators; 
• Monitoring and analyzing the results of communication campaigns on social media, providing recommendations to improve HEKS's visibility on these platforms; 
• Maintaining active cooperation with media institutions; 
• Provide capacity building and guidance to program beneficiaries, to support their communications efforts; 
• Provide required communications inputs to the project reporting monthly on communication issues; 
• Other duties, as assigned. 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Excellent social media management skills;  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; 

• Has a proven track record in advocacy and awareness campaigns;  
• Can develop innovative and compelling campaigns that resonate with a wide audience;  
• Is dedicated to gender equality and the specific challenges faced by women refugees;  
• Has a clear strategy for measuring the impact media campaigns; 
• Good networking skills; 
• Attention to detail; 
• Ability to work in a team. 

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATION 

• A minimum of three (3) years' experience in a comparable communications role within the past few years is required.  
• Bachelor's degree in media or related field; 
• Excellent communication skills; 
• Good use of graphic design, image processing and video editing applications (Adobe Photoshop, Figma, Canva, etc.);  
• Excellent writing and editing skills in Romanian and English; 
• Creative and innovative; 
• Works well under pressure;  

• Proactive, results-oriented attitude; 
• Experience of working with civil society organizations, media organizations, and public administration in Moldova preferred; 
• Romanian and Russian languages are required, English language is an advantage. 

How to apply: 

Interested applicants are invited to send the following documents in English to olesea.badia@heks-eper.org: 

• CV; 
• Links of the sites maintained, of media campaigns organised; 
• Financial Offer of a net amount per day.  

Deadline for applications: November 05th, 2023 (end of the day). Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the closing date may be brought forward if needed. We encourage early application.