Communications Assistant for USAID Moldova Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity (RCRA) project (extended period)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Chemonics International Inc. seeks a Communications Assistant for USAID Moldova Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity (RCRA) project. The goal of RCRA is to stimulate a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the regional crisis brought on by the latest Russian invasion of Ukraine and accelerate an inclusive, climate-resilient economic development of rural Moldova by protecting the development gains made with USAID support over the past decade and further stimulate the competitiveness of key economic sectors, including the wine industry, high-value agriculture, and tourism. 

Moldova RCRA is implemented by USAID contractor Chemonics International Inc. (www.chemonics.com), a U.S.-based international consulting firm providing expertise in developing and emerging-market countries since 1975.

Position Description:

The Communications Assistant will support highlighting project achievements through a combination of communication and public information and outreach efforts. S/he will coordinate event organization efforts under supervision of the Communications and Media Director. S/he will support all aspects of project communications, facilitate project marketing/promotion, and foster transparent, continual dialogue between partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.   

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions): 

Project Communications: 

• Support the implementation of RCRA's comprehensive communication strategy and plans, collaborating closely with the Communications and Media Director and the Media Partnerships and Strategic Communications Specialist.
• Develop diverse content, including writing stories/articles, success stories, interviews, case studies, and beneficiary snapshots in Romanian, Russian, and English for various audiences (local press, international buyers, USAID).
• Create infographics, banners, and other visual content for RCRA promotions and social media.
• Document all project activities through visual media (photographs, videos).
• Collaborate with external vendors (design, SMM, PR, photo, video, printing services) for content development, ensuring style and layout meet RCRA's guidelines, and manage related payments.
• Manage and distribute content across online channels and social media platforms.
• Assist the technical team in preparing and delivering public communications.
• Contribute to the development and distribution of promotional and public outreach materials (fact sheets, press releases, success stories, leaflets, brochures).
• Enhance communication strategies and implementations for project partners and grantees.
• Maintain and update databases, media lists, and event and social media calendars.
• Track media exposure and sector trends, developing weekly and quarterly media coverage reports.
• Assist in preparing and designing RCRA's quarterly and annual reports, ensuring alignment with USAID branding and timely submission.
• Develop USAID weekly reports, monthly newsletters, briefers, and other relevant documents.
• Manage the development and provision of marketing and branded materials for project events, adhering to RCRA procurement procedures.
• Undertake additional tasks as directed by the Chief of Party or Communications and Media Director.
• Respect and abide by all the internal regulations of Chemonics Office in Moldova as expressed in the Chemonics International Moldova Field Office Policy Manual.

Events/Logistics: 

• Conceptualize and coordinate RCRA events, including public events like opening ceremonies and USAID/USG delegate site visits, in collaboration with the Logistics Coordinator and under the direction of the Communications and Media Director.
• Support the organization of events for RCRA beneficiaries and partners.
• Develop materials like scene setters, talking points, and agendas for USAID/USG events.
• Perform additional ad hoc tasks consistent with the communications or public outreach nature and general requirements of the project.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Education and/or experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field, preferably with experience in international or donor-funded projects.
• Strong skills in developing diverse content and visual materials; proficient in social media management, Microsoft Office suite, and basic graphic design tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept in event planning, database management, and updating media lists and calendars.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and maintain attention to detail, especially in content creation and event logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly absorb and apply new information and adapt to changing environments and priorities.
• Fluency in Romanian and English, with Russian proficiency preferred.

Reporting 

The Communications Assistant will report to the RCRA Communications and Media Director. 

Please send an email with your CV in English attached and “Communications Assistant” in the subject line to MDA-RCRA-Recruit@chemonics.md by February 16, 2024. No telephone inquiries, please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.