Communication officer - HEKS/EPER



Communication officer - HEKS/EPER

Job title

Communication Officer

Duty station

Chisinau, Moldova

Deadline to apply

7th March, 2024

Starting date

ASAP 

Contract type

Service contract

Salary range 

Circa 30 000MDL 

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 implementing 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 RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

Main responsibilities

Tasks

Institutional communication

·       Have a good comprehension of the internal functioning of HEKS/EPER as an organization and the current intervention of the mission in Moldova to convey HEKS/EPER values and work through adequate communication processes;

·       Ensure to follow the different projects’ implementation phases to build an effective communication plan around the mission’s milestones;

·       Attend activities within different projects to document HEKS/EPER intervention (photos, videos, reportages) and reflect results through communication tools;

·       Gather and transmit information for regular updates of the Moldova’s subpage on HEKS/EPER website;

·       Ensure continuous coordination with HQ communication staff and within the HEKS Moldova mission with other communication focal points;

·       Develop and implement effective communication tools about HEKS/EPER's work on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram);

·       Ensure a high-level quality of interaction between the viewers and the staff in charge of answering the questions/comments;

·       Redirect/archive any messages or questions related to the Feedbacks and Complaints Response Mechanisms to the focal point. Ensure that the entire information is transmitted if received through social media channels;

·       Cultivate and maintain relationships with media outlets, coordinate interviews, and manage press inquiries to enhance organizational visibility;

·       Develop and implement crisis communication plans to address potential issues promptly, providing timely and accurate information during challenging situations.

Content creation

·       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, Ukrainian/Russian 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.  

Active participation in awareness raising activities

·       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.; 

·       Identify personal stories from project beneficiaries and promote them;

·       Ensure the consent and understanding of people of concern’s use of image;

·       Increase visibility of the HEKS Moldova planned activities, by mediatising the events and project activities and results.

Transversal tasks

·       Data collection regarding the audiences reached and impact indicators;

·       Monitoring and analysing 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;
  • Can develop short-term and long-term communication plans;
  • 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;
  • Adaptability to work with short deadlines and in different contexts;
  • Interest to work in an NGO environment;
  • Understand project management life cycle to adapt the communication adequately.

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 and interpersonal 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. Ukrainian or Russian language is an advantage;
  • 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.

HEKS/EPER REGULATIONS AND POLICIES:

The postholder abides by all internal rules, regulations and policies and accepts new responsibilities as and when those are assigned by the line manager. The post holder is polite, respectful, honest, punctual (and respects deadlines), creative, pacifist, proactive, committed and – during office hours – non-political. S/he is in constant exchange with colleagues and supervisors, communicates problems and enriches discussions. S/he treats people of different religion, age, sex, and economic status appropriate and equally and actively ensures their wellbeing and raises his voice when required.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are invited to send the CV and cover letter in English to: olesea.badia@heks-eper.org

Deadline for applications: March 7, 2024 (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.

HEKS/EPER is an Equal Opportunity Employer