Communications Specialist

Job Title: Communications Specialist
Reports To: Director of Caritas Moldova
Contract Duration: 12 months
Country/Location: Chisinau, Moldova

Interested candidates are welcome to apply by sending their CV with email to secretariat@caritas.md mentioning in the subject line the title of the position “Communications Specialist”.

About Caritas Moldova:

Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of 165 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations working to build a better world, especially for the poor and oppressed, in over 200 countries and territories. Caritas works without regard to creed, race, gender, or ethnicity, and is one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks.

Founded in 1995, Caritas Moldova is part of Caritas Internationalis and aims to carry out the charitable and social action of the Church - reaching out to the poor, vulnerable, and excluded, regardless of race or religion, to build a world based on justice and fraternal love.

Job Summary:
As the Russian invasion expands in Ukraine, the United Nations (UN) estimates that more than four million Ukrainians will be forced to flee the country if there is no cessation of the invasion. Already an estimated 650,000 refugees have crossed into Moldova, with about 85% moving on to other countries in the EU and the other 15% settling in Moldova. Caritas Moldova is responding to the refugee crisis, working to serve conflict-affected Ukrainians in Moldova.

Caritas Moldova is seeking to hire a Communications Specialist for 12 months, with the possibility of extension, based on both funding availability and performance.

Job Summary:
This position serves the purpose of developing a range of communications materials for Caritas Moldova. The communications specialist will manage and oversee the development of timely, accurate and compelling information for informational, fundraising, communications, and advocacy purposes. The role requires responding to urgent needs, as well as anticipating needs and opportunities for communicating with key donors and partners.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a communications strategy to prioritize content and target audiences for Caritas Moldova communications.
• Respond to the fast-paced needs of communications during emergencies, with the adaptability to shift the focus of communications as the situation evolves.
• Identify key themes and messages to highlight as the response evolves – new subjects or topics of communications content that can illustrate the milestones and evolution of the situation /context.
• Provide updated emergency statistics, programming details, and other key information in the form of Situation Reports and other pieces.
• Travel to areas of Caritas programming to interview program participants and partners. Identify and write compelling human interest stories that provide a lens into the humanitarian needs and work of Caritas.
• Produce content for the Caritas website and social media platforms.
• Escort and work closely with photographers/videographers as needed.
• Support visiting delegations of donors, journalists, and VIPs to Caritas Moldova programs.
• Develop talking points for priority or sensitive issues.
• Support Caritas leadership on representational and other communications needs.
• Share content and coordinate with communications peers at Caritas partners/donors and CI to keep them informed of Caritas's work and impact.

Basic Qualifications

• High-quality writing skills.
• Flexibility to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Experience producing high-quality communications materials -- in print and/or online.
• Comfort level with interviewing people who are going through extreme hardship. An ability to approach interviews in a way that upholds the integrity of the person and never compromises the Caritas commitment to people’s dignity.
• Strong ability to work independently, prioritize and multi-task.
• Demonstrates a proactive, collaborative, and flexible approach to work.
• Willing to work under pressure/ability to work on short deadlines as needed.
• Confidence to advise leadership on communications guidance in challenging situations, and to manage and respond to multiple demands from partners.
• Fluency in Romanian and English language.
• Proficient in PC software packages, especially the latest version of Microsoft Word and ideally Adobe, for creating and editing PDFs. Graphic design skills and/or PowerPoint a plus.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate with empathy and compassion.
• Observation and active listening skills and strong oral commutation skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.

Required Languages: Written and spoken proficiency in Romanian and English; knowledge of Ukrainian/ Russian will be considered an asset.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel locally within Chisinau (or assigned rayon(s)).

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:
Ukrainian refugees, Caritas Moldova staff, Municipal or rayon government officials and workers.
Occasionally working with Parishes, UNHCR and working groups, and other faith-based and NGO actors

Disclaimers:

• This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
• Caritas talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
• Caritas is an Equal Opportunity Employer; Caritas is always looking for qualified, diverse, and compelling candidates to join our agency and support our great work.
• By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that Caritas requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.
• Please note that applications will be continuously reviewed, and Caritas reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
• We thank all applicants for their interest, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.