Communications Specialist for USAID Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity (RCRA) in Moldova

Chemonics International Inc., a leader in international development and fostering sustainable and inclusive growth worldwide, announces an opening for a Communications Specialist’s role within USAID Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity (RCRA) in Moldova (the 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.

About the role:

As Communications Specialist, you will spotlight RCRA’s achievements and shape public narratives around Moldova’s key sectors—wine, high-value agriculture (HVA), and tourism. Through creative storytelling, campaigns, and events, you will promote the project’s impact across media and digital platforms. You will manage media outreach, build partnerships with stakeholders, oversee social media presence, and ensure all communications align with USAID branding. As part of the communications team, you will prepare compelling reports, support partner communications, and drive communication strategies that engage diverse audiences. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful communications and help transform Moldova’s rural economy.

Key responsibilities

Media Outreach & Strategic Partnerships

• Build and manage relationships with media outlets, sector associations, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to increase visibility and promote RCRA achievements.
• Coordinate media communication, initiatives and organize events, including press tours and media clubs, to highlight USAID’s contributions.
• Monitor media coverage, compile press clippings, track trends, and use insights to adjust communication strategies.

Social Media & Digital Presence

• Manage RCRA’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) with engaging content and timely updates on activities and events.
• Develop creative visuals and reels using relevant tools, maintaining a photo and video library to support storytelling and branding.
• Use analytics to evaluate social media performance, refining strategies to maximize engagement.

Content Creation, Reporting & Design

• Craft success stories, reports, fact sheets, press releases, and talking points, ensuring alignment with USAID branding and project objectives.
• Develop weekly updates, event materials, and communication tools to highlight RCRA’s impact. Collaborate with RCRA HVA, wine, and tourism technical teams to produce accurate, impactful content and enhance reports with design tools for professional presentation.

Vendors’ Coordination

• Manage vendors and subcontractors related to communications (photo, video, PR and communications campaigns etc.), ensuring compliance with internal procedures and accurate documentation of contracts and deliverables.

Branding, Compliance & Quality Control

• Ensure all communication materials adhere to USAID branding and marking requirements, maintaining consistency across outputs.
• Review partner communications for compliance with donor guidelines and project standards.

Training & Capacity Building

• Design and deliver workshops on media engagement, branding, and communication strategies to build partner capacity.
• Provide tailored support to grantees and partners to enhance their communication efforts and outreach impact.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or other related field.
• Minimum 3 (three) of years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media outreach and stakeholder engagement, preferably on USAID or other donor-funded projects.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and tools like Canva, CapCut, and Office 365. Experience in content creation in Romanian, English (and Russian preferred).
• Fluency in Romanian and proficiency in English (with excellent English writing skills), required. Proficiency in Russian is a plus.
• Experience with event planning, vendor management.
• Strong organization, multitasking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Adaptable and willing to learn new skills as needed.

Join Us:

If you are ready to make a difference and contribute to the development of rural Moldova, we would love to hear from you. Please email your CV and cover letter in English to MDA-RCRA-Recruit@chemonics.md with “Communications Specialist” in the subject line by November 25, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so early applications are encouraged.

Chemonics values diversity and inclusivity, committed to creating a dynamic work environment that respects all backgrounds and perspectives. While we appreciate all applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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