Comunitatea Mea Program vacancies - National Consultant - Public Relations and Communication

STATUS: National Consultant                                                                          

POSITION TITLE: Public Relations and Communication Specialist

REPORTS TO: Deputy General Secretary and the State Chancellery’s LPA Division

LOCATION: Chisinau, Moldova

EXPECTED DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: Approximately 25 non-consecutive days (during December 2024 – December 2025, with the possibility of extension and renewal)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 25, 2024, 6:00 PM (Republic of Moldova time)

Project description

USAID’s Comunitatea Mea (CM) is an 8-year program of assistance that strengthens local governments in Moldova to become more effective, transparent, and accountable to citizens.  The program also provides policy and legislative technical support for advancing decentralization reform, strengthening the role of local government associations in representing interests of LPAs, and facilitates broad-based dialogue on decentralization reform. The program works with key national and sub-national organizations as well as international development partners to bridge the gaps in communication, understanding, coordination, and effective reform process of existing policy and regulations.

Position summary

CM seeks a national PR and Communication specialist. The basic objectives of whom would be to develop and implement a communication strategy and a related communication plan; and to assure the promotion of voluntary amalgamation on the official page of the State Chancellery (SC), integrating cohesive messaging across State Chancellery’s communication channels. The specialist will be responsible for informing stakeholders, facilitating dialogue, and addressing concerns, ultimately fostering public trust and support for the amalgamation process. The specialist is expected to provide ongoing advisory support to the Deputy General Secretary and the Local Public Administration Division, including preparing internal briefings and FAQs to support government representatives in their community engagements.

Context of the assignment

The Government of Moldova is actively promoting the voluntary amalgamation of territorial administrative units to streamline local governance, improve public services, and enhance the economic development of rural communities. Voluntary amalgamation aims to strengthen the autonomy of local authorities, reduce administrative costs, and foster greater collaboration between local entities. Effective communication plays a critical role in this process, ensuring that communities are well-informed, engaged, and able to participate in the decision-making process.

Through this assignment Comunitatea Mea is seeking to support the State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova to develop and implement a communication strategy and related communication plan, to promote the benefits of the voluntary amalgamation, in terms of efficiency of the public spendings, and additional benefits in terms of salary incentives and development funds for the amalgamated communities. This effort is aiming to support the commitment of the Government in advancing the decentralization reform and shape the LPAs and public opinion on the voluntary amalgamation option promoted by the State Chancellery.

 Duties and responsabilities

• Draft and develop a comprehensive communication strategy/action plan to raise awareness about the benefits of voluntary amalgamation on the page of SC.
• Draft key messaging and ensure consistency across all communication channels.
• Draft and prepare for publishing press releases, articles, opinion pieces, and other media content for dissemination on the SC page.
• Collaborate with local media to ensure balanced coverage and highlight success stories from amalgamated villages.
• Manage the creation and dissemination of content through social media platforms, websites, and online forums.
• Monitor to online discussions related to the amalgamation.
• Advise and provide assistance to the deputy general secretary of the SC and Local public administration Division from the SC.
• Support the development of internal briefings and FAQs for government representatives who engage with communities.
• Provide regular updates and reports to relevant stakeholders on the progress of the communication.

 Deliverables, timeline, and level of effort

The expected Level of Effort (LOE) for this assignment will be a total of 25 (twenty five) non-consecutive days. The assignment will take place between December 2024 – September 2025 and will include: 

 Organizational Setting:

The Communications Specialist will report to the Deputy General Secretary responsible for the Voluntary Amalgamation Initiative and will work closely with him and the State Chancellery.

Prohibition of certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment.     

Confidentiality:

• Materials provided to the consultant and all proceedings of the consultancy contract should be regarded as confidential, both during and after the consultancy. Violation of confidentiality requirements may result in immediate termination of the contract.

 SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

 Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

 Experience and Skills

• Experience in elaboration communication and public awareness strategies.
• Strong knowledge of media relations, digital marketing, and social media management.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and local communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in Romanian and proficiency in Russian or English required.

Personal qualities:

• Responsibility, multitasking, flexibility, and punctuality
• Organizational and networking skills

 DURATION AND LOCATION

This position is part-time, with presence in Chisinau, with a contract duration of 12 months, renewable based on performance.

 TO APPLY:

Submit CV that includes your consulting rate requirements to: hr-md@irex.org. 

Please include “PR and Communication Specialist” in the subject line.

Applicants will be selected for an interview on a rolling basis.
IREX will only respond to those applicants selected for an interview.
IREX is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and inclusive hiring practice.
IREX is an equal-opportunity employer.