Communication Assistant

Position Title: Communication Assistant 
Directly Reports to: Communication Officer
Duty Station: Chisinau, Moldova with occasional travels in the country
Contract Type: Local (full-time)
Duration of Appointment: Fixed-Term until 30/06/2024 with possibility of extension
Salary: 23238 MDL gross
Estimated Start Date: ASAP
Application Deadline: April 24, 2024

Context:

HELVETAS is an independent Swiss development organization that is contributing to efforts to alleviate poverty, working to advance human rights, and building capacity across the globe. The HELVETAS approach combines humanitarian response and development support, addressing specific circumstances and needs. 

Since 2018, HELVETAS has been committed in Moldova to creating more economic opportunities for the local population, including humanitarian aid for refugees following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022. The support extends to Moldovan host families who are taking in refugees and are themselves affected by poverty. 

Currently, Helvetas Moldova is in the process of implementing the project Achieving Resilience through Employment and Social Cohesion, in consortium with HEKS/EPER and with the financial support of the Swiss Government. The National Employment Agency is a strategic implementation partner of the project.

Additionally, Helvetas Moldova is currently implementing the project Building Resilient Communities in Ștefan Vodă Rayon, with financial support from USAID. The project is focused on strengthening the capacity of local authorities and communities in Stefan Vodă to manage and reduce disaster-related losses and damages, through community-led inclusive disaster risk reduction and preparedness.

Job Summary:

Under the overall supervision of the Emergency Response Representative, and under the direct supervision of the Communication Officer, the incumbent will be based in Chisinau and will provide support in producing high-quality communication and media products to ensure the visibility of the programmes implemented by HELVETAS in Moldova. The Communication Assistant’s support will involve helping the team to plan and deliver fully integrated multichannel campaigns to promote our work, as well as assisting with day-to-day tasks such as event planning and logistics, content development, researching audience insights, and evaluating our campaigns to demonstrate impact. You will have the opportunity to work with colleagues across departments on some exciting and meaningful projects, and whilst you'll follow the various processes and procedures in place, we'll expect you to share your bold ideas and think about ways we can do things differently.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of communication and visibility initiatives, in line with HELVETAS communications guidelines and donor requirements;
• Liaise with project managers to ensure smooth cooperation between the Communication team and respective programme teams;
• Provide administrative and technical support for the implementation of programmatic activities on media production and outreach activities;
• Manage Moldova’s webpage on HELVETAS’ website and Helvetas Moldova’s Facebook page (currently being established;
• 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 /Russian and English;
• Using graphic design, image processing and video editing tools and applications to create visually appealing and impactful content;
• Attend activities within different projects to document HELVETAS intervention (photos, videos, reportages) and reflect results through communication tools;
• Provide high-quality Romanian/Russian-English translations;
• Assist in liaising with media outlets, service providers and relevant stakeholders;
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• University degree in Media, Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with at least 1 year of relevant professional experience; or
• Completed High school degree from an accredited educational institution, with 2 years of relevant professional experience.

Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, Teams etc., social media and Adobe Creative / Canva
• Excellent ability on creation content and visibility materials;
• Ability to present information logically, clearly and concisely;
• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse and cross-cultural audience;
• Flexible work attitude and ability to work independently within a small team;
• Strong time management skills.

Languages:

This position requires fluency in either Romanian or Russian is required (oral and written), as well as working knowledge of English.   

Nice to Have:

• Experience in (I)NGOs or institutions (public/private) especially focused on education, employment, personal development.
• Experience working on projects targeting vulnerable people;
• Experience in organising meetings, information and learning sessions;
• Basic knowledge in project cycle management;
• Report drafting and review skills;
• Ukrainian language skills.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are invited to send the CV and cover letter in English or Romanian/Russian to: HR.Moldova@helvetas.org.

Please mention the name, position and contact details of at least one professional reference. Family members are to be excluded.

Deadline for applications: April 24, 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.

Please indicate in the subject line the position you are applying for. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*All of the information you provide during the application process will only be used for the purpose of progressing your application, or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary. It will be held securely by us whether the information is in electronic or physical format.