The Unit for Coordination of the Public Administration Reform
within the Government Office is seeking:

COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
in the context of the Central Public Administration Reform implementation activities

The Central Public Administration Reform (CPAR) implementation plan, comprises components such as: Institutional reorganization, Government Policy-Making capacity, Merit-based Professional Civil Service, Change Management, Information and Communication.

The main responsibilities of the Consultants will be: 

• Design, conduct and analyze the results of stakeholder research on communication and participation component of the CPAR to:
  • measure the effectiveness of earlier outreach efforts;
  • evaluate the attitudes and awareness of stakeholders towards CPAR;
  • identify preferred messengers and develop communications approaches to target each group.
• Prepare for publicizing the results of stakeholder research and remedial measures widely;
• Update CPAR Communications Strategy & create Media Plan based on research results;
• Prepare multi-media campaign to raise awareness and promote CPAR benefits, progress delivering them;
• Finalize development of CPAR website; ensure that content is continually updated and interactive features used effectively to solicit/collect feedback; 
• Support PARU in promoting of new laws and other normative acts related to CPAR;
• Develop plans for, publish and coordinate dissemination of CPAR publications and other advocacy tools, materials;
• Expand coverage and increase dissemination of PARU’s monthly e-newsletter sent to CPA staff, civil society (including mass media), donors and private sector representatives;
• Organize, together with PARU, workshops, seminars, roundtables with stakeholder representatives to discuss CPAR implementation plans, obtain feedback about the reform process, and agree on actions to be taken to resolve problems;
• Develop the capacity of and intensify work with the IEC specialists at key Ministries and agencies to facilitate staff participation, strengthen dialogue with civil servants;
• Design strategies and events to consult stakeholders, debate options for re-orienting CPAA functionally, deciding on scope and timeline for CPAA reorganization; develop and conduct multi-media campaign to explain and promote reorganization plan, promote the new CPAA system;
• Cultivate and maintain close contacts with the media and GoM press officers;
  • monitor press and electronic media coverage of CPAR;
    • bring stories of interest or concern to the attention of CPAR management;
    • respond to critical reports, stories that misrepresent CPAR policies or hurt PARU’s image.
  • write press releases;
  • participate in arranging press briefings, press clubs, press conferences, other media events;
  • ensure media coverage of CPAR events;
  • respond to journalists’ inquiries.
• Direct the production of brochures, leaflets, videos and other informational materials for civil servants, NGOs, Moldovan citizens, other stakeholders;

General Requirements for the Applicant: 

• University education in communications or other relevant field plus a minimum of 3 years working in public relations and/or journalism;
• Experience advising public sector officials and organizations in Moldova on strategic communications, internal awareness-building, participatory consultation processes, media relations, development of advocacy campaigns for policy reform;
• Proven ability to cultivate close working relationships with government officials, press secretaries, NGOs, the media and donor representatives at all levels;
• Experience designing and making presentations and training programs;
• Skilled in stakeholder analysis techniques including surveys, focus groups and individual interviews;
• Working knowledge of print and electronic media in all formats;
• Talented at reporting/writing newsletters, web content, news articles and opinion columns, especially for Government entities and NGOs;
• Good understanding of the media design, production and printing processes;
• Strong initiative and personal drive;
• Thrive in a demanding, charged environment, capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills;
• Fluent in spoken, written Moldovan, Russian, and English.

Time Frame: January-December 2007 – full time, with possible extension subject to satisfactory performance. Probation period – 3 months.

Interested candidates should submit application letters stating their capacities and relevant
Experience and detailed CVs including information on applicant’s relevant experience, examples of work carried out and achievement.

Expressions of interest must be received no later than December, 15th, 2006 to the following address: Piata Marii Adunari Nationale 1, Office of Administrative Support, office 652, or via e-mail: spataru.oas@gov.md, reforma_apc@gov.md.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Administrative Support (phone 250-442, 250-321, e-mail: spataru.oas@gov.md, liuba.cuznetova@gov.md).

Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis. Only those selected will be contacted.