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UNDP Strategic Communications and Policy Planning Adviser to the Prime Minister’s Office


 United Nations Development Programme

Chisinau, Moldova

Duties and Responsibilities

The Adviser to the Government of Moldova on Strategic Communications and Policy Planning will provide strategic advice to the Prime Minister of Moldova and his Office on internal and external communications and policy planning with specific focus on implementation and communication of the Government Programme, the National Development Strategy Moldova 2020, European integration process and other strategic issues. The Adviser would help the Government communicate its policies as well as develop and plan policies with a strong communication element. S/he will provide coaching support to the Prime Minister´s Office and other relevant Government structures as well as support building their capacities for effective policy planning and effective communication of messages related to the reform agenda. The Adviser will develop analytical products such as advisory notes, reviews and assessments leading to policy papers as well as provide direct ad-hoc strategic advice as required by the beneficiaries.
The Adviser will report primarily to the Prime Minister of Moldova, with a secondary reporting line to UNDP. The Advisor will work closely with the other members of the team of EUHPAM Advisor and the EU Delegation in Moldova. Together with other EU HLPAM advisors he/she will represent the Mission in meetings with key officials, partner organisation and other institutions involved into implementation of the Project.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide advice to the Prime Minister and his staff on communication of strategic issues particularly in relation to European integration process and related high-impact reforms;
  • Support internal communications related to EU integration policies and their implementation in the country;
  • Assist the Government in better integrating and developing joint policy planning, policy formulation and strategic communications;
  • Assist the Government in formulating effective policies with a strong communication component;
  • Develop approaches and mechanisms in support of strategic communication and consistency of the messages of the Government;
  • Advise and guide the Prime Minister’s Office in designing and implementing communication strategies and plans on the implementation of the Government Programme and EU integration agenda;
  • Identify the main systematic and capacity gaps for effective government communication and propose ways to address those gaps. Provide targeted training and coaching on communications for key officials in the Prime Minister’s office;
  • Provide guidance and inputs to the Government’s Press Office and communication officers of the key institutions on the design and implementation of the communication strategies and plans;
  • Provide guidance and support for the Prime Minister’s political advisers on how to develop comprehensive policy proposals with strong communications components;
  • Assist the Government to improve communications of its reform efforts on the international arena.
The above responsibilities will be carried out through development of strategy document, policy papers, advisory notes and other relevant documentation as well as provision of technical on-the-job advice to the institutions responsible for Government communication.

Competencies

  • Outstanding drafting and inter-personal skills.
The Adviser is required to be present in Moldova at least 60% of the time and work according to a prioritized work plan to be established in close consultation with the beneficiary, the EU and the UNDP.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Communication, Public Policy and Management, Political Science or similar.
Experience:
  • Preferably more than 8 years of professional experience in strategic communications, policy planning and development and communications management.
  • More than 8 years of relevant professional experience such as a public relations or policy advisor, spokesperson, preferably for a national or public administration of an EU Member State or an EU Institution or to candidate countries.
  • Substantive overall understanding of development trends and ability to present related issues clearly both to a general and a specialist audience.
  • Experience in communicating national negotiations on EU integration is an asset.
  • Previous work experience in Moldova would be an advantage.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English. Knowledge in Romanian language is a strong asset. Knowledge of Russian language is an advantage.
  • Familiarity with relevant IT software tools, including power point presentations.
  • For this post, a full-time commitment would be a definite advantage.