Moldova: Communication and anti-stigma advisor

Organization: Trimbos Institute
Country: Moldova
Closing date: 13 Oct 2014

Communications and anti-stigma advisor (part-time, 70% working time equivalent)for Project Implementation Unit in Chisinau, Moldova for the “Reform of Mental Health Services in Moldova” Project

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has contracted the Consortium led by the Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute) to implement the project “Support to the Reform of Mental Health Services in Moldova" (2014-2018). The overall goal of the project is to support the mental health system reform in Moldova with revised legal and regulatory framework and financial mechanisms, built on the model of community-based mental health services that will be developed, tested and implemented in 4 districts. The envisaged impact is the improvement of wellbeing of mental health service users through equitable access to effective mental health services at community level, closer to their homes. The project pursues three primary objectives: provide access to community-based mental health services (primary care, community-based care, acute inpatient mental health services in district hospitals), improve intersectoral cooperation in the implementation of the new model of community-based care, and create an enabling environment for mental health service users to exercise their rights through advocacy and awareness raising activities. The personnel structure of the PIU will include: 1 local project manager; 3 senior advisors, 1 communications and anti-stigma advisor, 1 chief accountant, 1 administrative assistant, 1 translator/interpreter and 1 driver/logistics assistant.

Requirements

The communications and anti-stigma advisor will be required to develop and implement, in close collaboration with project partners, a communication strategy within the aforementioned project. The communications advisor is responsible to the Project Manager and Project Leader.

Position type:Part-time

Responsibilities

The incumbent will:

• Elaborate, implement and monitor the communication strategy and action plan on reducing stigma and discrimination towards people with mental conditions;
• Produce information kit about the project; write articles, news, press releases for the project website, newsletter, and publications;
• Coordinate the design of communication materials, including website and publications;
• Establish and maintain relations with local and national media and project partners;
• Facilitate the organization of public relations events, including press conferences, interviews, media trips etc;
• Coordinate community mobilization activities;
• Train PIU staff, partners and communities (in 4 project districts) to develop their communication skills;
• Participate in the project planning, monitoring and reporting activities;
• Perform other communication related tasks, as requested by the project manager or the project leader.

Qualifications

Education:University degree in Journalism, Communications or other related fields and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.

Languages:Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian.

Knowledge and skills:Proficient in using various forms of media (including social media); excellent communication and writing skills; proven networking skills; ability to execute tasks independently; teamwork skills; maintain confidentiality.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their applications (Letter of intention, CV, relevant recommendation letters and references) with the subject line “Communications and anti-stigma advisor” by Monday, the 13^th of October2014to the following e-mail address:ipetrea@trimbos.nl