Вакансія: Strategic Communications Advisor / Media Relations

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Ukraine is seeking a qualified professional for the project Special Assistance Program in Ukraine / EU4ResilientRegions to fill the position of a

Strategic Communications Advisor / Media Relations (full-time, Kyiv)

(Internal Code: Senior Communication Specialist)

The aim of the project Special Assistance Program in Ukraine / EU4ResilientRegions is that mandated governmental and non-governmental institutions in selected oblasts of Ukraine provide needs-based services for basic care and protection of the population. The project is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-funded by the European Union and implemented by GIZ. It supports communities particularly in the Regions Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Donetsk and Luhansk (GCA) in improving the quality and the access to social, medical and administrative services on a local level, in particular with respect to vulnerable population groups. For that purpose, the project coordinates and cooperates with a broad range of local/national and international partners and stakeholders.

The Strategic Communications Advisor / Media Relations will join Planning, Monitoring and Communications Unit (PMC Unit) and Special Assistance Program in Ukraine / EU4ResilientRegions within Resilient Society Cluster. This unit steers and advises on monitoring and reporting the Programme’s activities and results, manages the results-oriented monitoring database, promotes Resilient Society Cluster visibility in all media sources, internal and external, and coordinates the activity planning processes of the Programme. The team works with all Resilient Society cluster projects and teams, namely 7 projects. It further supports the coordination of the Programme’s work with national ministries, media representatives, EU Delegation to Ukraine, Embassies, amongst others. The Communications team is responsible for promoting the visibility of the activities and impacts of SAP Program in Ukraine and the Resilient Society Cluster work in general. It engages in various areas of strategic communication, media cooperation at the national and local level as well as internal communication. The Team maintains various social media channels, a complex network of project advisors and coordinators, as well as various other internal and external newsletters and materials. The team consists of three communication specialists so far.

Key responsibilities:

• Fulfilling the duties of strategic planning in the Communications Team, namely in developing and implementing strategic communication plans to promote the visibility of Special Assistance Program in Ukraine / EU4ResilientRegions and Resilient Society Cluster;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including media outlets, government officials, and community leaders;
• Implementing multi-facetted communication campaigns around specific initiatives to support municipalities during war and reconstruction such as its targeted support to local repair and reconstruction;
• Managing the Communications Team’s day-to-day activities, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and to a high standard;
• Overseeing the development and implementation of social media and online communications strategies;
• Developing and implementing internal communication strategies to ensure that all staff are informed and engaged with Special Assistance Program in Ukraine / EU4ResilientRegions and Resilient Society Cluster work;
• Ensuring that all communication materials are consistent with Special Assistance Program in Ukraine / EU4ResilientRegions and Resilient Society Cluster branding guidelines and messaging;
• Providing guidance and support to the Communications Team members, including coaching and mentoring;
• Managing the Communications Team’s budget and resources, ensuring that they are used effectively and efficiently.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field;
• At least 8 years of experience in communications, leadership role is an asset;
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies;
• Strong understanding of media relations and experience working with journalists and media outlets;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Ukrainian;
• Strong team and time management skills, including the ability to inspire a team of communication specialists;
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Excellent knowledge of the Ukrainian political and institutional landscape;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels;
• Experience working in the public or non-profit sector is an asset.

Personal competences

• Strong teamwork skills: Inspire and motivate the Communications Team to achieve their goals. She/he should be able to provide clear direction, delegate tasks effectively, and create a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation;
• Strategic thinking: Excellent strategic thinking skills, ability to see the big picture and develop communication plans that support the overall goals and objectives of Special Assistance Program in Ukraine / EU4ResilientRegions and Resilient Society Cluster;
• Excellent communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to a variety of stakeholders;
• Adaptability and flexibility: Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and priorities;
• Interpersonal skills: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including media outlets, government officials, and community leaders;
• Problem-solving skills: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop creative solutions to complex challenges.

We offer:

• Official employment;
• Salary fixed in EUR, performance-related bonuses and 13th salary;
• Medical insurance, 29 vacation days annually;
• Language classes, hard and soft skills trainings;
• Individual and group psychological support;
• Possible remote and flexible work;
• Meaningful and valuable work, international environment.

Assignment

The assignment starts as soon as possible.  Full-time position with 40-hours working week. The contract duration is till the end of December 2024, with possibility of prolongation.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive working environment with opportunities for skill enhancement.

Application

Application comprising of the candidate’s CV (including examples of work) and a cover letter in the English language explaining the motivation to apply for the job is to be sent to [email protected] until COB 13.12.2023, Wednesday.

By sending the application the candidate gives the consent for the personal data processing for recruitment processes solely.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.