The EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to Moldova and Ukraine was established, based on a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 7 October 2005 by the European Commission, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, with IOM as the EU’s implementing partner. The mandate of EUBAM runs through 30 November 2015.

The Mission is a technical assistance and advisory body that aims at enhancing the border and customs management capacities of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, approximate the standards of the border and law enforcement authorities to those of the EU and to enhance the implementation of the rule of law.

Main objectives of the assignment/scope of work:

The Head, Communications and Reporting Office plans, develops and oversees implementation of the EUBAM communication strategy. S/he is responsible for all external communications and reporting activities of EUBAM including outreach, advocacy and publications. S/he works with national and international media and with communications offices of other international entities and partner services. S/he advocates for EUBAM´s mission and provides quality information about the activities and impact of EUBAM and its partner services in Moldova and Ukraine.

The Head, Communications and Reporting Office reports to the Head of Mission and supervises a team of national personnel.

Detailed description of activities:

• To oversee the activities of the Communications and Reporting Office, prepare work plans and supervise personnel.
• To develop the EUBAM external communications strategy in line with EU guidelines and formulate related implementation activities.
• To coordinate and elaborate the Mission’s monthly and annual reports, including factual and analytical parts and to ensure dissemination.
• To contribute to the drafting of the Mission’s narrative progress and final reports according to the General Conditions applicable to European Union contribution agreements with international organisations.
• To coordinate and manage EUBAM´s publication activities including content management, norms for publishing, design, production and printing and to supervise dissemination.
• To identify and develop storylines for external relation initiatives and publications, to draft media inputs and articles.
• To develop and oversee implementation of advocacy and outreach (public information) campaigns and the development of public information/advocacy materials.
• To develop and to maintain the EUBAM web site in cooperation with IT and to prepare/update web contents. To ensure consistency and accuracy of the published materials.
• To develop and to foster close contacts with press services of the EU, international organisations, government institutions, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy.
• To facilitate journalists and third-parties’ access to EUBAM and national partner services.
• To provide advice and support to EUBAM offices in developing communications activities within the framework of their responsibilities.
• To perform other tasks as assigned.

Main outputs/deliverables:

1. EUBAM reports elaborated and disseminated on time.
2. External communications strategy and implementation plans developed based on EUBAM action plan.
3. EUBAM external communications plan implemented through organisation of a variety of activities such as newsletters, web-site updates, media articles, press interviews/briefings and advocacy events and support provided to EUBAM experts and partner services in their outreach/advocacy activities.
4. Publications plan implemented though development and publication of special public information materials.

Monitoring and reporting requirements:

The Communications and Reporting Office reports to the Head of Mission, who is responsible for appraisal of performance and quality of work deliverables. Reporting takes place through written and oral briefs.

Selection criteria/requirements:

• Master’s degree preferably in social sciences, journalism or public relations.

• A minimum of ten (10) years relevant working experience in field in public relations, communications of which minimum 4 years spent at senior level.

• Demonstrated ability in elaborating and implementing communications and publications strategies as well as in developing and managing media and advocacy campaigns.
• Overall understanding of border security and customs issues and ability to communicate issues to both generalist and specialist audiences.
• Outstanding drafting and communication skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of Russian, Ukrainian and/or Romanian is an asset.
• Familiarity with relevant IT software tools (Windows, web page design tools).
• National certificate of no criminal record.

Email your CV and cover letter in English to: vacancies_ukraine@eubam.org

Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your message.

Closing date for applications January 16, 2015; however, interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply sooner.

Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Please note that the position is subject to funds availability.