Component Manager - Media - COSMA Moldova

Component Manager - Media

About IREX

For more than 50 years, IREX has delivered results in complex environments. We solve problems through partnership, bridge divides where interests conflict, and develop leaders committed to impact. The youth we empower build stronger economies. The educators we support improve learning for countless students. The critical thinking skills we advance help people make informed decisions about their futures.

For the upcoming “Strengthening Social Cohesion through Civil Society and Mass-Media in Moldova“ (COSMA) project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), IREX is seeking qualified candidates to provide general technical direction to media- focused activities based in Chisinau, Moldova.

The COSMA initiative aims to enhance an inclusive nation-building process and social cohesion in Moldova based on democratic principles. This will be achieved by empowering the media and civil society organizations to act as agents of accountability, cohesion and transformation, using citizens' priorities as entry points. This strategic initiative entails the active inclusion of the excluded groups and attaining widespread societal support. This is to be achieved through a combination of awareness raising, coaching, mentoring, peer exchange and training on transformative topics. The program will have a nationwide coverage paying particular attention to regions where social and national cohesion are at risk, such as the Gagauz Autonomous Region and the northern region of the country. Duration of the first phase of the project, which is the object of this tender, is four years (July 2026 – June 2029).

Limited to citizens/residents of Moldova. The position is contingent upon IREX being awarded the tender.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead all media-strengthening focused activities and partnerships of the project, including efforts to empower mass-media organizations to function as agents of accountability, cohesion and transformation;

Strengthen advocacy capacity of key media organizations to promote stronger journalistic standards; produce media content that is informed by local issues; promote constructive journalism; and produce high-quality media content.

Coordinate closely with civil society component manager and civil society activities.

Lead a sustainable approach to building media capacity, increasing both the quality and quantity of investigative and public interest journalism.

Work closely with project partners and grantees; design, organize, and lead relevant trainings, consultations, pitch sessions, and other support programs for media professionals, content creators, and media support organizations.

Cultivate a network of experts in various aspects of journalism, media business and management, media literacy, and related spheres to serve as additional trainers, mentors, and speakers.

Perform regular reporting on the results and impact of program support. Responsible for the development of progress reports, workplans, presentations, fact sheets, donor reports, and other explanatory and communications materials.

Other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

At least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Journalism. Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience with implementing SDC-funded projects preferred.

Minimum 10 years of professional experience working in media sector strengthening in Moldova, including content development, media sustainability, and audience reach

Strong knowledge of Moldova’s media landscape and networks of media actors, including media organizations and journalists.

Excellent communication and strong writing skills.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others and problem-solve in a multicultural work environment.

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, reliability, and good time management skills.

Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and analytical skills required.

Must have proven track record in the advanced use of modern communications tools, including social media.

Fluency in English, Romanian, and Russian is highly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IREX seeks to attract the best-qualified candidates who support IREX’s mission and who respect and promote excellence through diversity. IREX is committed to equal opportunity and follows recruitment and selection practices that comply with all applicable employment laws. To this end, IREX recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals based on merit and experience.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

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