Associate

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.

We are a global team of over 800 changemakers, operating in more than 40 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference.

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

We are looking for an Associate, Strategic Communications (fixed term/secondment for 6 months) to integrate a team of government advisors in Moldova. The successful candidate will play an instrumental role in supporting TBI’s project in the country and enabling more effective communications at the Centre of Government and beyond.

This is an exciting opportunity requiring exceptional candidates who have experience working for public sector clients, a can-do attitude, appetite to make an impact, versatility, and comfort operating in politically complex environments. The Associate will report to a Senior Manager or Country Director.

An Associate is expected to be a generalist position with some knowledge and experience in public sector communications or in large scale private or semi-private sector companies. The Associate will support in building capacity on government messaging, social media, and public relations efforts, ensuring alignment with national priorities. Embedded within government, they will leverage TBI’s expertise in digital communications, strategic branding, and media engagement.

This is a high-profile role, offering a unique opportunity to enhance the government’s communication strategy, build public trust in reform efforts, and strengthen Moldova’s reputation as building a European standard of living for all citizens. The position will have the opportunity to interact with senior leaders in Government on a regular basis.

Key Responsibilities

The focus of this role is to support in capacity building within Government while also helping plan and execute on the Center of Government’s communication efforts – particularly in the face of heavy Russian-backed disinformation efforts.

Associates will have the following responsibilities:

Support the development and implementation of a strategic, multi-platform communication strategy, including an overarching narrative, for the Government.

Support in capacity building of Government on execution of a digital media strategy, developing the Government’s social media presence, digital campaigns, and audience engagement to enhance outreach and impact.

Develop mechanisms that help Government ensure consistent and unified messaging across government agencies, media outlets, private sector partners, and international organisations.

Build relationships with key Government departments, stakeholders, donors and partners to enable the Government to set communications direction across all implementors.

Support in the development and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytics frameworks to assess communication strategy effectiveness, ensuring continuous optimisation to ensure outcomes are achieved.

Support in communicating instructions to comms staff on the development of multimedia content, including digital marketing campaigns, video production, and public outreach initiatives to amplify key government messages.

Manage delivery of regular reporting to understand citizen perceptions and awareness of Government activity and disinformation narratives, including working with polling agencies and developing reporting using media monitoring tools.

Supporting Government to apply data-driven insights, including sentiment analysis, media monitoring, and audience tracking, to refine communication strategies and content, with a focus on understanding disinformation narratives and identifying approaches and messaging to counter this.

Person Specification

Academics and experience

Between 2 and 4 years of experience ideally – in public sector consulting, public sector organizations, or implementation-oriented areas of a large, private sector organization – with a track record of effective project delivery or communications work.

A bachelor’s or graduate degree in public policy, economics, international relations, communications, public relations, journalism, digital media, or political sciences; under-graduate degrees and graduate degrees in other areas can be considered with relevant equivalent experience.

Awareness of project planning techniques, the development of key performance indicators, and techniques to resolve delivery “roadblocks”.

Some experience in advising senior government or private sector officials on strategic messaging, public engagement, and crisis communication in complex political environments.

Experience in commissioning and/or using polling or similar research to set direction and iterate approaches is preferred.

Experience in digital communications, social media strategy, audience engagement, online reputation management, and/or online content creation.

Work ethics and skills

A proactive, self-motivated individual with a passion for achieving impact.

Commitment to delivering high quality work, and ready to put in the necessary effort to achieve this within imparted deadlines.

Ability to work independently, think strategically and produce deliverables, with attention to detail.

Good written communication and executive reporting skills including concise written PPT decks and reports are an advantage.

A proven ability to collaborate and build partnerships with others, including people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Fluency in English is required, with fluency in an Eastern European language preferred.

Client and environmental awareness

Excellent interpersonal and presentational skills; able to quickly establish TBI’s credibility with the client.

Ability to operate within sometimes sensitive political contexts and be attuned to potential areas of conflict or tension. Apply sound judgement in all external engagements on behalf of TBI.

An awareness of international relations trends, particularly in Eastern Europe.

Closing Date:

JR001592