Technical Expert for COSMA Project

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization dedicated to the belief that a better world is possible. Established to provide assistance in times of disaster and hardship, Mercy Corps collaborates with communities worldwide to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization promotes good governance and contributes to creating an enabling environment for inclusive decision-making, effective engagement between communities and local government counterparts, and stable, accessible markets. Mercy Corps operates in numerous countries, focusing on addressing the underlying causes of conflict while reducing key social, economic, and environmental drivers of violence.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Expert for the COSMA project involves providing technical expertise and support to civil society and media organizations in Moldova. The COSMA project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), aims to strengthen social cohesion by enabling civil society organizations and independent media to act as trusted intermediaries between citizens and institutions. The role requires individuals who can implement programming directly, work with local partners, or conduct robust monitoring and evaluation. The expert will also facilitate dialogues, trainings, and stakeholder engagements, ensuring that initiatives are responsive to citizens' priorities and improve civic participation at the local level. The position demands a strong understanding of the civil society and media landscape in Moldova, as well as the ability to apply conflict-sensitive and citizen-centered approaches across project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Expert will be responsible for providing thematic and technical expertise to support COSMA interventions related to civil society strengthening, independent media support, media literacy, social cohesion, community engagement, communication strategies, and policy advocacy. Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the design, review, and quality assurance of locally led initiatives, grants, and capacity-strengthening activities.
• Supporting the application of conflict-sensitive, politically informed, and citizen-centered approaches across project activities.
• Providing technical input to assessments, intervention strategies, and Theory of Change refinement.
• Supporting capacity strengthening of local civil society and media actors through mentoring, advisory inputs, and tailored technical guidance.
• Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) processes, including indicator development and reflection sessions.
• Participating in stakeholder consultations, learning events, and coordination meetings with civil society, media, public institutions, and donors.
• Preparing or reviewing technical notes, guidance documents, and inputs to narrative reporting as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Technical Expert position should possess a degree in social sciences, governance, media studies, communications, international development, or a relevant field. They should have demonstrated knowledge of the civil society and media landscape in Moldova, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in civil society development, media support, governance, or related areas. Experience providing technical advisory support to donor-funded programs is essential, along with a strong understanding of the role of civil society and independent media in democratic governance and social cohesion. Candidates should also have experience working in politically sensitive or polarized contexts and possess strong analytical and facilitation skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in social sciences, governance, media studies, communications, international development, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of civil society and media dynamics in Moldova and for effectively contributing to the COSMA project's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as civil society development, media support and literacy, governance, and social cohesion. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing technical advisory support to donor-funded programs or initiatives, demonstrating their ability to navigate the challenges of working in politically sensitive or polarized contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian and/or Russian is mandatory, with a working knowledge of English considered beneficial. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, public institutions, and international donors.

Additional Notes:
The Technical Expert position will be based in Moldova, with travel required to project locations across the country, particularly in regions where social cohesion is at risk, such as Gagauzia and the Northern region. The project emphasizes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to create a culture of trust and respect within the organization. The organization is an equal opportunity employer, actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to strengthen its global impact. Team members are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct and safeguarding principles, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.