Communication with Refugees Adviser Ministry of Education and Research Chisinau

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un‑met gaps and challenges.
   

This role is central to delivering NORCAP’s commitment to strengthening national systems so that education responses are accessible, inclusive, and grounded in the needs and feedback of displaced communities.
 

NORCAP supports the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) of the Republic of Moldova to strengthen its institutional capacity to ensure that refugee families have access to clear, accurate, and timely information about education pathways for their children. Since the escalation of the war in Ukraine, Moldova has received a significant number of refugees, creating sustained pressure on public services, including education. The Ministry is leading national efforts to increase enrolment, integration, and trust, while coordinating closely with humanitarian partners, local authorities, and Ukrainian counterparts.


Background

Since the Russian Federation launched a military offensive against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, more than 7 million people have crossed international borders creating massive and urgent relief and protection needs both within Ukraine and in neighbouring countries receiving refugees. 

Recognising the need for targeted support in response to the crisis, NORCAP has since March 2022 brought together cross-sectoral teams to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach in strengthening the institutional capacity of national authorities in Moldova. 

The current situation calls for an expert with expertise on engaging families that have been displaced with the purpose of raising awareness on education pathways and removing barriers to increase enrolment of Ukrainian children in the Moldovan education system. 

The role

The Communication with Refugees Adviser strengthens the Ministry of Education and Research’s capacity to communicate effectively with refugee families, improve two‑way dialogue, and remove information‑related barriers to school enrolment and participation. Success in this role means practical communication systems, tools, and skills that are embedded within the Ministry and continue beyond the assignment.

The position is based in Chișinău, Moldova, with field visits within the country. It is a fixed‑term contract until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to continued funding. The role reports to the Head of the Interethnic Relations Policy Section at the Ministry of Education and Research, with technical reporting to the NORCAP Education Thematic Manager.


As the Communication with Refugees Adviser, you will take on the following responsibilities:
You will work alongside Ministry colleagues to build sustainable capacity, combining strategic planning with practical, hands‑on support.

• Conduct a rapid communication and needs assessment, mapping existing channels, identifying information gaps, misconceptions, language barriers, and internal communication capacities.
• Support the development of a Communication with Refugees Strategy aligned with Ministry priorities, including clear messages, audience segmentation, and appropriate channels and formats.
• Translate the strategy into a practical action plan with timelines, responsibilities, and measurable indicators, ensuring Ministry ownership through joint workshops and mentoring.
• Support the development of clear, accessible information products for refugee families in appropriate languages and formats, including frequently asked questions, visuals, and short videos.
• Strengthen the Ministry’s public communication on education access, enrolment campaigns, policy updates, and crisis messaging, ensuring consistency across platforms and actors.
• Support the design and operationalisation of two‑way communication and feedback mechanisms, working with schools, local authorities, partners, and refugee‑led organisations.
• Build the Ministry’s capacity to analyse community feedback, manage rumours and concerns, and ensure learning feeds into communication products and policy messaging.
• Contribute up to 15% of time to NORCAP knowledge exchange, collaboration with other NORCAP experts, and participation in relevant meetings, mentoring, and learning activities.

Qualifications and experience

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• At least five years’ experience in community engagement, accountability to affected populations, and/or public communication, including the design and implementation of evidence‑based strategies and feedback mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience developing communication products and using media and social platforms for outreach to diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of education systems and/or public sector communication, ideally within humanitarian or refugee‑response contexts.
• Experience working with government institutions, humanitarian actors, and coordination mechanisms; familiarity with refugee protection principles and education standards is an asset.
• Knowledge of Interagency Network for Education in Emergecies (INEE) Minimum Standards, refugee protection principles and framework is preferable
• Experience in training, mentoring, and delivering sensitisation and capacity strengthening sessions to diverse multicultural teams.
• Experience in facilitating participatory approaches is highly desirable. 
• Familiarity with international, EU and European Commission policies and benchmarks in education and best European practices in the field of education is considered an asset. 
• An advanced university degree in education, communication, social sciences, international development, or a related field.

• Fluency in English and Russian (minimum B2); knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Romanian is an advantage.

   

   

Please read the attached Terms of Reference for more details before applying.

What we offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• Access to a dedicated Staff Care Adviser
• Eligibility for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review

Our Values and Commitment 

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values.
Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero‑tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
 

How to apply

Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education.
• Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• An approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.

Apply before: 24 May 2026, 11.59PM CET
 

We look forward to receiving your application!