Soros Foundation Moldova (FSM)

Programme background

European Union-Eastern Partnership Culture Programme 2015-2018 (the Eastern Partnership (EaP) Culture Programme II) builds on the experience of the EaP Culture Programme I (2011 - 2015) of the European Union. It aims at further strengthening cultural policies, particularly the Cultural and Creative Sectors, and to strengthen the capacities of the culture sector and the culture operators in the EaP countries. It also aims to increase the links between public institutions and private actors and to include civil society in the decision making process, thus enhancing the role of culture as a driving-force for reform, promotion of inter-cultural dialogue and social cohesion.

The Programme consists of four main components:

• Cultural indicators and practical research including strengthening national capacities in evidence-based policy
• other relevant capacity-building in support of modernisation and reform in the cultural sector
• development of international collaboration opportunities and partnerships including through participation in the EU's new major grants programme Creative Europe
• a communications and visibility strategy which is focussed on (a) contributing to the transition within the region to a more appropriate and contemporary understanding of the role of culture in sustainable social and economic development (b) contributing to improved communication within the cultural sector both regionally and at country-level including through dissemination of best practices, case studies and formal and informal training and learning (c) highlighting EU-Eastern Partnership bilateral cooperation related to culture including promotion of the new Programme itself.

The management of the Programme will be developed by a consortium partnership consisting of the British Council, the Goethe Institut, Soros-Moldova and the National Centre for Culture of Poland. Soros Foundation-Moldova will lead on activities delivered in Moldova and Belarus with dedicated Culture Capacity Development Co-ordinators (CCDC). The Culture Co-ordinator will ensure all project activities, decision-making, discussions, listening and progress week-by-week are sustained, developed and monitored.

Key responsibilities:

• The CCDC will be the country’s representative of the programme;
• The position is fundamental to networking with public bodies, civil society and businesses on the ground.
• Develop, prepare and manage directly or indirectly any country-specific activities with the Key Experts team and Short-Term Experts.
• Draft monthly reports to the Team Leader on any country activities, developments, significant decisions, important meetings and any new or emerging initiatives;
• Make sure that local ‘dialogue’ in the cultural and creative sectors is taking place productively.
• Ensure all project activities, decision-making, discussions, and week-by-week progress are sustained, developed and monitored
• Coordinate a monthly professional gathering of cultural operators and officials who are ‘dialogue workers’ with others from the cultural and creative sectors.
• Set up at least once every two months a structured review meeting on ‘EaP Culture Programme II’ progress with a designated responsible person from the Ministry of Culture (ideally at Deputy Minister level).
• Participate in a formal and structured biannual regional CCPs meeting (virtual or physical) to share information, identify any important issues and evaluate regional progress.
• Maintain close liaison with the Information and Communication Manager of the project on information and visibility issues.
• Coordinate and liaise with the in-country EaP Platform 4 'People-to-People' committees.
• Provide support to informing the government, civil society and commercial cultural sector in Belarus on the EU Creative Europe programme.
• Create a Culture Creative Sector (CCS) donors and contributors network (probably using the EUNIC platform) which communicates effectively by virtual means, holds meetings and ensures that ‘EaP Culture Programme II’ feeds into and is strengthened by this network’s cooperation.

Knowledge, experience and skills:
European Union-Eastern Partnership Culture Programme 2015-2018 does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of Belarus;
• A university degree, preferably in arts, culture, cultural management or another relevant field.
• At least five years relevant work-experience.
• Demonstrate maturity, flexibility, deep commitment to leading positive social change in their countries and civil society leadership potential.
• Prior strong network with most, if not all, of the main local cultural and creative sector institutions, organisations and professionals is required.
• IT proficiency.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Fluency in Belarusian, Russian and English is required; fluency in other regional or EU languages is an asset.
• Good interpersonal and networking skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and maintain a professional approach.
• Creative and opportunity-driven mind-set.

Working Hours: at least 7 hours per day (should the applicant pursue teaching activities in educational institutions, this shall be deemed as part of the hours above).

Working Days: 3 days per week.

Starting date: 10.07.2015

Location: Minsk, Belarus. The consultant will have the flexibility of working from home as well as hot desking from Goethe Institute, Minsk.
Salary: please indicate salary expectations in your cover letter.

Application procedure:
Applications should be submitted in English and include a CV and cover letter.

Please send applications by email to abivol@soros.md by close of business 12.06.2015 to the attention of Adrian Bivol, program manager, including in the subject line: First name, Last name – position: Culture Capacity Development Coordinator (Belarus).