Afghanistan: Communications Officer
Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 14 Aug 2013
The OrganisationAfghanaid, an international NGO (www.afghanaid.org.uk) registered in England and Wales, has assisted and facilitated community-driven processes for emergency assistance, recovery and development to address rights, entitlements and fundamental needs of people in some of the most remote areas of Afghanistan for the past three decades. Headquartered in Kabul, with provincial and district offices in Badakhshan (north-eastern region), Samangan (northern region) and Ghor (western region), and a Marketing and Fundraising office in London, Afghanaid employs 400 personnel, 95% of whom are Afghans.
- The RoleUnder the supervision of the Managing Director (MD), you will be responsible for:• Implementation of Afghanaid’s Communications strategy • Development of key organisational messaging and communications and marketing materials• Presenting and promoting a clear and coherent Afghanaid brand through organisational communications products, web-based and online communications and media engagement and representational work.• Assisting the MD in preparing and disseminating strategic communication materials, representing Afghanaid, preparing Board of Trustee and Executive Team reports and meetings, as well as giving other administrative support.
This position presents an excellent opportunity for a dynamic individual developing his/her career in the communications and media sector and international development context.
- Key Responsibilities• Refine Communications strategy and plans, oversee implementation and monitor progress against objectives.• Write internal and external briefs and reports to be used in developing communications work at the national and international level.• Coordinate the promotion of a coherent organisational brand in all print and electronic materials.• Produce and regularly update a range of branded communications and marketing materials for diverse audiences, including but not limited to organisational and programme specific brochures, materials for specific fundraising appeals, human interest stories and case studies, visibility materials, newsletters, calendars and other materials and coordinating translation into local languages as needed.• Develop online communications, including blogging and other activities which ensure that the Afghanaid website is vibrant and effectively “speaks” to diverse audiences reflecting the quality, relevance, impact and sustainability of Afghanaid’s work with communities. • Organise/write/edit key organisational communications products, including annual and quarterly organisational Board and Executive Team reports.• Generate media interest, maximize opportunities and coordinate the Managing Director’s engagement with media, representation and fundraising work and work in collaboration with the Marketing and Fundraising office on the same.• Organise and co-ordinate key internal and external communications, media and marketing events including those planned for our 30th Anniversary.• Attend government, UN and civil society co-ordination meetings to represent Afghanaid’s position, sharing and discussing outcomes with others engaged in representation and advocacy work.• Provide input on communications related budget lines during the preparation of new proposals. • Support project managers and programme teams to manage and utilize communications budget lines.• Monitor communications specific budgets as required.• Support the MD in the delivery of Executive Office priorities, including but not limited to the following:• Attend meetings as required, taking note/ minutes, itemising action points and circulate to relevant individuals; follow up as require • Assist in preparing presentation and workshop materials• Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Competencies and Skills
Essential:• Bachelor degree in international development or similar• Professional or academic credential in communications (i.e. PR, marketing or communications)• Experience liaising with external agencies including print distributors, designers and printers to ensure communications campaigns are run effectively.• Experience in international development and programmes or communications• Able to take initiative• Experience working with designers and producing print materials – preferably brochures and exhibition boards• Adaptable to working in difficult and high pressure environments and meet deadlines• Demonstrate excellent English writing and speaking skills • Demonstrate excellent persuasive writing and understanding of audiences • Passion for Afghanistan and development• Ability to work efficiently in a multi-cultural environment• Strong organisational skills
Desirable: • Language skills:
o English - fluent or proficient o Dari/Pashtu – fluent or proficient• Experience in developing social and online media • Experience in developing and editing film • Event management experience• Experience working or volunteering in developing country• Experience working or volunteering for Afghan NGO
How to apply:
Only applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Applicants are requested to submit their CVs along with a cover letter explaining suitability for the position at vacancies@afghanaid.org.uk. Closing date of applications August 14th, 2013
