Afghanistan: Communication Officer

Background

Afghanistan is believed to possess a significant amount of minerals which might substantially contribute to its future economic development. However, there is also risk involved, as the experience of other countries has shown.

In Afghanistan, around 25 mining areas of interest have been identified throughout the country, some of which require strategic or large-scale mining projects: this significant number of sites, scattered throughout the country, spreads the possible social and physical impacts of the extractive industries sector nationwide, thus confirming the necessity of considering the governance of this process as a priority to achieve sustainability in all its diverse interconnected factors, including the protection of natural and cultural heritage resources.

In 2014 UNESCO started a specific program aimed at providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC) in undertaking archaeological surveys in and around main mining sites in Afghanistan, and in preparing heritage management plans to ensure protection and preservation of cultural heritage.

Initially conceived as a two-year project (2014-2016), the first phase has shown the relevance of continuing the activated process for safeguarding the exceptionally rich heritage of the country within large-scale development initiatives and UNESCO has recently commenced a II Phase which will enhance cooperation between the Afghan Ministry of Information & Culture and Ministry of Mines & Petroleum in order to improve the governance mechanisms to effectively consolidate a process of simultaneously developing the mining sector and protecting the rich heritage of Afghanistan.

UNESCO is looking for a committed Communication Officer who will provide support to the communication and advocacy activities UNESCO will be carrying out within the Project's framework.

Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Culture Unit and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and promoting communication and advocacy initiatives to ensure that effective communication strategies have been in put in place to support cultural programmes in Afghanistan with a focus on the Project’s overall outcomes. The incumbent will coordinate with the Culture Unit team and relevant Afghan Ministries to ensure communication and advocacy activities remain relevant to the culture programmes in general and the Project’s expected results in particular, in accordance with both UNESCO and Afghanistan strategic priorities for the promotion of cultural initiatives in the country.

Main Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the head of Culture Unit and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Communication Officer shall:

· Advise and create a unified work plan/strategy for communication activities within the Project’s framework in particular and the Culture unit in general, and in collaboration with the Director’s office, to promote cultural initiatives in Afghanistan;

· Collaborate with the Culture unit staff, relevant government departments, officials and other partners to identify advocacy materials and properly communicate it via UNESCO Afghanistan website and other outlets;

· Maintain increased coverage and understanding of the UNESCO work in the country or practice area through regular media contacts and provision of newsworthy information to national public and, where possible, donors;

· Develop/produce communication and advocacy materials for awareness-raising for and about project results, including briefing materials and press releases in coordination with Project team and management;

· Prepare content for the web sites in coordination with Project team and management to ensure consistency of the materials, including the proactive update and maintenance of UNESCO Kabul Facebook and other official social media channels;

· Provide technical support in production of visual, audio and electronic materials as required;

· Advise on innovation and the effective use of mass communication tools, including but not limited to press briefings, conferences, exhibitions and media interviews for planned objectives;

· Participate in and cover, including photography, UNESCO supported events, including (but not limited to) workshops, training, exhibitions, programmatic activities and others and prepare press releases and storylines;

· Develop close collaboration with the mass media through various events and activities in order to generate and maintain public interest in culture related issues;

· Liaise with UNESCO HQs to ensure alignment with the UNESCO communication approaches;

· Facilitate photo coverage and TV footage; use both web-based and traditional media platforms, as appropriate;

· Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure quality production of publications for wider dissemination to UNESCO partners and the general public in accordance with pre-approved plan;

· Organize visits to project sites to showcase UNESCO’s activities in the country as and when necessary;

· Perform other related duties as required and assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and requirements

The candidates to the position of Communication Officer will be evaluated according to the following competencies and qualifications:

Academic qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism, Development Studies, Political Science, Social Work, Social Welfare, or any other related subject. Diploma or advanced course in Media Relations, Public Relations, and Publishing Development is preferred.

Years of Work Experience:

• At least 4 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy, preferably in the culture sector. Experience using social media for organizational advocacy and awareness-raising is required. Good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems would be an asset. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is preferred but not mandatory. Prior experience in UN system will be an advantage.

Competencies:

• Core: proven skills in process documentation and writing communication/visibility/advocacy materials; well conversant in using computer, multimedia projector, digital camera, video camera, and other electronic devices as relevant. Experience with the full Microsoft Office Software package is required while experience in Graphic Design and Photoshop would be an asset;

• Managerial: ability to plan and coordinate communication/advocacy strategies and initiatives; proved capacity in identifying required needs to ensure the effectiveness of the planned initiatives; good judgment and creativity, ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and knowledge of Pashto and/or Dari.

Working period and work conditions

Working period

6-month contract with a 3-month probationary period; extendable to additional 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance and project validity.

Work conditions

The position is based in Kabul. UNESCO will provide cell phone, office space and access to office equipment as required to perform tasks. The incumbent might be requested to be deployed at the relevant Ministries when required.

The interested candidates should send the following documents to k.human-resource@unesco.org before 31^st October 2017 (by midnight, Kabul time), with subject KAB/CLT/10/2017/12

a. A cover letter

b. An up to date curriculum vitae

Please note that applications received after October 31, 2017 (midnight Kabul time) will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates whose application responds to the above criteria will be contacted for interview. UNESCO regrets its inability to reply individually or attend to telephone queries on the advertised posts.