Afghanistan: Consultant (Communication and Information)

Background and context

Under the overall authority of the Director and UNESCO Representative to Afghanistan, with direct supervision of the office Director and the Head of Education, the consultant is responsible for providing professional and technical support in communication and information support, as well as liaison, reporting, research and analysis. He/she will provide professional and technical support to the Director and to the Education Unit to strengthen and build the communication, information and liaison components of the office. The incumbent shall be primarily responsible for the Front Office and the Education Sector’s timely and efficient management and implementation of reporting, liaising, programme communication and information sharing. in communication, information and liaison initiatives. Within this context, the incumbent will undertake the following:

Responsibilities and duties:

1. Assist and advice the Representative in her/his participation and pro-active cooperation with the UNCT, including the UN One, CCA/UNDAF processes;

2. Assist the senior programme specialists taking part in the Programme Management Team, and other inter-sectoral working groups which are relevant to UNESCO's action in the country, including the UN One Thematic Groups (as relevant to UNESCO in Afghanistan) and the Communications Group;

3. Act as liaison officer with media and press to ensure visibility of the Office and its programmes;

4. Assist and advice the Representative in liaising with the different programme Units in the Office;

5. Support the Communications and Information unit to ensure visibility of the Office and its programmes;

6. Undertake other duties and responsibilities as may be considered necessary by the Representative in relation with the assignment;

7. Prepare stories and articles related to education activities (including training workshops) for publication/posting in UNESCO website and other social media;

8. Assist the Chief of Education Unit and Team Leaders in preparing speeches and briefing /speaking notes;

9. Assist the Chief of Education Unit and Team Leaders in reviewing and finalizing donor reports; evaluation reports and other documents related to education;

10. Support the section head with liaison efforts with the donor community and the host government;

11. Ensure within the multiple education working groups, UNESCO programmes are reflected in written and verbal representations (upon the request of the head of education);

12. Identify opportunities for increasing UNESCO Kabul communication venues regarding social media;

13. Support the Communication and Information unit when necessary – especially in initiatives on freedom of expression, access to information and ending impunity against journalists.

Competencies

A successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following competencies:

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Teamwork

Innovation

Results focus

Planning and organizing

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

For detailed information please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework

Required qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (e.g. MEd, MBA)
• Advanced cross-cultural communication skills
• High-level drafting and communication capacity in English
• Previous experience working in Afghanistan is a strong asset

Work experience

• At least 5 years of experience in communications, ideally in the development sector;
• Relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy;
• Excellent English language drafting and communications skills;
• Experience with website design and maintenance;
• Creative thinking;
• Proven experience working with government, civil society, international organizations and donors;
• Knowledge and sound understanding of peacebuilding and gender related issues is a strong asset;
• Excellent understanding of the local context.

Skills and competencies

• Good organizational and project design skills.
• Good analytical skills with ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Excellent (oral and written) communication skills, including the ability to draft and produce a variety of written material in a clear and concise manner.
• Good interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain effective partnerships at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain good working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
• Good IT skills, including knowledge of standard office software.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English

How to apply

To apply, please send your application letter and UNESCO CV (CV Form to be used) in English to k.human-resource@unesco.org before midnight on 27 July, 2019 (Afghanistan time).

Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.