Afghanistan: Communication Advisor - International

Capacity Building for Results (CBR) Facility Project

Project Support Unit

Communication Advisor – International

Terms of Reference

BACKGROUND

Capacity Building for Results “CBR” Project, started since January 2012, aims to support the government’s effort to improve the capacity and performance of core line ministries responsible for national priority programs. The CBR project’s development objective is to assist the government in improving the capacity and performance of select line ministries in carrying out their mandates and delivering services to the Afghan people. This will be achieved through the implementation of specific capacity and institution building programs, which include systematic monitoring of and reporting on results.

Capacity Building for Results (CBR) Project Support Unit of the Ministry of Finance would like to recruit a qualified Communication Advisor – International to work at the MoF Project Support Unit (PSU) with the following duties and responsibilities.

Number of Positions:One Position – To be stationed at MoF PSU of CBR Project.

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Summary of the Position**

The Communication Advisor – International will be responsible for enabling CBR Project Support Units (PSUs) at the Ministry of Finance and Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission to successfully achieve the following project communications goals:

1) Raise crosscutting awareness about CBR project at the Ministry of Finance, IARCSC and line ministries.

2) Introduce CBR to the ministries as a public administration reform project implemented by the line ministries, facilitated by MOF and IARCSC and funded through government budget by ARTF, which is aimed at reinvigorating ministries by:

a. Providing technical assistance for preparing and implementing CBR programs

b. Recruiting managerial, common function and professional staff for key positions

c. Designing and organizing civil service training programs

d. Enabling them to regularly report on their achieved results on service delivery and process simplification

3) Clearly communicate to the ministries eligibility criteria for different level of CBR assistance, educate them how to apply, and respond to their queries about filling CBR application.

4) Disseminate information to Afghan professionals to apply for CBR civil service positions at the various ministries.

5) Raise public awareness about CBR as a government-led effort to enable the ministries to improve service delivery and budget execution.

6) Establish communications capacity at the Ministry of Finance and IARCSC to effectively handle all necessary communications for the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

The individual would be responsible for the following activities:

· Assist the Sr. Communication Officer on the overall implementation of CBR communications strategy by employing creative approaches and selecting effective mediums.

· Assist the process of producing a comprehensive package of communications pieces that will be used to guide the line ministries in preparing CBR proposals.

· Build the capacity of communications colleagues at CBR PSUs on the job so that they can independently respond to queries and concerns from the line ministries through emails, phone calls and direct conversations.

· Improve coordination among the CBR PSUs as well as with the spokesperson offices at IARCSC and Ministry of Finance.

· Assist in developing print and multimedia products intended for line ministries, donors and the general public.

· To assist in provision of professional advice on organizing donor meetings/conferences, where CBR achievements will be shared with donor representatives.

· To assist and help regularly update presentations on CBR implementation progress for the Steering Committee which can be used for their reporting needs.

· In close coordination with his/her line supervisor, work with CBR M&E units (MoF and CSC) to clearly communicate M&E formats, requirements and reporting guidelines for CBR to the line ministries through presentations, meetings, etc.

· Review and edit the CBR quarterly report compiled by the CBR communications colleague who are to be hired.

· Make sure information provided to the MoF and CSC spokesperson offices is updated, accurate and professionally written.

· Support MoF and CSC, as needed, on CBR website development/designing, including review of communications materials for the CBR website.

· Support MoF and CSC PSU sand the respective line ministry spokesperson offices in the organization of public events, such as official ceremonies for ministry CBR signings.

· Evaluate effectiveness of communication with CBR stakeholders on a quarterly basis through receiving regular feedback from the line ministries, and incorporate their insights/inputs to ensure improved future communication with respective audiences.

· Edit and review news stories, success stories and other materials that will be later published on the CBR website and or disseminated to various audiences.

· Manage the production of a monthly public e-newsletter that will feature news stories, success stories, photos, etc. about CBR.

· Help communications colleagues at the PSUs to effectively convey project success stories to the media with the intention that they cover it on a specialty program (radio, TV) or a feature story on CBR.

· Assess public communications effectiveness on a quarterly basis through different research tools such as focus groups and surveys and incorporate their insights in future communications with the media and other similar stakeholders.

· Strengthen the communications colleagues’ ability to analyze CBR media coverage and proactively address issues through engaging IARCSC and MoF Spokesperson Offices.

Qualifications and Experience: The Communication Advisor – International would have the following:

• Master’s degree (preferably an advanced degree) in communications, journalism, media relations, social or political science or relevant discipline.


• Minimum 7 years of proven experience in public relations, communications and/or advocacy, with particular experience in complex and public administration reform programs in international organizations.


• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality, creative communication materials; proven track record of previous communication achievements, including maintaining web pages.


• Proven record of good relationships and experience of collaborative activities with the national partners, at policy / decision-making, institutional and local levels;


• Knowledge about or experience working in Afghanistan preferred.

Key Competencies:

Management and Leadership:

• Focuses on impact and results for the client


• Ensures conflict resolution skills


• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude


• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors


• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities


• Ensures the transfer of knowledge to the local team.

Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to work in a team, and ensure that the team members take active part in all activities and learn different techniques.


• Ability to implement communications and publications strategies


• Ability to advocate effectively


• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies


• Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism


• Ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data


• Demonstrates openness to change, flexibility, and ability to manage complexities;


• Ability to work under pressure and with multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams and possess excellent inter-personal skills;


• Demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills;


• Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills;

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Understanding of Afghan civil service sector as well as reform progress to date. Shares knowledge and experience


• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;


• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of CBR.

Reporting & Supervision:The Communication Advisor – International will report to Senior Communication Officer.

Duration:The duration of the position(s) would be for one year, renewable on annual basis with a 3 month probationary period.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their applications by e-mail or in writing (marked confidential and clearly indicating on the sealed envelope the vacancy announcement number) to:

CBR PROJECT SUPPORT UNIT (PSU), Budget Department, Ministry of Finance, Pashtoonistan Watt, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Email address:cbr.vacancies@budgetmof.gov.af

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for Application:

October 13, 2015

The Capacity Building for Results (CBR) Facility Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing chances for employment to candidates and employees without regard to race, religion, creed, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability unrelated to an individual’s ability to perform adequately, national origin citizenship, ancestry, or any other characteristic almost universally considered to be protected by law.