Afghanistan: Communications and Outreach Manager - Afghanistan

IESC – the International Executive Service Corps – is a US based not-for-profit with a focus on supporting private enterprise in developing countries. We have worked in partnership with local people in 130 countries – mainly with the generous support of USAID – designing, implementing, managing and evaluating a wide range of market driven solutions along the entire value chain of a company or industry.

IESC is seeking a communications and outreach manager for an anticipated USAID-funded program in Afghanistan in financial sector development. This position will be full-time and based in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Translation

Translate/Interpret documents for workshops, trainings, seminars, ceremonies and work plans. Oversee and provide quality control for translations outsourced to service providers.

Project Communications

• Lead all aspects of project outreach and communication;


• Ensure the availability of standard Project outreach materials such as brochures, flyers, fact sheet, and similar products. As required, assist in the development and production of these materials. Act as the program’s primary custodian of all communication materials;


• Function as photographer of the project, ensuring that project activities and activities of selected PPA partners are documented in compelling, high-quality photographs. Maintain the photo library according to established protocol;


• Provide coverage of events conducted by the program, preparing a short summary of the proceedings and photographs with captions;


• Assist in the production of communication materials such as snapshots (success stories), news stories, activity reports, and periodic accomplishment reports, which may include conducting interviews and taking photographs of beneficiaries and their activities;


• Coordinate with the technical units in updating the project’s information management and recording these updates according to standard procedures;


• Ensure that the program’s branding and marking guidelines are observed in all communications and outreach materials;


• Maintain a tracking mechanism for national or international media reports on the program in print, internet and broadcast;


• Develop and implement branding strategy that conforms to USAID requirements;


• Develop materials that communicate project messages to a broad range of audiences in Afghanistan and the U.S.


• Assist with program reporting for USAID including weekly and quarterly reports, and other documents as needed;


• Liaise with IESC home office communications to coordinate and amplify messages and communications;

Events Management

Proactively gather information from the technical units and the regional offices on their event plans, and make the necessary preparations for these events well in advance. Coordinate with the Operations Unit and the technical teams in the preparations of the event, including selecting the venue and other logistical requirements. Be prepared to cover for the focal person in making administrative and logistical arrangements for the events in this person’s absence.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field required;


• Minimum of five years’ of relevant experience in public outreach, communications, media, journalism, or related field in Afghanistan;


• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and proficiency in the use of styles, templates;


• Knowledge of USAID documentation requirements and branding guidelines a plus;


• Knowledge and experience in production of public outreach materials and strategy;


• Experience with photography and/or video editing a plus; or experience managing vendors in these areas;


• Comfortable editing documents produced by non-native English speakers;


• Experience working in Afghanistan or in transitional and/or post-conflict countries highly preferred;


• English fluency required; Dari and Pashto proficiency preferred.