Afghanistan: Head of Communications & Reporting

Background

Turquoise Mountain is a non-profit, non-governmental organization specializing in urban regeneration, business development, and education in traditional arts and architecture. We seek to provide jobs, skills, and a renewed sense of national pride to Afghan men and women. Since 2006 Turquoise Mountain has cleared 30,000 cubic meters of rubbish from the streets, restored 112 historic and community buildings, created a primary school and a clinic, and installed water, electricity and sanitation through the historic traditional craft neighbourhood of Murad Khani in the old city of Kabul. It has created the internationally- accredited Institute for Afghan Arts & Architecture, training the next generation of craftsmen and women in woodwork, jewellery and gem cutting, calligraphy and miniature painting, and ceramics. Finally, it has sold over US$ 3,500,000 of Afghan artisan products internationally.

Context

Turquoise Mountain aims to transform the Afghan craft industry into a significant driver of national economic growth and job creation. Turquoise Mountain is at a crucial stage in its development, as it embarks on an ambitious five-year programme to transform the Afghan artisan sector right across the country, creating 5,000 new or better jobs for Afghan men and women. Turquoise Mountain also aims to use the Afghan artisan sector as a means to change people’s perceptions about Afghanistan, and thus “re-brand” the country. In order to do so Turquoise Mountain needs to develop and implement a clear, strong and consistent communications strategy, targeting many distinct audiences both inside and outside Afghanistan. This strategy will also reinforce the marketing and sales strategy of Turquoise Mountain’s business development department. In March 2016 Turquoise Mountain opened an exhibition at the Freer-Sackler Galleries of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Purpose

This role will lead on developing a coherent communications strategy across platforms, through traditional media and social media, and for distinctive audiences – public donors, private donors, Afghans, customers. This role will also have ultimate oversight of reports for governmental donors, including monitoring & evaluation data, and for Turquoise Mountain’s Board of Trustees, as well as other internal reports. The role will directly manage three people, including a photographer/archivist and two reporting/M&E officers. The role will work closely with the Country Director on the development of donor relations and of proposals for donors.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Head of Communications & Reporting will:

• Help to develop and implement Turquoise Mountain Afghanistan’s overall communications strategy. This will include, but is not limited to:

• Leading and mentoring Turquoise Mountain’s Communications team in the development and updating of Turquoise Mountain’s website, newsletter and other communications materials; in building Turquoise Mountain’s social media presence;
• Contributing to Turquoise Mountain’s reflection on the task of “re-branding” the Afghan artisan sector;
• Working closely with Turquoise Mountain’s partners – whether donors, retailers, Afghan businesses, or the government – to ensure coherence of messaging about the Afghan artisan sector;
• Creating press releases and managing international media relations;
• Liaise with key donors, such as USAID, to ensure compliance of communications materials;
• Oversee the development of video and photographic content.

• Support senior management in specific tasks including, but not limited to:

• Initiating a sector-wide discussion about potential sector-branding;
• Seeking out and liaising with potential new donors;
• Development of donor proposals;
• Advocacy work on behalf of Turquoise Mountain and the Afghan artisan sector;

• Manage a team of three staff to ensure the following tasks are completed:

• Collection and interpretation of data relevant to donor reports and for internal reporting purposes;
• Drafting of reports according to donor requirements;
• Development of monitoring & evaluation frameworks for new donors as per donor regulations and requests, and updating of existing frameworks;
• Development of surveys and other methods of data collection as appropriate;
• Ensuring appropriateness of tone and register in external materials, including donor reports;
• Ensuring high standards of grammar and spelling in all external materials;
• Ensuring that project files are managed and updated in both hard-copy and electronic formats;
• Responding to ad hoc requests for the production of written and visual materials.

Qualifications and experience

• 2+ years field experience in international or development programmes;
• Previous work experience in the Middle East/South Asia. A competency in Dari, or a proven record in fast language acquisition, is a significant advantage;
• Past experience leading and building the capacity of a team, particularly in the communications and reporting field, in order to meet program needs and deliverables;
• Excellent (native or near-native) spoken and written English;
• Previous experience of working with large governmental donors such as USAID is an advantage;

• Experience of building personal networks at a senior level, resulting in securing new opportunities for the organisation;
• Prior experience of working with international media is an advantage.

Personal Competencies Required

• A commitment to development in general and to urban regeneration, heritage preservation or small business development in particular;
• Appreciation and respect for Afghan culture, people and values;
• Cultural and political sensitivity, with preference given to experience within an Islamic culture;
• An adaptable and energetic problem solver with good communication skills and a sense of humour;
• Self starting, committed, flexible and loyal.

This role will report to the Afghanistan Country Director. The role from time to time will require coordination with the heads of Turquoise Mountain’s projects in Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and the US, as well as with the UK office. It is a role which requires self-direction, in an organisation which values and supports initiative, creativity, and bold ideas.