Communications Officer

Under the direct supervision of the Project Management Support Officer/Specialist, the Communications Officer contributes to the implementation of the project’s external and internal communications strategy, both for Afghanistan and internationally. This includes, identifying and providing solutions for communications issues, developing messages, and ensuring a regular, adequate and accurate flow of information about the project to stakeholders through the correct use of various communication channels. The Communications Officer tracks, researches and analyzes information on relevant topics and issues to the project, gathers information from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and/or impact. Overall, the Communications Officer will support the development and implementation of an external communication strategy for the project.

1. Communication Strategy

• Contribute to the design and implementation of an external communications strategy for the project. The strategy should include objectives and outreach to all key stakeholders, including but not limited to the wider Interim Taliban Administration (ITA), the expected and actual beneficiaries, IDP/returnee displaced populations, the donor community, the media etc. Update and adapt the strategy as/when needed. 

• Ensure the visibility and communication requirements of donor/s are met.

• Manage external communications for all channels, including managing a communications content calendar. 

• Work closely with other colleagues in preparing and coordinating the production of communications materials for distribution to the media and other stakeholders, including local authorities, donors, partners, civil society organizations and the general public, as defined by the project’s communications strategy.

2. Content development and management

• Write and produce content, including  media releases/statements, press kits, Q&As, donor briefings, case studies/feature stories, photographs and videos, social media content, internal and external newsletters, etc.

• Work with the project team and donor in designing a logo for the project, and ensure the design is disseminated, protected and promoted by all stakeholders of the Project in representing the Program.

• Develop with relevant experts a website to house information related to the Project and keep the website up-to-date with latest content.

• Develop communication products and informative materials that meet the needs of all stakeholders, including print, radio and TV channels. Explore the outreach of the various channels and ensure contracting one with the widest coverage in the select Project coverage cities.

• Regularly update content on the Project’s social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages, ensuring they are both informative and attractive to the wider public audience and reflect the Program’s objectives, strengths and achievements.

• Prepare monthly feature stories and brief case studies of project accomplishments.

• Evaluate effectiveness and impact of the project’s external communications activities.

3. Stakeholder and media relations management

• Work closely with the project team to ensure a communication budget is prepared, made available and utilized efficiently for the communication activities of the project.

• Develop relationships and maintain strong communication channels and networks with national, regional and local media and other stakeholders as required. 

• Maintain relevant contact lists in support of effective working relationships. 

• Conduct regular external media monitoring and compile all coverage of the project, file with proper referencing and share with the internal team.

• Conduct sample checks on the effectiveness and reach of the communication products and social media pages of the project, and advise management on ways to improve the same.

• Lead a workshop introducing the project to journalists and media personnel from prominent networks in the country.

4. Event management

• Identify and implement creative, efficient and effective ways to engage relevant audiences and stakeholders. 

• Conduct a workshop introducing the project to journalists and media personnel from prominent networks in the country.

• Support the management team in organizing press conferences, donor briefs, implementation support mission presentations, etc.

• Support the management team and the donor in preparing talking points and drafting speeches for Project related conferences, press conferences , international days etc.

• Identify event and conference participation opportunities, organize events for promoting and furthering the project’s work among key stakeholders. 

• Liaise closely with colleagues in identifying event opportunities in different thematic areas, including field trips, missions, seminars, report launches and workshops.

• Plan and execute communications campaigns for different channels as required for reaching strategic communication goals.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge management

• Support an increase in learning and knowledge management through the development, communication, promotion and use of evidence and experience from the project's and partner's activities).

Education

• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in communications, media studies, journalism, international relations, public/media relations, public relations, event management or other relevant discipline is required. 

Work Experience 

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, event management, advocacy/government relations, digital media, journalism, public/media relations, marketing, international relations, stakeholder management, writing/editing or any other related fields is required.

• Experience working in advertising, public relations or event management would be an asset.

• Experience in developing strategy and plans for communications and in the organization of events and associated materials is highly preferable. 

• Previous working experience in a similar position with media organizations, UN, NGO or private organizations would be an asset.

• Previous experience working with Government, the media and/or civil society organizations would be an asset.

• Excellent writing and analytical skills in English, Pashto and Dari, with an understanding of drafting communications content for different audiences, is required. 

• Excellent skills in translation from English to Pashto and Dari and Pashto and Dari to English are required.

Languages

• Fluency (oral and written) in English, Pashto and Dari is required.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.