Strategic Communication Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the line manager, the Strategic Communication Specialist will assist in development and implementation of an information, and communications strategy and will perform the following duties:

Summary of Key Functions:

Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach;
Elaboration and implementation of the publications strategy and plan;
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing;

1. Ensures planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for DM finance office;
Elaboration of the DM Finance office  communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy;
Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in budget formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of GoA’s development program.

2. Ensures elaboration and implementation of the DM-Finance office  publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Elaboration and implementation of the DM-Finance publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy;
Identification and development of storylines for publications (as newsletter, website, brochures, folders, etc. and substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues;
Coordination and management of all DM-Office publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers, publishers, designers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.

3. Ensure effective running of Communication related activities and focusing on the following:

Effective management of the Communications unit, including preparation of the work plan, management of translations and contractual matters.
Analyses information needs of specific target groups;
Assist in the development of tools and strategies to ensure genuine participation of the stakeholders (government, civil society, private sector and general population) in Kabul and in the provinces and the active solicitation of their views;
To back up the DM-Office and attend all relevant meetings;
Assist in the development of key messages which can be easily understood by stakeholders;
Assist in the preparation and facilitation of national and sub-national communication and PR events related to the preparation of the provincial budgeting;
Coordinate and assist in the preparation and dissemination of briefing materials in Dari and Pashto for the Parliament, the Ministries, the NGOs, Civil Society, the Media and the general population (booklets, brochures) related to MBAW and National budget
Prepare media briefings, updates, press releases for the DM-Finance office and web stories on key policy initiatives and deliver to national and local  Afghan media outlets;
Prepare presentations for meetings, workshops, events and other project related sessions in a clear and simple language that is adapted to local contexts and the socio-cultural background of Afghanistan;
Establish and maintain close relationships with national and local Afghan  media outlets, as well as international news services when required, and provide timely and accurate information upon request;
Direct press inquiries from national media and Afghan journalists on DM-Finance activities in Afghanistan to senior management;
Other duties as requested by the DM-office.

4. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to program country goals and activities;
Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the office that reflects the best and most current available information;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.

Other Tasks:

Any other tasks and responsibilities as required for the implementation of the project and requested by reporting officer & Project Manager.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports to the MBAW Project Manager.

Corporate Competencies:

Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of /MBAW;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to MBAW Practice Areas;
Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to MBAW Practice Areas
Develops deep knowledge  in Practice Areas;
Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies;
Demonstrated effectiveness in developing media campaigns, including well-written information about MBAW, its objectives and activities;
Ability to effectively manage an advocacy campaign;
Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism;
Ability to effectively plan and manage the Unit;
Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
Demonstrates strong IT skills.

Management and Leadership:

Focuses on impact and result for the client;
Leads teams effectively and shows 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;

Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

BACKGROUND

About Ministry of Finance:The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is specifically responsible for the management and execution of the budget, collection of taxes, organization and control of public expenditure and payments to the government and finally the management of Customs. Every government has to know the status of its revenues and expenditures, the management of its financial resources and to allocate them effectively. The major portion of the Afghan budget is financed by international assistance. The Ministry of Finance as the responsible body for public finance and expenditure is increasing step by step its influence on coordination and management of international financial assistance to Afghanistan, and convincing donors to channel more funds through the government treasury. For the past few years, the Ministry of Finance has been trying to regulate its activities according to international rules and regulations. To achieve this goal, the MoF established a Staff recruitment Section as well as a Policy Design and Execution Unit, and has continually embarked on training and capacity building of its staff. The aim of the MoF is to manage the financial affairs of the country through scientific economic principles so that Afghanistan becomes economically sustainable, secure and self-sufficient that is to ensure that public wealth is used in an accountable and transparent manner. Vision: A stable, financially secure and financially self-sufficient Afghanistan with a fiscally disciplined government and a Ministry that is accountable and responsive to the needs of its clients. Mission: To be an agent of change and the voice of expertise in the fiscal matters of the country and to ensure that international standards are met for procurement and financial management. As a central player in financial reform, the Ministry of Finance is working with the Central Bank of Afghanistan to ensure that the country's economic infrastructure is working properly. The MoF has the additional responsibility of realigning various functions to better support national development priorities. Goals: The MoF broad goals are to: 1. Mobilize revenue and manage Government finances 2. Support economic management and promote economic growth 3. Manage public wealth 4. Promote good governance 5. Best practice leader within the Afghan public sector Making Budgets & Aid Work (MBAW) project provides the essential support to the Ministry of Finance to strengthen budget planning, implementation and monitoring processes. In addition, the project promotes the effective use of the national budget as a tool for coordination of international development assistance to the government of Afghanistan through implementing various activities that build on the outputs and outcomes of the project.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Job Requirements:Education & Experience: Master’s or Bachelor Degree in Journalism, Communications, Economic, Public Relations or any other related filed Experience: With Master Degree 3 years and with Bachelor Degree at least 5years of progressively responsible professional work experience in media relations, public information or communications field; prior experience in the media at the international level an asset;
Wide network of contacts within the Afghan media establishment is an asset;
Solid knowledge of the current policy framework in Afghanistan and professional familiarity with economic development and policy issues;
Proficiency in MS Office software package and internet use including mastery of word processing; knowledge of website management and/or desktop publishing software an asset. Other Skills: Sound political judgment as well as diplomacy, impartiality and discretion and a proven capacity of initiative and autonomy;
Being initiative and be creative
Efficiency and results-orientation in a multi-tasking environment;
Pro-activeness in acquiring and providing information;
Public relations, communication and advocacy skills;
Excellent networking and partnering skills; ability to establish good working relationships with national and local authorities and international interlocutors;
Capacity to perform effectively under pressure; ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner;
Cross-cultural and gender sensitivity, diplomatic and protocol competence. Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Dari/Pashto with excellent verbal, drafting and editing skills; proven ability to write clearly and accurately in English, Dari and Pashto

VACANCY NUMBER

MoF/MBW/002

NO. OF JOBS

1

NATIONALITY

National

GENDER

Any

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

3-5 years

DURATION

1 year with possibility of extension.

SALARY

As per NTA Salary Scale

SUBMISSION GUIDELINE

Submission Guideline:Interested Afghan nationals should submit their application to comprising an updated CV a one-page cover letter (i.e. cover page, CV and supporting educational documents should be in one file, and not submitted separately) explaining the candidates interest and suitability for the advertised position.
Please mention the name of the position and vacancy number you are applying for in your emails subject line.
Application received after the deadline will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for test/interview and for internal candidates we will prefer.
The vacancy announcement is open only Afghan national(s) applicants
Submission Email
application.hr@mof.gov.af,monib.ahmad@mof.gov.af

SUBMISSION EMAIL

application.hr@mof.gov.af,monib.ahmad@mof.gov.af