Senior Communications Officer (Editing and Publications)
About Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA):
The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) has been working in Afghanistan since 1982, presently managing development Programs concerning Health, Education, Rural Livelihoods, and Community Governance, with a total annual budget of roughly USD 40 million. The total number of staff is slightly over 9,000. During the last 10 years, SCA has undertaken a change process moving from a primarily humanitarian service delivery approach towards more of a developmental role, putting increasing emphasis on capacity development, rights-based programming, and outcome orientation. The mission of SCA is to empower individuals, communities, and local organizations, primarily in rural areas and with a particular focus on women, girls, boys, and vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, so that they may participate fully in society and influence their development. SCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment based on their skills, abilities, and experience without regard to age (18-65 years), ethnicity, religion, marital status, gender, or physical disability.
Job Description:
The position holder is expected to support the head of COM-A specifically in developing communication strategies, guidelines, rules, regulations, work plans, budgeting, and reporting. S/he will lead all the publications part of COM-A. This role will coordinate closely with other units and functions engaged in communication and advocacy to develop and support dynamic strategic communication planning and messaging, be able to pivot quickly, respond to crises, and manage tough deadlines. The role also entails supporting SCA’s social media channels in Afghanistan, including drafting, getting necessary feedback and approvals, posting, and moderating commentary. The position holder will lead teams preparing communication projects and events and will work in close coordination with communications staff in the Kabul Management Office, SCA’s Regional Management Offices, and the Stockholm Management Office. The role will act as a coordinator and unifying focal point for communications teams in SCA’s Regional Management Office, specifically regarding publications and also supporting the rollout of systems, protocols, and related training, and managing structured and strategic communications team coordination. The position holder should also be ready to act as Head/Officer in Charge of COM-A when the head of the unit is absent. S/he should also be ready to attend various forums related to SCA’s communications or representation needs, support the advocacy unit or program units in the same and embark on any other related tasks assigned by the head of COM-A.
Main Responsibilities:
- Contribute to developing a communication strategy, guidelines, and ToRs for communication-related work for the organization and to ensure their implementation in the organization.
- Remain as Editor in Chief of SCA staff magazine – Hemmat.
- Provide technical support/quality assurance for improving the SCA’s publications on the website, social media, print productions, media relations, etc.
- Write texts, press release, success stories, and articles for the magazine, the website, and other publications of SCA when required.
- Proactively identify and pursue publicity communications for SCA’s work.
- Lead the communication working groups in the regions during any assignment which may involve a communications team from Sweden.
- Support COM-A head in areas of budgeting, planning, and reporting.
- Support the COM-A head in ensuring the communication work of SCA in Afghanistan is carried out in accordance with the strategic plan of SCA.
- Develop quarterly and annual reports on the progress of the COM-A in close cooperation with the COM-A head.
- Coordinate with the Regional Communications Team on issues regarding their activities and consolidating their progress reports.
- Provide technical support to the Regional Communication Team to meet targets on the annual work plan.
- Coordinate with the Communications Unit in Sweden (COM-S), providing mutual support, ideation, and aligned messaging, through the concerned counterpart/s when needed.
- Support managing SCA’s website and social media (Facebook for now) and their consistent updating of the general content as well.
- Support advocacy team in communications that strengthen coordinated influencing objectives.
- Support monitoring and management of SCA visibility in Afghan media, identifying, escalating, and managing response to any Public Relations or program-risk issues immediately.
- Support identifying and procuring text, photos, and video for SCA communication from external consultants when required.
- As needed, design and support rollout of systems, protocols, and related training for SCA’s COM-A team, and manage structured and strategic communications team coordination in Afghanistan.
- Support translation and quality assurance of press release, Facebook posts, news, and key messages
- Support managing SCA’s events, like developing key messages, organizing the event, and other related tasks.
- Represent the unit in relevant coordination meetings within the organization.
- Serve as the acting unit head in the absence of the COM-A head.
- Undertake any other tasks within the auspices of the position that may be assigned by the head of COM-A.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field e.g., journalism, communication, literature, or social sciences/have equivalent qualifications. Master’s degree holders in the related fields/commensurate experience in the same will be preferred.
Experience:
- 3-4 years relevant experience in communications, with responsibilities and duties relevant to this position. Experience in developing media production and working in media or with media relations as well as in producing publications required. Some experience, informal or formal, in advocacy communications, is required. Experience with an NGO or UN agencies preferred.
Other requirements:
- Share the vision and values of SCA and actively stand up for them.
- Have experience in the production of printed media such as news, magazine, and/or other relevant printed materials.
- Have experience as editor-in-chief of a publication e.g., a magazine.
- Have worked with mass media and journalism.
- Have some leadership skills and experience, especially in staff management.
- Have experience in planning, budgeting, and reporting.
- Have experience in planning and organizing communication projects.
- Have integrity, stellar interpersonal skills, and a positive problem-solving attitude.
- Have fluency in English and Dari and Pashto (both oral and written), and knowledge of the other local languages.
- Have excellent/good knowledge of using MS Office.
- Skills in photography and video are desirable, including the ability to work with publishing and imaging software.
- Ability and willingness to travel to project sites within Afghanistan.
- Be honest, proactive, and well-mannered.
Submission Guideline:
- Interested qualified candidates should submit a full CV with a cover letter explaining their motivation in applying for the job and highlighting their relevant skills and experience.
- To apply online please send your application / CV through APPLY below link.
- Academic certificates or references need not be submitted at this time. These will be requested if called for an interview.
- Only short-listed candidates will be invited for a written test and/or interview.
- Applications after the given deadline are not accepted.
- SCA is committed to ethical standards and a safe and inclusive work environment. Our work is based on our values: Responsiveness, Equality, Impartiality, Social Justice, and Integrity.
- Background and reference checks are part of the recruitment process and will be conducted for the successful candidate.