Reporting Communication Specialist

About ASERD/MRRD:

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) within the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) Sector Strategy, contributes to the reduction of poverty through the establishment of good local governance, access to rural infrastructure, economic regeneration and the provision of a nationwide disaster and emergency preparedness system. This strategy, however, directly contributes to the achievement of Afghanistan’s Millennium Development Goals.

The project will contribute significantly to increasing the access to thermal energy and electricity through a technology neutral approach, in 19,500 households in 194 rural communities in Afghanistan. This will result in increasing the access to electricity, clean cooking and heating options and will contribute to a tangible reduction in the pre-mature deaths of women and children due to indoor air pollution. The project will pilot seven innovative financing models which once successful will be mainstreamed. The project will also establish conducive policy and regulatory frameworks and capacity development of key stakeholders. It is envisaged that, the project will establish a sustainable rural energy supply approach which can be scaled up beyond the project period.

The ASERD program plans to establish sustainable rural energy services in 194 rural communities in 5 years, providing both electrical and thermal energy services. The efforts will bring sustainable energy to over 19,500 households providing health, economic and social benefits. Most significantly, the major contribution will be the establishment of delivery models that are technology neutral, leverage additional local and international resources, mobilize communities, engage the private sector and financiers to establish a self-sustaining delivery model. The program will also aim to establish the right frameworks for policy, regulation, environmental protection, quality and incentives and develop human and institutional capacities for these delivery models to continue to increase access to energy in Rural Afghanistan.

Job Description:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Functions/Key-Results-Expected

Support to formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies and support to business development.
Support to ensure that information and data from the field is captured, documented, analyzed and reported in a results-based and timely manner.
Maintenance of websites, databases, visibility and knowledge management systems.
Report on project progress both qualitatively and quantitatively according to the annual work plans and log frame of various projects.

Function/ Expected Results: Support to formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies, support to business development focusing on achievement of the following results:

Ensure that the programme and donor-funded project reporting processes are systematized, consistent with the results framework and quality checks done;
Assist in developing and maintaining information systems that will ensure maximum transparency to beneficiary clients, communities, Government and donors, concerning the implementation of projects, its status and development of the community;
Extraction of data from various sources & maintenance of information database and photo library;
Collection of information, preparation of content for the web sites;
Collaboration with Field Project officer/specialist on project annual work plans in line with UNDP corporate guidelines on the communications strategy;
Research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources;
Review of translations, contacts with printers and other suppliers to ensure timely production;
Undertake field visits as appropriate, to document implementation of project activities with the ‘communications lens’ to ensure visibility and sharing of best practices;
In coordination with the supervisor, development and preparation of material for marketing and awareness-raising including briefing materials and press releases;
Develop clear and concise reports and power-point presentations for various meetings, workshops, conferences, including the Project Board meeting and donor briefings

Function/ Expected Results: Support to ensure that information and data from the field is captured, documented, analyzed and reported in a results-based and timely manner, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Preparation, production and dissemination of both routine and complex outreach products (project briefs, news releases, articles, power-point presentations , brochures, Q & As, websites, talking points, etc.,) that promote the strategic and timely flow of information and key messages about the ASERD/MRRD/UNDP products and results for internal and external users;
Coordinate the timely submission of progress reports by Field Project officer and assists with data entry, and the preparation of charts, graphs, and progress reports;
Provide information and inputs on the programme to the UNDP, MRRD communications and public relations focal point through the established channels;
Undertake periodic field visits to partner local stakeholders to provide advice and guidance to the outreach and visibility components and share knowledge and best practices
Work closely with all programme staff of ASERD/MRRD/UNDP programme to prepare and present reports/papers, with a focus on maximizing the visibility of the programme ;

Function/ Expected Results: Support to Maintenance of websites, databases, visibility and knowledge management systems focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Develop success stories and case studies and prepare knowledge products;
Assistance in synthesis and dissemination of lessons learnt across Project Offices and PIU as needed, and provide substantive analysis of field results, lessons learnt and best practice for dissemination to a wider audience, including the donor community
Assist in developing communication objectives and communication plans, identify users and the best forms of communication to maximize outreach and visibility;
Assist in preparing Project proposals and budgets with information from the field.
Preparation of contents for the web sites ensuring consistency of the material;
Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice
Maintenance of other web sites and databases as assigned

Function/ Expected Results: Report on project progress both qualitatively and quantitatively according to the annual work plans and log frame of various projects focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Collaborate with Field Project Officers on the preparation of annual work plans, log frames and M&E plans at the field level;
Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager (ASERD/MRRD/UNDP), report against the annual work plan and log frame matrix on agreed formats, and ensure that Field Offices prepare monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual reports;
Ensure the timely submission of required reports by implementing partners under the overall guidance of the Project Manager (ASERD/MRRD/UNDP).
Document human stories that illustrate the impact of ASERD/MRRD/UNDP projects on an agreed regular basis, as per overall guidance from Project Manager (ASERD/MRRD/UNDP);
Participate in, support to record and prepare reports on needs assessments under the overall guidance of the Project Manager (ASERD/MRRD/UNDP).
Support the identification and documentation of links, synergies, and lessons learnt and best practices across projects that can be useful in the institutional learning process and increasing the results of projects.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications, Experience & Skills according to (NTA):

Requirements: Academic qualification / technical skills and work experience

Bachelor degree in management / Business administration or other suitable fields Public Administration and general management.

Minimum five years relevant professional experience in a financial management position working with NGO’s, Ministries, international organization or private firms

Strong experience in cash flow

Excellent literacy skills in local Dari and Pashto language as well as in English

Excellent Computer skills (Word, Excel, etc.).

Demonstrated strong writing skills

Having work experience with UNDP funded projects is an asset.

Proven management skills

Excellent communication skills: Demonstrating openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Demonstrated interpretation skills including diplomacy, tact, and the ability to negotiate and influence; Facilitation, consulting, and/ or training skills highly desirable

Abilities to set priorities and manage time effectively

Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member

Respect for diversity: working effectively with people from all background

Integrity: Demonstrating the value of the ASERD and MRRD in daily activities and behavior and not abusing power or authority.

Reporting line: the Position will be reporting directly to the provincial manager and Sr. Operations Specialist in Main office.

Submission Guideline:

Interested Afghans with the required qualifications and experience should submit their applications electronically through vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af
While submitting your applications please mention the Title of the position plus Vacancy Number in the subject of the e-mail; please do NOT submit any other supporting documentation or educational certificates with your application. If you are short listed you will be asked to submit electronic copies of your educational certificates and if you are invited to written test you will be required to present the original certificates. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of the position. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for written test Note: In the interests of open and fair competition and a merit based selection process applicants are advised that lobbying for a position , whether by the applicant or by any person acting on his or her behalf, shall result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate from further consideration. Applicants are strongly advised to inform potential supporters of this restriction which shall be strictly enforced.

Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (1360/019/HRCSD/ASERD/MRRD) in Subject while applying online. Application without vacancy number will not be accepted. 

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is highly committed to increase women’s participation in government sector therefore women are highly encouraged to apply.

Submission Email:

vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af