Chief Public Relation Officer

Job Description

Vacancy No: ARTF/CDS/MCP/036/08/08
Post Title: Chief Public Relation Officer
Organization: IARCSC | MoHE
Location: Kabul
Duration: 2 Years (Extendable one year)
No of Post: 1
Sex: Male/ Female
Nationality: Afghan
Salary:
Date Announced: 2008-08-31
Closing Date: 2008-09-19

Background:
The establishment of strong state institutions at central and sub-national levels capable of achieving measurable improvements in the delivery of services of all Afghans is at the core of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS). The Government's Public Administration Reform (PAR) strategy encompasses a range of reforms needed to achieve this objective, including financial and economic management and civil service reform. A core element of this strategy is to continue with capacity building within the civil service so as to create a modern, well functioning and affordable administration. Reforms underway include the restructuring of ministries and other government bodies and introducing changes in the way human resources are mobilized and managed.

The long-term nature of the tasks ahead is recognized. In the interim, government policy is to recruit highly qualified persons at higher levels of remuneration than those presently available within the civil service. This is necessary in order to compete with the salaries and benefits paid to national staff by international organizations already working in country, as well as to make it possible for expatriate Afghans with relevant managerial experience to return to contribute their skills at home.

The Independent Administrative Reform Civil Service Commission Capacity Development Secretariat (IARCSC-CDS) has been occupied with several programmes aimed at channelling the available resources. With assistance from Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) an Afghanistan-based lateral entry programme (LEP) has been operating, as also an Afghan Expatriate Programme (AEP). A Capacity for Afghan Public Service (CAP) programme and Placement of Afghan Professional from European Union countries (PAEP EU) has added to the flow with assistance from the UNDP and European Union respectively.

The new Management Capacity Programme (MCP) aims to build on experience and unite these former efforts into one service that will draw on Afghan expertise already in country, in the near-abroad as well as internationally. The purpose is to identify and recruit experienced managers who are able and willing to provide leadership in government line positions so as to build capacity, better utilise the available budgetary resources, and drive forward the reform agenda. This should result in improved services for the people of Afghanistan especially at sub-national level.

MCP will concentrate its efforts on supporting the governmentâ€'s common functions, including financial management, human resource management, policy and regulatory design, project management, procurement and administration. Within these areas a wide range of positions will become available at senior and upper-middle levels; specific openings have already been advertised and others will follow as the organs of government lodge requests for assistance. Priority will be given to needs at sub-national level and in key service delivery ministries where performance has been lagging.

The MCP meets high standards in terms of recruitment, contract, and performance management. The recruitment and contracting of candidates is to be undertaken in a manner that is consistent with Government of Afghanistan and the World Bank procedures for the selection on merit-based approach. Programme policies ensure levels of remuneration that are competitive with the best available in Afghanistan. Appointees will be engaged under contracts issued by the requesting ministries or other government bodies but will serve as members of a unified corps. The group will work together to develop its own skills as well as those of its counterparts. For all of these reasons, the MCP represents is an unusual and exciting opportunity for Afghan professionals to make a worthwhile contribution to national development.


MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
A strong system of higher education is essential for the development and progress of a nation. The economy, culture, and strength of a modern society are supported by education of its citizens, and particularly through institutions of higher education that meet national needs and international standards. Beyond basic education, higher education produces thoughtful, informed and highly skilled leaders for building and maintaining a civil society with a growing economy where problems of unemployment, poverty, and conflict can be intelligently resolved. Afghan universities and colleges must provide rigorous learning opportunities for youth to ensure the nation's future supply of educated professionals who contribute to national development in all fields. In addition, new challenges and opportunities face the nation to address the manpower needs that require advanced study in technical fields. . The responsibility for meeting these challenges rests heavily on the Ministry of Higher Education which must plan strategically to create and support a coordinated system for higher education, not merely a collection of colleges and universities.

Overall purpose
Establishment of a system that publicize the overall activities, achievements of the ministry

Duties & Responsibilities:
Principal activities
1. Within six weeks of joining he/she shall develop an action plan for revamping the system for better quality services delivery and also a work plan in agreement with his supervisor (Minister or Deputy Minister)

2. Develop and maintain cordial relations with the press both national and international

3. Coordinate with the press for all public functions in which Minister participates

4. Identify, verify press worthy news items and draft all press releases from the Ministry and also assist in publication of monthly magazine of ministry.

5. Arrange, coordinate all press meetings and responsible for documenting and showcasing all achievements of the Ministry for presentation to the public

6. Prepare policy and processes for improvement of the Public Relations department in the ministry

7. Design an MIS for creating chronological records and able management of the office

8. Ensure that he/she transfers knowledge and skills to other individuals and working teams in an effective regular manner in order to improve managerial ability, motivation and confidence.


Results expected
1. Implementation of the action plan

2. Files of news, films, cutting of press released, published magazines

3. MIS system in place in the ministry


Reporting obligations
The Chief Public Relations Officer and Spokesperson shall report to the Minister and Deputy Minister, Academic Affairs.

Qualifications required:
Minimum requirements
1. A degree in journalism /communication.

2. At least 4 years experience in working with the media, press etc

3. Experience in dealing with NGO's, donor agencies in Afghanistan would be an added advantage

4. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written in English, Dari and Pashto.

5. Good computer skills including knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point etc.


Desirable attributes
1. Excellent inter-personal, speaking, presentation, and negotiation skills

2. Post graduate degree preferred

3. Knowledge of other foreign languages e.g. French, German, Russian would be an advantage

4. Energetic, purposeful, aware of the importance of detail, efficient and considerate in the use of resources, reliable and able to act quickly;

5. Willing and able to guide, support and encourage others in the performance of their duties

6. Willing to devote his or her out of office time to join with other MCP appointees in developing professional skills in leadership and public service management

Submission Guideline:
Interested Afghans with the required qualification and experience should download the application form by clicking on the link Download MCP Application Form. Applications may be submitted through our website, , by E-mail , or in hardcopy at the below address:

Independent Administrative Reforms and Civil Service Commission
Capacity Development Directorate
Share Now, Char Raahi Haji Yaqoob, Shansab Street, Across from ICRC, Kabul, Afghanistan
Telephone: 075-202-3637
E-mail:

Important:
Potential applicants are advised that they should complete in full the MCP Application Form by downloading from .

IARCSC- Capacity Development Secretariat is unable to consider CVs alone. In the absence of a
complete application form your submission will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates whose applications meet the selection criteria will be contacted.

Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply