Job Description:
ACBAR is looking for an experienced Head of Engagement (Advocacy and Communications) to lead and implement its advocacy strategy and conduct communications on behalf of ACBAR members, including making recommendations as to appropriate engagement with other stakeholders in Afghanistan and abroad. The position will oversee the whole spectrum of advocacy activities, including research, messaging, publications, and communications. Key ACBAR priorities in this area include:
· Safeguarding humanitarian space and promoting an enabling environment for NGOs in Afghanistan with all relevant internal and external actors
· Promoting aid effectiveness and partnership in humanitarian, development, and peace-building programs on behalf of NGO members
· Facilitating sector advocacy, such as environment, protection, returnees/IDPs/refugees, disability, or any sector advocacy as requested by its NGO members.
The Head of Engagement (Advocacy and Communications) will provide support to senior management and regional managers in the provinces on advocacy issues and be required to contribute to donor reporting and representation of ACBAR in national and international meetings and conferences.
ADVOCACY
· Implement ACBAR’s advocacy and communication functions including leadership of the Advocacy Working Group and facilitation of its task forces.
· Lead and coordinate research, publications, and policy briefs; create advocacy messaging and positioning.
· Create advocacy-related activities, events, and campaigns according to needs and funds.
· Represent ACBAR and wider civil society in key working groups, decision forums, and clusters.
· Review and update ACBAR’s advocacy strategy according to the country context.
· Advise NGO members and ACBAR’s Steering Committee on advocacy-related issues.
· Guarantee that ACBAR’S advocacy messaging and activities are in line with its mandate, values, and policies (e.g., NGO Code of Conduct, PSEA, Anti-Corruption, and Anti-Fraud).
COMMUNICATIONS
· Manage and update ACBAR’s website and social media by creating content (articles, editorials, interviews, pictures, videos).
· Create ACBAR institutional products (e.g., leaflets, posters, booklets).
· Arrange timely responses to specific media requests (in coordination with the Director) and engage with media proactively if needed (media releases, press conferences).
· Input to ACBAR’s various databases in support of info-coordination colleagues.
MANAGEMENT AND REPRESENTATION
· Develop and manage the advocacy budget; line manage national advocacy staff(s).
· Assist in preparation and writing of project and donor reports and proposals.
· Provide technical assistance and support to other senior managers in undertaking any project activities related to advocacy, reporting, and coordination.
· Represent ACBAR in regular meetings in Kabul, the provinces, and outside Afghanistan.
· Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team and work as acting Director when necessary.
· Any other relevant duties as agreed with the supervisor.
Job Requirements:
· Master’s degree in journalism, communication studies, political science, development studies, law, or any other relevant social science from a recognized accredited university.
· Minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience, preferably with NGOs or NGO Forums.
· Demonstrated knowledge and experience in advocacy, humanitarian and development issues – knowledge of humanitarian architecture is a plus.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including research, report and policy development, public speaking, and event management. Dari/Pashto language skills are an advantage.
· Ability to think strategically, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment; must be culturally sensitive.
· Exhibit a strong work ethic with a high degree of flexibility with respect to working hours; ability to effectively plan and manage own time.
· Able to work under pressure and in difficult security conditions.
· Outstanding networking and interpersonal skills with different cultures.
· Ability to mentor/coach and train junior staffs is an advantage.
· Experience in a complex, fragile environment; successful work experience in Afghanistan preferred; willingness to comply with security protocols and restricted mobility.
This position is open to qualified international and national candidates. ACBAR strongly encourages applications from qualified female candidates.
Submission Guideline:
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience may submit their current CV and cover letter detailing their motivation to apply and why they are best suited for the position.
Please submit your application that contains 1) your motivation letter and CV in one document, and 2) two short writing samples of your individual work, all in English, to https://forms.gle/w7cag6rmFwqFiSuK8 no later than 23 July, 2023. Please do not submit any written recommendations or training certificates as part of your application. Any CV-only applications and/or applications emailed directly to individual ACBAR staffs will be disqualified.
Because applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and this position may be filled prior to the closing date, please send submissions as soon as possible. Because of the volume of applications, ACBAR will be able to respond only to short-listed candidates.
The Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief and Development, ACBAR, is an independent forum founded in 1988 in response to the demand from NGOs working with Afghan refugees in Pakistan and across the border in Afghanistan to more efficiently coordinate assistance and delivery of services. With its main office in Kabul since 2002, ACBAR brings together 183 National and International NGOs working in all sectors of humanitarian assistance and development in Afghanistan. Its activities focus heavily on information to its members and the aid community in general, coordination of activities at the national and regional levels, and advocacy on issues affecting the work of its members in Afghanistan. ACBAR has a mission to provide an efficient platform for members to carry out effective humanitarian, development, and peace-building activities in Afghanistan. The members are the drive behind ACBAR, and their active participation is essential to ACBAR’s continued dynamism.
