Position: Public Outreach Advisor - Afghanistan
Class: Exempt
Division: Europe & Asia
Location: Afghanistan
Project Description:
An effective electoral complaints adjudication system in Afghanistan is essential for bolstering the legitimacy and credibility of elections and serving as an official outlet for electoral complaints. IFES is providing technical advice and assistance to the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC)—the key national body for electoral dispute resolution—which is now a permanent institution. Specifically, IFES is providing: strategic policy and implementation advice on all EDR matters; assistance on operational planning and institutional cooperation; technical advice on regulations and procedures; and assistance in strategic planning and implementation for both training and public outreach.
Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Acting Regional Director for Europe & Asia, the Director of the Center for Applied Research and Learning, and the Program Manager for Afghanistan & Pakistan, the Public Outreach Adviser will perform the following tasks, with an emphasis on building sustainable institutional expertise:
• Under the guidance of the Senior Electoral Dispute Resolution Adviser, and working alongside the Training Adviser and Legal Adviser, strengthen the capacity of the IECC to function as a permanent, independent, credible and professional institution of governance
• Support the IECC in the planning, design and implementation of voter education activities to inform voters and candidates of all aspects of the electoral complaints process and how they can access it
• Develop the capacity of IECC staff—via workshops and other training resources—to undertake regular, proactive reporting and publishing of information on the electoral complaints process via online and other media resources, including press releases and press conferences
• Support the ongoing development of the IECC website
• Advise and assist the IECC on effective coordination with other organizations involved in election related public outreach campaigns, including media, civil society organizations (CSOs), political parties, the international donor community and other electoral stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on developing strong and sustained external relationships
• Conduct a review of previously produced training and outreach materials, utilizing and re-printing these materials as appropriate, and where new training and outreach materials are needed, help develop, translate and print these materials
• Support the IECC and other relevant stakeholders in conducting a post-election review with the aim of continuously reviewing and improving public outreach activities
• Provide ongoing reporting on operational and technical challenges and achievements, including an updated list of advice provided and products developed by the IFES team
• Conduct other functions as requested by the IECC
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in designing and implementing public outreach strategies, including experience involving elections and electoral dispute resolution. S/he will have a strong combination of the following experience:
• Masters degree or equivalent, preferably in the field of Public Relations, Communications, or other related fields
• Proven success in development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of effective public relations campaigns involving elections and election management bodies
• Excellent strategic planning, project design and management, and technical leadership skills regarding public outreach campaigns and institutional development
• Demonstrated presentation and relationship management skill
• Excellent oral and written ability to convey and advise on complex public relations concepts in English, including presentation experience; knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is desirable
• Experience in Afghanistan or similar context; understanding of Afghan cultures and Islamic context is an advantage
Applying:
Applications will be accepted online only, through the IFES website. To apply visit our careers website at http://www.ifes.org/About/Careers.aspx. Then follow the instructions on how to upload your resume and answer prescreening questions. A cover letter is welcome and can be placed in the applicant notes section.
