The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and promotion of private-sector enterprise and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. Created as a private, non-profit foundation under Swiss law, it has branches and independent affiliates in 19 countries.
AKF seeks to provide sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health. In Afghanistan, AKF works with rural communities in mountainous, remote or resource poor areas to improve quality of life in the areas of natural resource management, market development, governance, education, and health.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
AKF Kyrgyz Republic is seeking to hire a Regional Communication Specialist for the AKF and USAID jointly funded Local Impact Leader with Associates (LWA) award. With an eye toward conflict prevention and resolution, Local Impact will target marginalized and vulnerable communities to: (1) Catalyze inclusive economic growth and ensure basic livelihoods; (2) Enhance infrastructure and access to basic services with a focus on clean energy; (3) Enhance the capacity of citizens and local institutions; and (4) Promote pluralism and social cohesion.
The Local Impact Regional Communication Specialist will support the Local Impact Regional Communications Manager and Local Impact team to design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate strategic communications and learning priorities and tasks that support AKF’s and Local Impact’s goals. The Communications Coordinator is responsible for the award’s overall communications strategy, planning, and training; marketing the LWA and overseeing communications and marketing tasks including budgeting, template development, capacity building around communications and marketing; USAID branding and marking compliance; and creation and review of project materials. The Communications Coordinator is also responsible for integrating this work into the AKF communications goals in country and globally. The position will work closely with the Local Impact Lead, AKF USA Communications, and AKF Communications and MERL teams. The position will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic and will involve international travel likely to Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1- Communications and Marketing
- Develop and support in carrying out a comprehensive communications strategy and plan for the Local Impact initiative, in close consultation with the Country Managers, Partners, Local Impact staff, and AKDN communications staff globally and locally.
- Build a deep understanding of Local Impact’s core audiences and stakeholders—mapping out goals for each, core messaging’s, and appropriate channels through which to reach these audiences.
- Liaise with AKF and AKDN key communications stakeholders including local and global technical leads and program and communications staff.
- Conduct interviews with beneficiaries, write stories of success in accordance with USAID and AKF US storytelling standards
- In liaison with the Regional Senior Communications Manager, work in close collaboration with the USAID communications team.
- Draft posts and updates for USAID monthly newsletter in accordance with USAID standards.
- Monitor, evaluate, report on progress toward communications objectives.
- Produce media content, closely working with regional and national media representatives.
- In coordination with the Regional MERL Manager, develop infographic designs/templates to present achievements against the key performance indicators.
- Design compelling, consistent creative assets (posters, announcements, handout materials) for AKF/AKDN/USAID digital platforms that reflect Local Impact brand and identity.
- Edit and assemble recorded raw video materials into a suitable, finished product ready for publishing via social media and other means.
- Capture high-quality photographs and videos, edit, and collect them on Flickr. comOversee any communications-related contracts and procurements in accordance with AKF and USAID policies and regulations, draft ToRs and SoWs for communications-related contracts.
- Ensure compliance with the Local Impact Branding and Marking Plan.
- Develop compelling communications messages, marketing materials, and success stories related to Local Impact projects, technical areas, audiences, and project accomplishments.
- Conceptualize, plan, and implement communications trainings for Local Impact staff and community partners.
- Support planning and organization of all program events regarding providing media coverage, including creating and distributing press releases and social media content.
- Coordinate with national and regional media for coverage of the AKF-organized events (TV and press).
- Track and gather all media materials (newspapers, radio, TV, photo, social media) that include coverage of the events and AKF programming in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
- Work closely with other members of AKF and AKDN team to ensure coordination with communications, digital output, social media, events, and network marketing efforts.
- Manage any communications-related contracts; and
- · Other duties as assigned.
2- Partners
- For communications related to Accelerate Prosperity, ensure alignment with AP Communications Framework and a non-objection from AP Country Coordinator on all public communications that include references to Accelerate Prosperity.
- Support AP, FMFC, UCA, and other project implementing partners in editing and drafting press releases and other communications-related content.
3- Human Centered Design
- Work closely with the Local Impact Country Manager and HCD Coordinator to communicate and engage with communities on the HCD challenges.
- Work in close coordination with the design teams through the duration of the project to create human-centered design led project narratives and translate those into highly visual project presentations and pitch documents
- Lend visual and graphic support to the design teams to create information visualizations, and interactive communication media for prototyping innovations (such as posters, videos, and other visibility items)
- Support development and implementation of HCD communication strategy and write compelling articles about HCD led design challenges
4- Field Communications
- Work closely with local, national, and regional colleagues to conceptualize, plan, and implement local community-level communications to involve events, digital materials, and other public engagement collateral.
- Develop and submit posts for AKDN social media in Russian, Tajik, DariKyrgyz covering both specific events and regular program activities.
- On a frequent basis, travel to project implementation locations and collect stories of success as well as photograph both beneficiaries and events.
- Lead on and create audience-centric marketing collateral and materials on Local Impact, with an emphasis on translating the program mechanism and objectives into clear and compelling messaging to diverse audiences.
- Identify and develop communications materials such as success stories, case studies, and video materials at local level with youth, employers, and village leaders.
5- Reporting
- Develop and support writing and editing needs.
- Support in the review of program reports.
- Assist Program and MERL teams developing success stories complying with USAID Standards.
JOB SPECIFICATION
- Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of experience with communications, marketing, public relations, M&E, knowledge management or similar fields of expertise.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant communications management experience on international development proposals and projects, with a minimum of 2 years of experience leading communications management of USAID-funded awards (ideal, but not required).
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant communications management experience on international development proposals and projects, with a minimum of 2 years of experience leading communications management of USAID-funded awards (ideal, but not required).
- Experience with program communications start-up and planning, ideally with USAID projects, is a plus.
- Expertise in information architecture, content accessibility, and an emphasis on storytelling for effective communication across media
- Ability to produce high quality communication and multimedia products quickly and efficiently.
- Competency with WordPress, Tilda (or another website management system), Adobe products, including InDesign, PhotoShop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience in organizing press tours and other public events.
Experience in conducting media campaigns including via social media.
Great knowledge of social media in the country context; Experience with USAID Leader with Associate Awards (ideal, but not required).
Experience and familiarity with adaptive programming (ideal, but not required).
Experience developing communications trainings, tools, templates, guidelines, and operating procedures for USAID programs.
Understanding of and experience with applying USAID branding and marking requirements for US and non-US NGOs.
Ability to thrive in fast-paced, uncertain environments and resolve problems effectively and quickly.
Experience managing and leading capacity building initiatives.
Experience in Kyrgyzstan and/or Central Asia preferred.
Skills/Competencies
- Outstanding writing and editing skills in Kyrgyz, Russian, and English.
- Strong photography and video skills including capturing, editing, and producing. Excellent coordination skills with demonstrated ability to oversee a project with multiple stakeholders and manage workflow from start to finish across the organization.
- Easily adaptable to new work environments and receptive to a culture of open communication and feedback.
- Strong interpersonal skills, and team building experience.
- Demonstrated written, presentation, communication, and organizational skills in English, Russian, and Kyrgyz.**
Languages
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Kyrgyz, Russian and English.
How to apply:
APPLICATION
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to akf.hr.kg@akdn.org no later than 25th May 2021.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is committed to safeguarding, which means it promotes respectful relations with and between all staff, associates, beneficiaries, and wider communities with whom it works, and takes all reasonable measures to prevent harm, including all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (PSEAH), bullying, discrimination, harassment, and abuse of power that may arise from contact with its staff, programmes or operations.
AKF also adheres to child safeguarding principles, as set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s), employment history and any potential history of misconduct. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a full background check.
All employees of AKF are required to always adhere to the organizational safeguarding standards and principles and to act with dignity, respect and to contribute to a safe environment free from any type of harassment, abuse, or discrimination.
Your details and information shared on this advertisement shall remain confidential.