National Communication Officer
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Kabul
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Level : Level 3
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 14-Aug-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The National Communication Officer, under the authority and overall supervision of the Head of Education, and the direct supervision of the Associate Project Officer, Skills Development and Literacy Team of UNESCO in Afghanistan, is responsible to enhance the communication and visibility of education interventions of UNESCO in Afghanistan, internally and externally.
The National Communication Officer shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:
- Lead the implementation and regular updating of the 2025 Communication Strategy and Communication Plan of UNESCO in Afghanistan, creating wider awareness of UNESCO’s education interventions in Afghanistan and engagement among key stakeholders.
- Oversee the communication and visibility work of UNESCO’s education interventions in Afghanistan in close coordination with education teams. This includes the development, editing, and publishing of communications materials for online and offline platforms and audiences, including but not limited to factsheets, success stories, donor reports, newsletters, web articles, press releases, resource mobilization-related content, content for UNESCO online platforms and social media channels, and publications. This also includes developing tailored advocacy materials for donors and other strategic partners.
- Lead and assist in communication activities related to project launches, dissemination, and closure events, including the development of media kits and visibility content.
- Draft, implement, and monitor annual and monthly communication work plans and budgets.
- Prepare regular communication and visibility reports to track UNESCO’s visibility and engagement
- Identify and implement communication tactics, tools, and activities that contribute to achieving UNESCO’s visibility and engagement objectives.
- Support the preparation and follow-up, as well as participate in regular Communication and Resource Mobilization Working Group meetings.
Long Description
8. Strengthen the capacity of office personnel in communication and outreach best practices through training materials and sessions.
9. Liaise with UNESCO headquarters and represent UNESCO in relevant UN Communications Groups.
10. Support visibility activities and documentation of field missions, workshops, training, and public events.
11. Maintain a repository of communication and knowledge products (e.g case studies, best practices), and support the synthesis of project results for reporting and learning purposes
12. Undertake additional communications-related tasks as requested by the Head of Education and Head of Office.
In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the National Gender Officer is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.
Organizational context
As a specialized United Nations agency, UNESCO has been working in Afghanistan as a long-term strategic partner. UNESCO’s education support to Afghanistan is built around the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (2023-2027) to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), meeting current educational needs while establishing the foundation for the sector's reconstruction and improvement going forward and aligning with global education priorities outlined in the UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2029).
Guided by the 2025 Communication Strategy and Communication Plan of UNESCO in Afghanistan, the incumbent will manage the diverse content creation and outreach across its diverse stakeholders (internal and external) and serve as the focal point for providing and implementing the strategy in maximizing visibility, awareness, and visually depict impact of various education interventions of UNESCO in Afghanistan.
Long Description
Contract duration and expected results
The position is a Service Contract at level SC-9, with a duration of one year and the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The recruitment is open to both external and internal candidates. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced university degree in communications, media, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
Long Description
Work Experience:
Minimum 3 years of professional experience in strategic communications, particularly with projects implemented by national/international NGOs, donors, or UN organizations.
Experience in developing and maintaining content for online platforms.
Demonstrated ability to work across various media platforms.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Long Description
Skills:
- Excellent writing, communication, and organization skills.
- Practical skills and competencies in at least one of the following functional areas: graphic and layout design; animation/video production and editing; photography and image-processing.
- Background knowledge on development issues and/or areas related to UNESCO’s mandate.
- Ability to work with diverse teams to develop joint communication and messaging for different platforms by developing and introducing innovative and creative messages.
- Proficient in software tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro).
- Experience in working across a range of media platforms.
- Good planning skills and ability to meet the established deadlines.
- Experience in photo editing and in the video production process.
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
- Strong digital content creating skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations.
- Strong analytical, writing, reporting and presenting abilities.
Language:
- Fluency in national languages Dari or Pashto (written and spoken).
- Excellent command in English.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
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