Job: Public Outreach Adviser - Afghanistan

Location: Kabul 
Deadline: 10 Oct 2013 

Description

Technical Advisory Service to the Electoral Dispute Resolution Body in Afghanistan Public Outreach Adviser - Afghanistan

Title: Public Outreach Adviser - Afghanistan Start Date: September 2013 Period of Performance: One year

Background: 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. After the adoption of two new electoral laws in Afghanistan, the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC)—the key national body for electoral dispute resolution—has now been established as a permanent institution. This presents a unique opportunity for IFES to contribute to the sustained credibility of the electoral process in Afghanistan by supporting the institutional development and operation of the IECC.

IFES has considerable experience with electoral dispute resolution in Afghanistan, having provided technical support to the IECC and Independent Election Commission (IEC) for the 2009 and 2010 elections. IFES’ seeks to directly contribute to electoral integrity for the 2014 Presidential election and 2015 Parliamentary elections by providing technical advisory services to the IECC, and supporting the IECC as it establishes a permanent presence within Afghanistan’s fledgling democracy. Specifically, IFES will provide: strategic policy and implementation advice on electoral 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.

Activities and Responsibilities: In support of these goals, 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 and Procedures 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 a voter education campaign 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; • 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; • 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 skills; • 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; and • 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 athttp://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.

How to apply:

Applying:
Applications will be accepted online only, through the IFES website. To apply visit our careers website athttp://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.