Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has been at the forefront of providing aid and support to millions of individuals in some of the world's most challenging environments. With a mission to help those in need, NRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on delivering high-quality assistance and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of professional growth, diversity, equity, and inclusion among its employees, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. NRC's work is guided by a strong commitment to safeguarding and preventing exploitation and abuse, making it a trusted partner in humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of NRC Afghanistan’s Advocacy and Communications Strategy. This position requires close coordination with field teams and management to ensure that high-quality communications products are developed for various platforms, including traditional media, web, and social media. The officer will be responsible for building the skills of team members to create effective communications materials that align with NRC guidelines and donor requirements. The role involves regular travel to NRC program locations to gather stories and content, ensuring that the voice and wellbeing of the people served by NRC are effectively communicated through various channels. The Communications Officer will also engage in media and public advocacy work, identifying relevant stories and providing key information for press releases and talking points, thereby enhancing NRC's visibility and impact in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: delivering high-quality communication, advocacy, and fundraising products based on the Country Advocacy Strategy; ensuring that all advocacy and communications activities promote the voice and wellbeing of the people served; supporting media and public advocacy work by identifying stories and providing information for press releases; undertaking regular travel to NRC program locations to gather content; ensuring post-production of gathered content aligns with NRC guidelines; developing visibility materials in compliance with NRC and donor guidelines; collaborating with media and communications colleagues at regional and global levels; and performing any other communications-related tasks as required. Specific responsibilities include developing a monthly action plan with the line manager, visiting field sites to collect communications materials, producing high-quality content such as web stories and videos, uploading materials to the NRC Visuals multimedia library, designing creative products that portray the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, providing training to colleagues in field sites, and developing infographics or other visual materials as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Communications Officer position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Media Studies, Communications, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, an undergraduate degree combined with a minimum of two years of experience working with humanitarian organizations or equivalent experience in media and communications will be considered. Demonstrated skills in producing communication products such as social media content, web stories, case studies, photos, and videos are essential. Knowledge and experience with photography and videography, including material collection and video editing (experience with Adobe Premiere is an advantage), are also required. Experience working in communications for a humanitarian organization is desired, along with a high level of proficiency in English, Dari, and Pashto (speaking, reading, writing). Candidates should have strong analytic and computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications, and an understanding of the international humanitarian system and related issues relevant to the Afghanistan context. Strong coordination, organizational, and teamwork skills are necessary, along with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to work with diverse communities and lead key informant interviews and other methods.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Communications Officer position includes a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Media Studies, Communications, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates with an undergraduate degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience in humanitarian organizations or equivalent media and communications experience will be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of communication in humanitarian contexts and for producing effective communication products.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of experience working with humanitarian organizations or in media and communications. Experience in producing communication products, including social media content, web stories, case studies, photos, and videos, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in communications for a humanitarian organization, which will provide them with the necessary context and understanding of the challenges faced in such environments. Familiarity with photography and videography, including material collection and editing, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, Dari, and Pashto is mandatory for this position, encompassing speaking, reading, and writing skills. This multilingual capability is crucial for effective communication with diverse communities and stakeholders in Afghanistan. While proficiency in these languages is required, additional language skills may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a monthly salary based on the NRC Afghanistan Salary Scale, along with medical coverage for staff and up to four dependents. Leave and holidays will be provided in accordance with Afghanistan law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Labour Law. Additionally, employees will receive a top-up credit card on a monthly basis. The role is full-time and involves responsibilities that require a high level of commitment and engagement with the communities served by NRC.