Director of Communications and Program Coordination Counterpart International

Counterpart International is a global development organization that empowers people and communities to implement innovative and enduring solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. For nearly 50 years, Counterpart has been forging partnerships with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, food security and nutrition, and building effective governance and institutions.

For more information visit www.Counterpart.org

SUMMARY

Counterpart International is seeking an experienced senior leader for the position of Director of Communications and Program Coordination for a 3-year, $45M USAID-funded program in Afghanistan entitled the Initiative to Promote Afghan Civil Society Phase II (I-PACS II). I-PACS II provides a supported network of Afghan civil society organizations with an integrated package of small grants, technical assistance, trainings and organizational development support to improve their financial and programmatic viability. The Director is a member of the program’s senior management team and reports to the Counterpart Chief of Party.

The Director will provide strategic vision and leadership to I-PACS communications and advocacy initiatives. S/he will provide leadership, strategic planning and coordination support to increase program coherence and integration across I-PACS program components. S/he will have primary responsibility for ensuring the submission of quality, timely and compelling communications products, including all required program reporting to the donor. S/he will be responsible for responding to ad-hoc requests from USAID for program information or updates, including requests for analysis and presentation of performance data and impact.

The position requires strong experience with civil society strengthening concepts and methodologies to further program coherence and integration across departments and teams. The position demands the ability to develop and lead creative messaging and communications/advocacy strategies to raise the visibility of the program and its Afghan partners, via written product and representational work. The position requires skill and diplomacy in representing the program externally with donors, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the international community and media. It requires experience defining ‘message’ and skillfully threading it through written and representational work. It requires excellent writing and editing skills to ensure reporting products are top quality. It involves close mentoring and capacity building of a capable, motivated national staff.

The Director has managerial responsibility for two I-PACS departments, comprising approximately 10 to 15 national staff. The Communications and Outreach team is responsible for development and execution of an effective, creative external relations strategy, as well as the compilation and drafting of bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly program reporting. The Gender team is responsible for ensuring the effective integration of gendered considerations into all aspects of program delivery and design through the provision of technical assistance, trainings and assessments, both within the Counterpart organization itself as well as within the staffing, policies and activity execution of our local partner organizations throughout Afghanistan. (The Gender team works under the expert technical direction of Counterpart partner DTS.)

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide vision and leadership to inform development and execution of an effective communications and outreach strategy, as well as targeted advocacy initiatives (30%)
• Provide vision and leadership – in close collaboration with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and the full senior management team – to improve internal work plan coordination and program coherence/integration across departments (25%)
• Serve as the final writer or editor of all external written program products, including bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly program reports to ensure writing is clear, tight, thorough and ‘on message’ (25%)
• Lead or support external representation efforts -- along with the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party -- to network and conduct focused outreach with government, partners, donors and media (10%)
• Supervise and mentor a staff of approximately 10 to 15, which presently includes a Program Support Coordinator, the Communications and Outreach Team, and the Gender Team (10%)

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the development, publication and dissemination of public outreach and multimedia materials
• Provide leadership in the design and organization of roundtables, forums, and other public outreach events
• Provide general managerial support to the Gender team in execution of strategy and work plans (technical leadership is provided by Counterpart partner DTS)
• Provide leadership and managerial support to ensure gender technical specialists deployed by DTS perform to expectations and are effectively integrated into the Counterpart staff

Qualifications

• 8 - 10 years of experience working in senior line management positions in international development, preferably with civil society strengthening programs;
• Previous experience working on USAID-funded programs, preferably in Afghanistan;
• Outstanding leadership, strategic planning and program coordination skills;
• Specialized experience in communications/outreach/media a strong plus;
• Excellent writing and editing skills (writing samples will be requested);
• Proven leadership and team building skills, especially in dynamic, multicultural environments;
• Demonstrated commitment to mentor, enable and empower staff;
• Solid analytical capabilities and excellent presentation skills;
• Solid computer skills in Word, Excel and other Microsoft Office tools;
• Fluency in both written and spoken English required;
• Ability to work collegially within a high-performing team;
• Passion for making a difference!

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Counterpart contracts with a leading international security management company to provide dedicated, on-site professional security support and direction. Strict security protocols are followed. The physical safety and movement of Counterpart staff are closely monitored by expert on-site security personnel. International staff are not permitted at this time to travel outside Kabul, and are required to reside at the Counterpart staff house.

Counterpart is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.