Media and Communications Adviser , EUSR for Afganistan

European Union 
Team of the EUSR for Afghanistan 

Advertisement for International Seconded/Contracted Staff Members 

ANNEX 1 

Organisation: EUSR for Afghanistan 
Availability: Media and Communications Adviser (1): 
1 September 2013 until end 30 June 2014 
(Depending on the length of the new Mandate) 
Contract Regime: Seconded by the Member State or European Institution / Contracted 
Job Titles/Vacancy:  Media and Communications Adviser 
Number of posts: 1 
Deadline for applications: 17:00 hrs, 15 July 2013 
Email address to send the CV: 
Office of the European Union Special Representative for Afghanistan 
E-mail: Ana-Maria.Miranda-Viveros@ext.eeas.europa.eu 

Information:

For more information related to the selection and recruitment, please contact: 

Ana Maria Miranda-Viveros 
EUSR Kabul, Afghanistan 
Tel: +93 706 299 484 

E-mail : Ana-Maria.Miranda-Viveros@ext.eeas.europa.eu

Please click here to download the application form document.

The General Secretariat of the Council of the EU requests Member States and EU Institutions to consider seconding one Media and Communications Adviser for the team of the EUSR in Afghanistan, according to the described requirements and profiles: 

A. Essential Requirements 

Citizenship - Citizen of a member state of the European Union (EU) and enjoying full rights as a citizen. 

Integrity - The participants must maintain the highest standards of personal integrity, impartiality and self-discipline. Participants are not allowed to provide or discuss any information or document as a result of access to classified and/or sensitive information related to the mission or respective tasks and activities. The participants shall carry out their duties and act in the interests of the mission. 

Physical and mental health - Physically fit and in good health without any physical or mental problems or substance dependency which can impair operational performance in the mission. 

Negotiation skills - The participants must have excellent negotiating skills and the ability to work professionally in a stressful and diverse environment. The ability to work in a demanding, deadline-driven environment and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds is crucial. 

Flexibility and adaptability - Be able to work in arduous conditions with a limited network of support. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Good networking abilities. 

Ability to communicate effectively in English – The candidates must be fully fluent in written and oral English language. Report writing ability, analysis, drafting and editing skills are especially needed. 

Computer skills - Skills in word processing, spreadsheets and email systems are essential. Knowledge of other IT tools will be an asset. 

B. Recommended Requirements or Experience 

Professional experience – To have a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or Social Sciences and at least two years of professional experience in the field of Media and Public Relations. 

Knowledge of the EU Institutions - To have knowledge of the EU Institutions and international standards, particularly related to the Common Foreign and Security Policy, including the Common Security and Defence Policy (desirable). 

International experience - To have international experience, particularly in crisis areas with multi-national and international organisations. 

Local experience – To have strong familiarity with the political, historical and cultural context of Afghanistan. 

Language skills - knowledge of Dari or Pashtu will be a distinct advantage. 

C. Essential Documents and Requirements for the Selected Candidates 

Visas - Contributing countries and mission members, for seconded staff, must ensure that visas are obtained for entry into the mission area prior to departure from their home country. For contracted staff, visas are facilitated by the EUSR Office. 

Security clearance required - To have a national security clearance at "EU SECRET" level or equivalent. Or to obtain this on arrival in case of successful contracted candidate, in which case a basic security clearance will be requested in advance. 

Driving licence – Be in possession of a valid civilian driving licence for motor vehicles (Category B or equivalent). 

D. Desirable

Diplomatic Status - To facilitate free movement, credibility and access. 

Diplomatic or Service Passport - From their respective national authorities. 

Master degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or Social Sciences.

E. Job Description

Under the guidance of the EUSR, the Media/press Adviser will:

• Provide support for EU communication and visibility activities in Afghanistan and Europe;
• Build, expand and maintain an extensive and active network of Afghan and international media/press contacts;
• Liaise with international and foreign media and provide them with information concerning the EU's activities and overall presence in Afghanistan (includes: spokesperson tasks, provide press briefings, write press releases);
• Coordinate the press and information activities of the EUSR Office, including various events in and outside of Kabul, with the view to improve EU visibility in a structured and sustainable way;
• Support and contribute to policy dialogue with relevant Ministries, agencies, donors and other stakeholders in all areas of media and press;
• Contribute to the regular political reporting;
• Gather information and liaise with partners;
• Perform other duties as and when required.

F. Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Social Sciences or related subjects;
• At least two years of professional experience in a similar position in an international environment;
• Extensive experience in Media and Press Relations;
• Experience in or good knowledge of Afghanistan;
• Excellent command of English, including the ability to draft and edit reports;
• Knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an asset.

Note: Please note that Afghanistan is a non family posting.