Job: Radio Project Chief

Chief of Project, IRIN Afghanistan Radio
Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan
Last Date: May 17, 2008
Email: <mailto:> (Reference: DevNetJobs.org) OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
INTEGRATED REGIONAL INFORMATION NETWORKS (IRIN)

JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Chief of Project, IRIN Afghanistan Radio
GRADE: L-3
DUTY STATION: Kabul, Afghanistan
DURATION: 12 months
SUPERVISOR: IRIN Radio Coordinator, Nairobi, Kenya


I. Background

Part of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) is an editorially independent humanitarian news and analysis service reporting on more than 70 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Middle East. IRIN aims to provide comprehensive and impartial coverage of humanitarian and related issues in the regions where it operates. Intended for the benefit of a global readership, an emphasis is made on assisting governments and aid organizations to implement their humanitarian and post-disaster recovery work in developing countries.
Over the years, IRIN has built a reputation for providing relevant, timely information to the humanitarian community. However, experience pointed to a need to provide vital information to the victims of crisis as well. In most parts of the developing world, grassroots communities get little access to media because of poverty, illiteracy and a lack of basic infrastructure. The one exception is radio, which reaches a mass audience in many countries. Responding to this need, in 2001 IRIN began a radio initiative, which has developed unique expertise in using radio as a tool for promoting humanitarian priorities and action, as well as bringing communities closer to each other and to the outside world.

II. General Responsibilities

Based in Kabul, Afghanistan and under the general supervision of the Nairobi-based IRIN Radio Coordinator, the Chief of the Project supervises the IRIN-Afghanistan Radio project, overseeing the radio and online production of the office, overseeing and managing the training and capacity building of staff, stringers and local partners, liaising with national and international partners and contributing to formulating strategies for the future development of IRIN Radio in the country. Under guidance from IRIN headquarters, the Chief will support the identification of funding to sustain the existing project and will provide timely reporting to donors.

III. Specific Duties

He/she is responsible specifically for the following duties:

1. In conjunction with the Radio Coordinator, develop a clearly defined work plan and implementation strategy for the IRIN radio project in Afghanistan, and contribute to the development of future plans for the project.

2. Coordinate and supervise the implementation of the IRIN Radio project in Afghanistan, in accordance with the work plan approved by the Radio Coordinator, and ensure the efficient and cost effective use of project funds, assets and personnel in accordance with UN rules and regulations.

3. Report regularly to the Radio Coordinator on activities and progress made in relation to the work plan.

4. Initiate ideas, plan and produce original multimedia products on humanitarian issues for the target audiences, including radio programming in local languages for Afghanistan, and online products for a local and/or wider international audience.

5. Set in place procedures to ensure editorial standards are met and maintain control over the quality of the project’s output.

6. Liaise with IRIN’s Kabul-based text reporters, and consult regularly with IRIN’s Dubai-based senior editor, to ensure maximum coordination and collaboration between text and radio, and to seek creative synergies where possible.

7. Supervise the work of local IRIN radio producers, consultants and freelance radio journalists including setting goals, appraisals and mentoring. Provide editorial and technical support as necessary,

8. Build relations with local and international broadcasters to ensure dissemination of the project’s programming and products, and ensure that all audio is uploaded to the IRIN website in a timely manner.

9. Develop and implement a programme of training aimed at enhancing the capacity of local radio journalists and radio reporters.

10. Liaise closely with other UN agencies, NGOs, information partner organizations, the media, government authorities and other relevant entities to enhance information gathering and dissemination.

11. Contribute to plans for the further development of the project, preparing in consultation with the Head of Office, IRIN Middle East and IRIN management, project proposals for submission and follow-up with prospective donors.

12. In collaboration with the Radio Coordinator, prepare and submit progress reports to donors and OCHA HQ.

13. Travel when required to the field to undertake information gathering and training initiatives. Attend meetings, conferences etc outside the country when required.

14. Any other duties as requested by the Radio Coordinator, IRIN.

IV. Competencies

Professionalism – Advanced knowledge of the use of information management to improve the delivery of humanitarian assistance; ability to analyze and articulate the information management requirements of complex situations requiring a coordinated UN response; demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment to ensure the effective and timely completion of complex tasks; ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery); very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system; Excellent inter-personal and supervisory skills; Excellent analytical and organizational skills.


Empowering others – Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; Encourages others to set challenging goals; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility.

Client orientation – Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients; environments to keep informed and anticipate problems; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.

Commitment to continuous learning – Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field.

Communications – Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations to staff at senior levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.

Planning & organizing – Ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

Technology awareness – Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internal databases, Internet, etc.

Teamwork – Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

V. Qualifications:

a) Education:
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, international relations, development studies or another relevant subject. A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience is accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

b) Work Experience:
• At least five years experience in media.
• Proven experience in project management.
• Familiarity with the developmental and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and/or the Asia region.
• Familiarity with humanitarian issues and organizations, including the United Nations.
c) Languages:
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Dari, Pashto and/or Arabic would be an advantage.

d) Other Desirable Skills:
• Proficient in computer and information management systems

http://www.irinnews.org