Closing date

06 February 2023

Communications Officer; UCA

Department: Graduate School of Development

Reports to: Operations Manager

Duty Station: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; or Dushanbe or Khorog, Tajikistan

Deadline: 06 February 2023

 

Summary of Position

The Graduate School of Development (GSD) is one of three schools of the University of Central Asia (UCA) and is the home for multidisciplinary research on Central Asia's social, economic, environmental and cultural development. GSD is comprised of five entities, each of which has achieved a significant presence in the Central Asian knowledge landscape. They have forged regional networks of universities, researchers, and communities of practice and established international collaborations.



Being part of GSD’s general administration, the Communications Officer is an important role with a wide range of tasks related to internal and external communications for GSD, emphasizing knowledge exchange and impact.



Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work closely with unit heads to develop and implement the communications strategy that promotes GSD’s activities and accomplishments to both internal and external audiences.
  • Manage GSD’s social media accounts and website, including creating and publishing content highlighting faculty, students, and staff achievements.
  • Write and edit press releases, success stories, and articles about the activities of GSD, in a manner attractive to non-specialist readers and policymakers.
  • Produce short, accessible reports (with photos as appropriate) for the GSD website and social media on all significant GSD events, publications and achievements/landmarks.
  • Create, maintain, and update the calendar of events for GSD.
  • Design brochures, bulletins, leaflets, flyers, reports, stands, merch products and other related promotional materials upon request.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, alumni, and industry partners.
  • Draft and distribute a short monthly internal communication briefing for GSD staff with information on grant submissions, grant successes, and publications.
  • Maintain and update internal and external mailing lists for GSD knowledge exchange. 
  • Draft and contribute to the annual GSD report for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Solicit, receive and process as appropriate (e.g. for the UCA bulletin), updates on research and teaching activity from GSD colleagues.
  • Contribute to the development of GSD’s digital platform and/or otherwise support efforts to make GSD outputs accessible.
  • Highlight GSD grant opportunities to GSD staff and, where possible, offer support in grant writing.
  • Work closely and liaise with UCA's APA (Advancement and Public Affairs) department.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager and/or GSD Dean.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

  • University degree in communications, PR, journalism, marketing, social sciences, and/or relevant discipline(s) is required. 
  • At least two years of experience in a similar role in the communications and PR units
  • At least two years of experience in designing and developing the promo materials of products/services including educational organizations.
  • Professional level in graphic designing software including, but not limited to Publisher, Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, and Office Illustrator.

Language requirements

  • Advanced knowledge of English and Russian is required.
  • Knowledge of Kyrgyz, Tajik, Kazakh, and/or Dari will be an asset.

Ideal profile

  • Excellent communication skills to establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside GSD.
  • Strong organizational skills and detail orientation.
  • Professional ability to work independently and under pressure.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good team worker in multi-cultural, multi-national, and international team environments.   
  • Good reporting and presenting skills. 
  • Advanced computer skills in MS Office.

Candidates from the founding countries of UCA: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply for the position.

 

How to Apply



Please send a Cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to hr.recruitment@ucentralasia.org by 06  February 2023. As your application e-mail subject, please write: “Communications Officer, GSD”

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunitie