Communications Director / Spokesperson

About Kabul Institute

Kabul Institute is an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led policy and research organization dedicated to governance accountability, peacebuilding, and climate security in Afghanistan. We produce independent research grounded in Afghan evidence and expertise, develop practical policy recommendations, and foster dialogue with Afghan civil society, diaspora networks, and international partners. Our work is organized around three pillars: State Building and Accountability; Peacebuilding and National Reconciliation; and Climate Security and Just Transition.

About the Role

The Communications Director / Spokesperson is Kabul Institute's senior communications lead and its primary public voice. You will set the strategy for how the Institute presents its research, positions, and programs to every audience, from international media and policymakers to Afghan civil society and the diaspora.

You will speak on behalf of the Institute in interviews, briefings, and public statements, lead communications for major moments such as report launches and press conferences, and build a small, capable communications team. This is a senior role for an experienced communicator who can think strategically, write well under pressure, and represent an Afghan-led institution with credibility and care.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and leadership

• Develop and lead Kabul Institute's communications strategy across the website, Substack, X, LinkedIn, and other channels
• Set annual and quarterly communications priorities aligned with the Institute's research and program calendar
• Protect and strengthen the Institute's institutional voice, messaging, and brand consistency
• Manage, mentor, and set objectives for the Communications Officer and Communications Associate

Spokesperson and media

• Serve as the Institute's spokesperson for media interviews, press briefings, panels, and public statements
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and producers covering Afghanistan and the region
• Pitch Kabul Institute research, experts, and op-eds to international and regional media
• Prepare Institute leadership and researchers for interviews and public appearances

Launches, campaigns, and crisis communications

• Lead communications for report launches, press conferences, roundtables, and major events
• Draft and approve statements responding to significant developments in Afghanistan
• Manage reputational risks and coordinate responses to sensitive or fast-moving situations
• Track and report on the reach and impact of the Institute's communications

Qualifications

Required

• At least 7 years of experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, including at least 2 years in a leadership role
• Proven experience as a spokesperson or in regular on-record engagement with media
• Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to write clearly and quickly for different audiences
• Deep understanding of Afghanistan's political, social, and humanitarian context
• Sound judgment on sensitive issues and the ability to stay calm and accurate under pressure
• Experience managing or mentoring a team

Preferred

• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto
• Existing relationships with international media covering Afghanistan, South Asia, or Central Asia
• Experience at a think tank, research institute, international organization, or NGO
• Experience with broadcast interviews, podcasts, or X Spaces

We welcome applications from Afghans inside the country and across the diaspora, and we strongly encourage Afghan women to apply.

What We Offer

• A full-time, fully remote position with flexible working hours across time zones
• The chance to shape how an Afghan-led institution speaks to the world at a critical moment for the country
• Work alongside researchers, policy experts, and practitioners from Afghanistan and across the diaspora
• Direct exposure to policymakers, journalists, and international partners
• Professional development and room to grow with a young, expanding organization

How to Apply

1. Email talent@kabulinstitute.org.
2. Use "Application: Communications Director / Spokesperson" as your subject line.
3. Attach your CV and a short cover note explaining why you want to work with Kabul Institute and what you would bring to this role.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We read every application, and because of volume we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates.