I could do that!
Last week, here at Rainy Day, the British Red Cross got a hiding for using jargon such as "providing field-based contextual analysis that can be applied to designing project modalities" in its search for a "Livelihoods Advisor". A somewhat similar job is being offered by the Aga Khan Foundation as it is hiring a "Rural Development Coordinator" for a project in Afghanistan "to enhance the livelihoods of the rural communities in the three provinces of Badakhshan, Baghlan and Bamyan". Unlike the British Red Cross,however, the Aga Khan Foundation uses language that's precise and to the point. For example, the Rural Development Coordinator will:
Coordinate all programmes in the region
Facilitate the elaboration of operational plans
Support the AKF Programme in planning of new initiatives
Network with government departments
Contribute to and enhance synergy between the sector teams
NOTE: Those thinking of doing humanitarian aid work in Afghanistan will need no reminding of the precarious state of public order in the country. Just this week, the Taliban murdered a British aid worker and it was revealed that a criminal gang had killed two Japanese tourists.
Anyway, we've made our point about confusing vs. clear language in job ads. Next week, the focus will be back on substance rather than style in our ongoing look at the world of good works. We'll also be highlighting the jobs that are emerging as the effort to help rebuild the infrastructure of New Orleans and assist its people to reconstruct their lives gathers pace.
