About the Afghanistan Centre at Kabul University:

The Afghanistan Centre at Kabul University is the premier research institution and archive on Afghanistan in the region, with the most extensive collection of primary resources available in print and digital formats. The mission of ACKU is to promote literacy, facilitate scholarly work, and provide academic research training through its archive, digital library, and outreach and research programs.

ACKU was initially known as the ACBAR Resource & Information Center (ARIC). The concept was envisioned by Louis Dupree and Nancy Hatch Dupree, two of the foremost experts on Afghanistan's history and culture. After the death of Louis in 1989, Nancy continued to work for the protection of cultural heritage through ARIC and later ACKU, with a motto of “nation building through information sharing.”

Programs

The Library/Digital Resources

The ACKU library holds an extensive collection of documents on Afghanistan collected from various sources. Currently, it has more than 170,000 documents in Farsi, Pashto, English, and some other local and European languages. Its collection comprises monographs, posters, newspapers, slides, CDs, fact sheets, music recordings, periodicals, and magazines stretching back decades. The primary activities of the ACKU library include acquiring, cataloging, digitizing the documents, and making these accessible to local and international users through user-friendly online databases.

ACKU Box Library Extension

The mission of ABLE is to improve literacy among children and adults by promoting a culture of reading through easy-to-read books and educational material that is locally written and published. Since 1996, ABLE has established 277 libraries in communities across all 34 provinces. These libraries have over 200,000 annual users. ABLE has published 419 books in Farsi, Pashto, and, recently, in Uzbeki, on a variety of subjects based on the user suggestions, of which over 50 titles are for young readers.

Research

ACKU promotes and supports a strong research environment in Afghanistan by training local scholars in research methodology, critical analysis, and academic writing. University students and faculty members arethe  main beneficiaries of the research courses. An academic research project on the issue of migration was completed at ACKU in collaboration with City, University of London in late 2018. In addition, ACKU organizes various events, such as seminars, conferences, and workshops, and hosts sponsored events from partner institutions on its premises. Through this, ACKU aims to provide a platform for Afghan and international scholars to interact and exchange ideas.

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Digital Media Editor to join our team. The ideal candidate will specialize in video and audio editing, media digitization, and file format management. This role involves converting analog media into high-quality digital formats, editing video and audio content, and ensuring compatibility across various platforms and devices.

 Duties and Responsibilities:

1.     Media Digitization:
   • Digitize analog media, including VHS tapes, audio cassette tapes, and other physical formats, into high-quality digital formats such as WAV, MP3, MKV, and MP4.
   • Ensure accuracy and preservation of the original content during the digitization process.
2. Media Conversion and File Management:
   • Convert and optimize video and audio content for compatibility across various devices and media players.
   • Monitor and maintain digital file standards, ensuring accessibility and adherence to quality specifications.
3. Equipment Operation and Maintenance:
   • Set up, operate, and maintain digitization equipment, including VCRs, tape decks, audio interfaces, and video capture hardware.
   • Troubleshoot and resolve issues with digitization and media playback equipment.
4. Video and Audio Editing:
   • Edit video content using one of the professional video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Edius, or Final Cut Pro.
   • Edit audio content with tools like Adobe Audition, Cool Edit, or Audacity to enhance sound quality.
   • Apply creative and technical editing techniques to produce polished and professional results.
5. Collaboration and Reporting:
   • Work closely with team members to understand project requirements and deliver media content that meets organizational standards.
   • Provide regular updates on digitization progress and maintain organized records of digitized media.
6. Cataloging Digital Media Content (Optional but preferred):
   • Catalog digital media collections (audio, video, photos, and electronic resources) in Dari, Pashto, and English using AACR2, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and classification standards.
   • Perform original descriptive cataloging and subject indexing for digital resources.
   • Review and correct catalog entries to ensure accuracy and completeness.
   • Assist with identifying significant documents for digitization.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficiency in video and audio editing software, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Edius, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Audition, Cool Edit, or Audacity.
• Working knowledge of analog-to-digital media conversion techniques and best practices.
• Strong understanding of digital file formats and media standards.
• Attention to detail and the ability to ensure high-quality results.
• High school diploma (but a bachelor’s degree is preferred) with experience in Digital Multi-Media, with two years of working experience.
• Good knowledge of library collections and information materials
• Good spoken and written communication skills
• Good working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office packages, and database searching
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Good typing skills

Interested Afghan applicants should submit their CVs along with a cover letter indicating their interest and suitability for the position.

Please indicate the position title and vacancy number (Digital Media Editor ACKU-VA#2024006) in the subject line of your email.