Communication Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The UNESCO Office in Kathmandu, established in 1998, contributes to building peace, alleviating poverty and fostering sustainable development and intercultural dialogue in Nepal through education, science, culture, communication and information.

UNESCO works to attain quality education for all, focusing on gender equality and adult literacy, to mobilize scientific knowledge and science policy for sustainable development, to preserve cultural heritage, promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, and to empower people through the free flow of ideas and access to information and knowledge. To achieve these objectives, UNESCO actively participates in the work of the UN Country Team in Nepal and closely cooperates with other development partners in the country.

Through its Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO is mandated to promote freedom of expression, media freedom, media development and to advocate for the rights and safety of journalists. To promote media professionalism, pluralism, diversity, and digital development for building inclusive knowledge societies, the office closely engages with national and international stakeholders.

The UNV assignment is based in UNESCO Kathmandu Office. The UNV Communication Specialist will work under the supervision of the UNESCO Representative to Nepal and will provide support to the UNESCO programme in Nepal through the elaboration of a guiding communication strategy and the application of effective communications products and materials.

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the UNESCO Representative to Nepal, the UNV Communication Specialist will:

• Develop an office communication strategy and action/work plan; • Identify the key messages and content of the programmes, projects and activities of the Organization to promote relevant information and stories in Nepal through traditional and social media; • In close collaboration with the Department of Public Information at UNESCO Headquarters, maintain the office website page and the social media accounts with timely, relevant and well-presented information; • Monitor the public perception of UNESCO in the country and recommend appropriate action to maintain the Organization’s positive image; • Develop and maintain close collaboration with journalists and media professionals in Nepal, as well as with groups and organizations such as the UNESCO Clubs and Associations whose support is essential to the achievement of UNESCO’s advocacy and communication objectives; • Coordinate media liaison, including sending information, responding to media inquiries, identifying article and interview opportunities for UNESCO;
• Product, support and follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.). • Monitor dissemination of communication materials to target audiences and participate in the evaluation of their impact. Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of media coverage (videos, articles, etc.); • Organize and support press conferences, media events or other special events; • Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, partners and other special guests or interest groups. The task includes preparing information materials (e.g. programme summaries, country fact sheets and other communication materials that are required), and assisting in the planning, logistics and administrative arrangements. • Perform other related duties as required or assigned by the supervisor and the UNESCO Representative to Nepal

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. • As an active UNESCO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNESCO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including high quality engagement with UNESCO target audiences and a Communication for Development (C4D) approach instilled in the UNESCO Kathmandu Office.

• Professionalism: understanding of relevant operations at UNESCO; technical knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNESCO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement, liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNESCO in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority.

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues.

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups.

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNESCO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

communication, print and broadcast media, interactive digital media or in communications and press departments, preferably in the context of development cooperation; Demonstrated command of writing and editing, and the development of media and/or communication materials; Commitment to team work; Capacity to coach and mentor others; Strong interpersonal and networking skills; Highly organized and self-motivated; Capacity to collaborate and positively engage with stakeholders in the media, as well as partners and beneficiaries, including national/local authorities; Demonstrated personal sensitivity and commitment to the values and principles of equity, gender equality, cultural diversity and children and youth protection; Excellent computing skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and related programmes; and knowledge in using digital media software including Adobe Creative Cloud Bundle such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro and InDesign is highly desirable; Prior UN experience is an asset.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.