Communications Associate

Contract

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

Nepal is among the world’s poorest countries, ranking 148th out of 189, with a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.574 in 2019. Challenging geography, civil unrest and a lack of infrastructure complicate efforts to improve livelihoods, establish functioning markets and transport food.

Assisting more than 90 million people in 83 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

WFP has been working in the country since 1963, supporting the Government to develop greater food security among vulnerable communities and build resilience to disasters. WFP’s work in Nepal primarily targets the most food insecure, those in the hard-to-reach districts of the Mid- and Far-Western Hills and Mountains. For more info: www.wfp.org/Nepal; www.twitter.com/WFP_Nepal

In support of the Head, Communications Unit, the National UN Volunteer intern will create specialized and general communications products that support the UN World Food Programme’s Nepal Country Office (CO). These products will be aimed at maintaining and enhancing WFP’s visibility and reputation in the field and globally to support fundraising activities as well as general knowledge of WFP’s work.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Communications Unit, the National UN Youth Volunteer will be provided with close mentoring, guidance, and technical supervision and shall carry out the following tasks;

• Provide coordination, administrative and specialized products and services, to support the Head of Communications in the development, preparation and implementation of the activity specific communications plan. • Monitor and coordinate materials, schedules, facilities, and clearances, and provide support for special events and projects, including attending relevant fora held by UN, Government, and NGOs in Kathmandu. • Under clear guidance, prepare draft content for traditional and social media platforms and networks, as well as printed materials to enhance coverage and support of WFP’s activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages and standards. • Support the Head of Communications in generating donor specific visibility content including, text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of integrated online platforms, ensuring consistency with corporate messages as well as with donor conditions and established visibility and communications strategy. • Manage and maintain records and databases, such as of beat journalist and the contact list of media outlets, ensuring the information is accurate, organized and readily available for access by the unit and relevant staff of WFP Nepal. • Respond to requests for support as needed by other units from Communications, following established processes and obtaining guidance from the UNIT head, in a timely manner • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

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.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WFP Nepal; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WFP Nepal procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; 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 WFP Nepal 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 communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to work in remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards WFP Nepal mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Communications is desired; Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, lies under the Phase III of the UN Security classification, but is subject to change depending on the development of the security situation. Living conditions in Kathmandu are good. Comfortable inexpensive flats (furnished and unfurnished) are available in Kathmandu. Both imported and local foods and clothing are abundantly available. There is a short supply of water while it is also not safe to drink without treatment. Public transport is easily available and generally reliable though traffic congestion is extremely high. Kathmandu has a temperate climate with coldest temperature reaching just above zero at the night during the winter and mild but humid during the monsoon period, mid-June to end September.

Nepal is a unique country and WFP Nepal is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Special Note: Young female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.