National Information Officer, NOC

The National Information Officer at UNIC Kathmandu supports the UN Country Team's communication and advocacy efforts by developing and implementing strategic communications plans and campaigns. The role involves managing media relations, producing multimedia content, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the UN Information Centre in Kathmandu.

Responsibilities

• Support the UNCT Communication and Advocacy Group (UNCAG) with the development and implementation of country-wide strategic communications plans, campaigns and activities targeted to local audiences.
• Serve as the Secretariat for the UNCAG at the country level in consultation with DGC UNHQ and the RCO.
• Provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in designing, implementing and monitoring the UN joint communications strategy aligned to the Global UN Communications Strategy and UNSDCF.
• Provide substantive support on potential issues, concerns and risks related to communications and advocacy, suggesting corrective actions.
• Draft the annual communications plan to publicize and communicate results with a focus on the UN's development impact.
• Drive and coordinate the development of country specific multimedia communications products as well as digital and social media products and activities in multiple languages.
• Maintain the integrated UNCT website and social media accounts in English and Nepali, ensuring compliance with UN Secretariat governance mechanisms.
• Identify, adapt, and institute use of communications tools with innovative approaches and keep pace with emerging technology.
• Draft various print and digital communications products in English and Nepali and engage in public speaking with media, partners and local interlocutors.
• Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion and press coverage, advising on appropriate action/responses.
• Conduct media outreach, develop media strategies and action plans, maintain contacts with national and regional media, organize press conferences and briefings, and analyze impact of coverage.
• Initiate and sustain proactive professional relationships with key constituencies and partners at the national and regional level and undertake joint strategic activities.
• Conduct educational outreach activities including engagement with Model United Nations conferences and organizing public-speaking opportunities at local educational institutions.
• Assume responsibilities for the day-to-day running of UNIC Kathmandu including administration, planning, management of activities, budget and equipment.
• Perform other functions and special duties as required including crisis communications support, representing the UN at conferences, and coordinating and drafting op-eds, speeches and interviews.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public information or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Nepal is required.
• Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies is required.
• Experience in crisis communications or reputational risk management is required.
• Experience in speaking to diverse audiences (e.g. general public, Government officials, special interest groups) is desirable.
• Experience working across multimedia platforms with traditional and digital media is desirable.
• Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization is desirable.
• English and Nepali are required languages.
• Either French or Arabic or Russian or Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish is desirable.

Skills

• Communications Strategy Development
• Media Relations
• Crisis Communication
• Reputational Risk Management
• Multimedia Production
• Public Information Management
• Networking with NGOs
• Government Relations
• Digital Media Management
• Traditional Media Management
• Strategic Communications
• Advocacy Activities
• Multimedia Platforms
• UN Communications Experience

Languages

English, Nepali, French, Arabic, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish