UNDP’s Communications Unit works with its units and projects within the country and also with the regional office in Bangkok and its Headquarters in New York on a number of communications related activities. The Unit’s main role is to implement the communications strategy and action plan in line with the corporate communications strategy endorsed by the UNDP headquarters. In that process, UNDP Nepal Communications Unit works closely with its programme/project teams on knowledge management, updating of corporate website, publications of periodic and special reports and planning and organization of different advocacy programmes. The Unit needs a National UN Volunteer to support the communications team in carrying out all these activities.

UNDP Communications Unit provides communications and other supports to UNDP Country Office (CO) and 18 different projects under the CO. The Unit’s works include production and streamlining of knowledge products on different thematic areas where UNDP has been working, handling day-to-day internal and external communications, updating websites and social media accounts, design and implement different outreach and advocacy programs in consultation with programme units and projects, and also support capacity building of communications focal points of the projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Qualifications/Requirements:

Under the direct supervision of UNDP’s Head of Communications the national UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Editing reports, news stories and other articles;  
• Provide support in drafting and finalizing of the UNDP’s internal/external reports/stories;
• Provide support to the UNDP Communications Unit in preparation of its regular publications, including Development Advocate Nepal; 
• Provide support to other programme units through Communications Unit in editing and finalizing reports;
• Support Communications Unit in editing and streamlining submissions made by Developing Reporting’ fellows;
• Provide necessary support to the Unit in updating UNDP Nepal Website and in making its other social media accounts/channels like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube more interactive and up-to-date; 
• Support in update/management of photo/video archive, support in recording of videos, and photography for UNDP’s events; 
• Assist the UNDP Communications Unit in preparation of its regular activities; 
• Carry out desk research on assigned topics and issues;
• Provide day-to-day administrative support, including contract management;
• Perform other tasks as assigned;
• He or she will also assist other UNDP units as requested.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• 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 IVD);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• 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.

Results/Expected Output:

• At least 20 articles written or copy edited;
• Monthly media monitoring reports for the duration worked; 
• Well managed/structured archive of videos and photos; 
• Report of the activities carried out during the consultancy period; 
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies

Communication

• Excellent interpersonal communications skills as well as writing skills, including the ability to draft news/reports clearly, concisely, and swiftly on complex subjects.

Leadership and Self-Management 

• Focus on result for the clients.

Knowledge Sharing/learning

• Share knowledge and experience from within and outside UN; Develops a strong understanding of the local context (district/regional).

Gender

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Organizational Awareness

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness change and ability to mane complexities;
• Responds positively to critical feedback an differing points  view;
• Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree on social sciences or an equivalent degree in relevant field;
• At least 2 years’ experience in reporting in the mainstream media, including experience in handling social media and multimedia contents, such as digital photos, audio/video;
• Experience, particularly in research/writing, preferably for development organizations; 
• Should have a good understanding of development communications and UNDP’s works; 
• Should have a good command over English language;
• Experience in content writing, content editing (English) would be desirable; 
• Should be able to work with Microsoft Office Package, Photoshop, InDesign and multimedia software {Adobe Premiere Pro);
• Should be able to work in a team;
• He/she should have desire to learn.

Disclaimer

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.