PROJECT DESCRIPTION

USAID Trade and Competitiveness Activity is a five-year project to increase Nepali private sector participation in targeted global value chains by making them competitive, resilient, and sustainable. The Activity will chart a new growth path for private companies by supporting them to capitalize on global opportunities – targeting quality and high value exports (of products and services). It aims to foster sustainable growth, in selected value chains, by incentivizing actors (both private and public) through investments, innovations, employment, and a business enabling environment to expand their integration into the global market. The Activity is working to achieve the goal through the following objectives:

• To increase access to market-based financial and non-financial services;
• To increase productivity in sectors with high growth and employment potential; and
• To improve the investment climate and business enabling environment, for targeted sectors.

We are seeking a qualified candidate to fill the role of the Communication Officer based in Kathmandu, Nepal, for a one-year contract with option of renewal in subsequent years.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Communication Officer will support the development and implementation of the communication, knowledge management, and event management of the Activity. S/He will be responsible for day-to-day communication activities including but not limited to helping with reports, drafting success stories, and other communication materials. S/he will work closely with technical teams, MEL team, head of Compliance and partners to support the communication, marking and branding needs. S/he will be well versed with the USAID Marking and Branding policy and ensure they are followed diligently for all communications materials produced by the Activity.

The Communication Officer will work closely with Chief of Party, Technical Leads, MEL team, and head of Compliance. The Communication Officer will report directly to the Communication Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in developing compelling stories, infographics, presentations and other communication materials for both internal and external communications and ensure messaging is in line with the communication strategy.
• Support communications-related knowledge management, including establishing and managing databases and resources for communication purposes.
• Manage internal database of quality photographs; ensure consent forms are completed and inventoried for every photo.
• Ensure communications outreach and visibility materials are in-line with the Activity Marking and Branding guidelines; and ensure Activity staff are aware of and comply with the branding guidelines.
• Maintain and update database of media outlets, government agencies, private sectors and donors, including records of media coverage and press releases.
• Proactively support all aspects of public event management including planning and conceptualization, logistic support, design and develop event related outreach materials and photography.
• Collect project related information (including photos/videos) for internal audience (Home Office), respond to requests from USAID and ensure publications are consistently posted and accessible.
• Support with translation and proofreading of different document and materials from Nepali to English and vice versa.
• Maintain event calendar and support in the execution of program events including ensuring that events are properly publicized, well-attended, exhibit appropriate and USAID-compliant marketing materials.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Mass communication, Development Studies, Business Management or any other relevant fields. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in communications and journalism, with minimum of 3 years of relevant in USAID-funded projects.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to quickly spot a “Success Story” and to write a compelling positive profile of an activity, event, individual, or organization.
• Exposure to understanding Economic Growth and Market Systems-related technical terminology preferred.
• Good computer skills, including technology for publications, graphic design and social media
• Strong written and oral presentation and communication skills in both English and Nepali required, including report development, writing, and editing.
• Fluent in written and spoken Nepali and English.
• Sound computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office® applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar graphic design software will be an added advantage
• Team player, willing to take direction from project management and work with others
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Flexible and adaptive personality

Location: Kathmandu, with travel to other locations of the country as required.

Please ensure resume/application DOES NOT INCLUDE personal information such as gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, religion. We are an equal opportunity employer.