TITLE: Media Officer
UNIT:Nepal office 
REPORTS TO:Program Manager 
LOCATION: Butwal and Janakpur (one each)
SUPERVISES:N/A

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Media Officers at The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) will provide technical support in the overall implementation of the USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) program in Nepal. S/he will oversee the implementation of media-related activities and support its documentation and reporting to the Program Manager.As part of a dynamic team, the Media Officer will also work closely with the Strategic Communications Officer, Senior Media Advisor, and Program Director. The Media officer  will  work  closely  with  partners  and  provide  input into Challenge  Funds. S/he  will  be responsible for managing, coordinating, monitoring, and providing technical assistance for CSM’s activities  related  to  misinformation/disinformation,  journalism,  and  media  at  the  province  level. S/he will  work  closely  across  a  wide  range  of  implementing  partners,  including  government counterparts,  and  coordinate  with  consultants,  field  officers,  and  relevant  program  officers  to develop  and  implement  demand-driven  media-related  activities  that  especially  serve  women, youth, and marginalized (WYM) communities in the province.  

2. RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

Contact with all staff within the respective provincial offices based in Butwal and Janakpur as well as at the Foundation’s office in Kathmandu.

External

Regular  contact  with  grantees,  independent  contractors,  government  officials  and  agencies, bilateral  and multilateral development  agencies  and  donors,  business  sector  and  civil  society organizations, professional organizations, and academic and other local institutions.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor’s  degree  in journalism,  media  studies,  mass  communication,  development  studies, political science,economics, international development,or a relevant field. 

Experience

Minimum five years  of  relevant  experience  in journalism,  media, development  assistance, government, civil society, or academic institutions. In the case of Master’s degree, three years of relevant  experience  will  suffice. Experience  in  report  writing,  editing  and  financial  and  grants management. Proven  project  management  skills  and  experience,  with  strong  problem-solving ability. 

Other

Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Nepal’s political, economic, and social context, along with knowledge  of the media  landscape in  the  country.  Knowledge  of  regional  and provincial development, local governance,  and social initiatives in Madhesh and/or  Lumbini Province will be valuable. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English and Nepali (and a local language  spoken  in  either  Madhesh or Lumbini  province is  preferred)and  the  ability  to harmoniously interact with people from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Up to date with the latest developments in communication channels using online and offline platforms. Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet)and experience   in   creating   digital   media content.  Ability  to prioritize   and  critically  analyze information. Willingness to travel to districts across the respective province. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Support and Management 

• Support  CSM  to  establish  strategic  partnerships  with  media,  civil  society,  academic  and research institutions, business institutions,and development partners through relationship building and frequent liaison with stakeholders.
• Lead the implementation of CSM media strategy, develop and supervise the execution of media-related activitiesat the province level targeting nontraditionalUSAID partners and organizations led by or representing WYM.Identify organizations, individuals,or ideas for diversifying media representation and content.
• Contribute to Challenge Fund, from ideation, implementation, monitoringand learning to create  opportunities  for  media  (WYM  focused)  to  access  resources.Manage  sub-awards and partnerships with media partners in the province.
• Guidepartners to build the capacities of existing and emergingjournalists, researchers, and media   persons,especially   from WYMcommunities,through   various   program interventions.
• Support  the  province  team  in  preparing yearly  work  plan  based  on  program  needs  and inputs from the annual co-creation process.
• Provide technical inputs to implement targeted media activities for mainstreaming gender equality, disability,  and social inclusion(GEDSI)  in program  activities.The  person  is responsible for ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the program.
• Undertake research and studies,conductfacilitation and technical presentations on media issues  of  inclusion  and  diversity  in  different  forums,  as  needed.Coordinate  and  provide support to scoping activities and studies related to media. 
• Work  closely  with  team  members  from  cross-cutting  areas  of  monitoring,  learning  and evaluation, GEDSI

Program Communications and Outreach

• Work  closely  with  the  Strategic  Communications  Officer  to  formulate  and  implement innovative outreach activities that advance program reach and visibility.
• Coordinate with the program team members to compile, maintain, and report on program statistics to prepare reports for donors and the Foundation Headquarter.
• Support  in  the  documentation  drafting  process –presentation  materials,briefing  notes speech, press releases, and other relevant communication materials 
• Assist  program  partners  in  developing  their communications  and  outreach strategies, including media engagement, as and when required.

Representation

• Participate  in  the  Foundation’s  or  other  meetings,  professional  forums,  and  events  with development partners, governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute articles, written materials, and documentation for publication by theprogram or the Foundation.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide  support  to  other  ongoing  programs  and  activities  of  the  Foundation  as  may  be necessary.
• Support fundraising and bid proposal development as assigned.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the Country Representative or designate.