The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is seeking candidates for the position of Program Officer/SPO to support the Institute’s technical assistance to the Government Communication program. The Senior Program Officer would coordinate communications efforts with various Government Institutions including with the Prime Minister Office, the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), the Ministry of Information and Communication (MOIC), Parliament and political parties. This position reports directly to Senior Country Director and is supported by additional NDI staff.  The position is based in Kathmandu but requires frequent travel to the earthquake affected districts. The position is available through June 30, 2018 and might be extended based on funding availability.

The current program goal aims at strengthening various Government Institutions’ capacity to communicate effectively in the post-earthquake context in particular, and streamlining government communication on various issues in the post constitution implementation situation.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a liaison between partner government agencies, USAID and NDI to effectively communicate work
  
• Coordinate planned activities with representatives of government ministries and agencies and ensure smooth execution of work
• In coordination with the Institute’s partners and relevant stakeholders, assist with events and activities’ management such as town hall meetings, workshops and press conferences among other things
• Keep track of events/activities that have been completed and the ones that need to be  executed consistent with the annual workplan and budget 
• Coordinate the content development, expansion and continual assessment of the quality and relevance of web-based information services of partner government institutions
• Travel to the districts to coordinate communication efforts as well as identify and write activity reports and evaluations
• Draft weekly political and programmatic updates, and activity reports as needed
• Contribute to the drafting of quarterly reports, concept notes and work plans, as well as program evaluations
• Supervise any staff/ interns assigned by keeping track of their work and assigning and guiding them as and when required
• Maintain a collaborative working relationship with NDI staff in Kathmandu and Washington DC offices
• Represent NDI at various meetings, events and functions as and when required
• Other tasks as assigned by the supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, public relations, social sciences, international relations, or related field is required
• Relevant professional experience in communication at the national or international level, including experience in media relations and brand/campaign management; {minimum of  four (4) years of this experience for the Program Officer and six (6) years of this experience for the Senior Program Officer}
• Excellent oral communications skills to engage partners, effectively present information and respond to questions; Exceptional writing skills to create clear and concise proposals and reports
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior government officials and agencies, media persons as well as members of the international community.
• Ability and willingness to work in a challenging environment involving travel to rural and remote areas and working extra hours
• Good understanding of the social media landscape and ability to use different platforms for communication
• Highly articulate individual with excellent written communications and presentation skills are essential
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office suite, Google applications such as email, word processing and spreadsheets
• A high degree of flexibility and initiative and good attitude to work
• Ability to multitask, and respond to program needs and changes on a short notice

Additionally, a Sr. Program Officer will need to have:

• Have access to a network amongst political stakeholders (without being politically affiliated to any of them), women’s organizations, media and/or civil society organizations
• Have strong critical thinking and strategic planning skills; able to actively conceptualize, interpret, apply, analyze and evaluate information to reach conclusions or form opinions