TITLE: Strategic Communications Officer (Re-Announcement)
UNIT: Nepal office
REPORTS TO: Program Director 
SUPERVISES: N/A
LOCATION: Kathmandu

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Strategic Communications Officer at The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) provides technical support in the overall implementation of the USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) program in Nepal.  The Communication Officer will be responsible for developing a yearly program communication and outreach plan and overseeing its implementation.  S/he is responsible for providing support in the program documentation and reporting to the Program Director and Managers.  The Strategic Communications Officer will work very closely across a wide range of implementing partners including government counterparts; and coordinate with consultants, field officers, and relevant program officers to generate and disseminate communication materials.  The Strategic Communication Officer also serves as The Asia Foundation, Nepal’s focal person on CSM’s communication and outreach, public events, branding, and marking. S/he will manage vendors for publications, translations, events, and digital content, and consider ways to make communication materials and events inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all CSM stakeholders, particularly women, youth, and marginalized people outside Kathmandu.  

2. RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

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

External

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

3. REQUIREMENTS

Education

Master’s Degree, or advanced degree in development studies, mass communication, law, public policy, political science, economics, international development, or other relevant fields. A Master’s Degree with a minimum of five years of experience is required. Seven years of experience in lieu of a Master’s Degree is required.

Experience

Minimum five years of relevant experience in development assistance, government, civil society, or academic institutions. Seven years of experience in lieu of a Master’s Degree is acceptable. Proven project management skills and experience, with strong problem-solving ability. Experience in report writing, editing, and financial and grants management.

Other

Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Nepal’s political, economic, and social context along with the knowledge of the media landscape in Nepal. 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 work under pressure and multitask. Ability to prioritize and critically analyze information. Willingness to travel to districts across the country. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Communications and Outreach

• Develop, update, and implement the communications and outreach plan.
• Formulate and implement innovative outreach activities that advance program reach and visibility. 
• Support program partners to develop timely and effective communication materials from their program activities and events.
• Ensure compliance with USAID communications guidelines and timeframes. Ensure communication protocols and compliance with all the Foundation and donor policies, procedures, and practices when carrying out activities.
• Develop and maintain the program’s online outreach, including websites, social media, etc. In compliance with the Foundation requirements and donor requirements, develop messages on key events, achievements, and milestones and ensure appropriate visibility for the program towards donors, Nepali counterparts, and communities.
• Provide support in consolidation and synthesis of information/inputs from team members to prepare various programmatic tasks such as annual work plan and budget, progress reports, newsletters, and other reporting requirements. 
• Coordinate with the program team members to compile, maintain, and report on program statistics to prepare reports for donors and the Foundation Headquarters.
• Work closely with team members from cross-cutting areas of monitoring, learning and evaluation, and gender and social inclusion.
• Support the operations and communications team in vendor/consultant management logistics.
• Support in the documentation drafting process – presentation materials, speech, press releases, etc. 
• Support the program team in preparing communications and outreach materials.
• Ensure proper archiving of program operations/management documents and outreach materials.
• Support is organizing programmatic public events and other outreach efforts.
• Assist partner organizations in developing communication materials, 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 the program 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.