Programme: Knowledge Management and Communication and SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative

Terms of Reference

Title: Communications Associate

Programme: Knowledge Management and Communication and SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative

Background

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge sharing centre serving the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Our aim is to influence policy and practices to meet environmental and livelihood challenges emerging in the HKH region. To achieve this we bring together researchers, practitioners, and policy makers from the region and around the globe to generate and share knowledge, support evidence-based decision making, and encourage regional collaboration. ICIMOD delivers impact through its six regional programmes of Adaptation to Change, Transboundary Landscapes, River Basins, Cryosphere and Atmosphere, Mountain Environment Regional Information System (MENRIS), and Himalayan University Consortium (emerging). These regional programmes are supported by the four thematic areas of Livelihoods, Ecosystem Services, Water and Air, and Geospatial Solutions and underpinned by Knowledge Management and Communication. ICIMOD seeks to reduce poverty and vulnerability and improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain women and men, now and for the future

ICIMOD is a strategic partner and host to the SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative. The USAID and NASA funded SERVIR programme is designed to improve environmental management and resilience to climate change. With an eye toward this goal, the SERVIR programme works to build the capacity of the governments and other key stakeholders to integrate Earth Observation information and geospatial technologies into development decision-making. More specifically, the SERVIR programme, which is a Spanish acronym for "regional visualization and monitoring system”, provides a web-based geospatial platform for sharing, integrating, and mapping different kinds of information from different sources. This vacancy is a project position to support effective communication within the SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative with the following duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities and tasks

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Senior Manager, KMC, and Senior Manager, MENRIS, the Communications Associate will carry out the following tasks together with KMC and SERVIR-Himalaya team members and in close collaboration with other ICIMOD programme and thematic teams:

Plan and design strategies for communication and outreach for SERVIR-Himalaya within the framework of the Centre-wide Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy.

Identify knowledge management (KM) and communications needs of the SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative and suggest appropriate KM and communication tools and services.

Draft press releases, advisories, factsheets, newsletters, press/media kits, and news stories to inform media, key partners, and the general public of SERVIR-Himalaya programming initiatives, results and successes, and other achievements.

Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the media (national and regional/international where appropriate) to help position SERVIR-Himalaya to achieve its strategic goals.

Provide advice to technical teams on communications plans and media outreach on the national-level roll-out of global campaigns and/or the launch of flagship and other publications (such as a SERVIR newsletter and/or video) and knowledge products.

Facilitate knowledge sharing with staff at ICIMOD and the global SERVIR team (at NASA and USAID) providing a steady flow of news and stories for the website and other publications, and keeping the global SERVIR team aware of communication initiatives undertaken in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.

Provide relevant inputs and information to keep ICIMOD’s Mountain GeoPortal up-to-date and in sync with the SERVIR global website.

Perform other related duties as required and as may be requested by the MENRIS and KMC senior managers.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate degree in Journalism, Information Management/Science, Development Communication, Knowledge Management, or related field with extensive experience in information, behavioural, and/or communications sciences.

Five years of work experience in the field of communications or journalism. Experience in geospatial applications will be added advantage.

Competencies

Communication and outreach:Ability to effectively present, discuss, and influence different levels and target groups with tailored messages.

Networking:A good network and knowledge of the media in the region.

Impact and results orientation:Proactive approach within and outside the organization to generate concrete results on an output level and to seek opportunities to transform output to outcome and impact.

Social/team skills:Ability to work effectively and smoothly across teams with intercultural sensitivity and contribute to establishing commitment among group members.

Computer and internet literacy:Experience with word processing software, web technologies, publishing software, spreadsheets, geographic information systems, and website management and use of and participation in list-serves or electronic conferences.

Language skills:Demonstrated ability to speak and write professionally, fluently, and grammatically correct in English; knowledge of other regional languages is highly desirable.

Duration

One year, of which the first three months will be probation. Extension subject to future funding levels of ICIMOD.

Remuneration

Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are highly competitive compared to other regional organizations; remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Gender and Equity Policy

Qualified and eligible women candidates and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. ICIMOD implements a gender fair policy and is supportive of working women. It operates a Day-Care Centre at the campus and is committed to gender mainstreaming at the organisational and programmatic levels.

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 10 Nov 2013 through ICIMOD's online application system.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.