Communications Manager

Job Profile – Communications Manager (consultancy role)

Project Description

Mott MacDonald is managing the UK aid-funded programme: ‘Purnima: UK Support to Post-Earthquake Recovery in Nepal’ in four Districts (Gorkha, Dhading, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa). This programme aims to achieve long-term positive change in the lives of people in earthquake-affected regions of Nepal.

The implementation phase of the programme is due to commence in July 2018 for a 4.5-year duration and will work in 41 rural and urban municipalities. It comprises five Output Areas:

1. Support and capacity building to Government at central, district and local level in reconstruction planning.
2. Reconstruction of rural infrastructure, including water supply, foot trails, footbridges, schools, public buildings, and potentially other types of infrastructure.
3. Analysis of, and interventions to address, constraints to the private sector, including access to finance, supply of labour, materials and transport in the construction sector.
4. Mobilizing and managing a Challenge Fund to leave no-one behind (LNOB) in the reconstruction effort.
5. Monitoring, evaluation and learning.

Purnima has linked these five outputs into two thematic areas: “build back better” and “leave no one behind” so that reconstruction benefits everyone and they are in a better state than before the earthquake. The impact of the earthquake was felt most severely by women and the most vulnerable members of society. It is essential the gender and social inclusion issues are covered explicitly in all output areas and activities undertaken through the programme. The project also aims to stimulate transformative change for women and girls, in social, economic and political arenas. 

The programme requires a comprehensive communications plan with four anticipated results:

1. Improved and stronger coordination between partners implementing Purnima-supported projects across all five outputs 
2. Coordinated communication capacity within Purnima
3. Increased visibility of Purnima Programme and its activities through different IEC materials including media coverage at the international, national and local level 
4. Improved awareness among, and increased involvement of relevant stakeholders and target groups in Purnima activities

Job description

• We are seeking a Communications Manager in an intermittent consultancy role, for this complex post-earthquake reconstruction programme. 
• Reporting to the Team Leader, her/his responsibilities will be to:
• Revise and update the programme communications strategy and guidelines
• Produce a comprehensive communications plan for the programme
• Work with the programme team to implement the communications plan and build communications capacity of Purnima staff 
• Produce and disseminate knowledge products through print, broadcast, web and social media as required by the programme
• Prepare detailed TORs for the programme website and other required communications resources
• Work with the website developers and other stakeholders to oversee creation of the website
• Develop and manage content for key communications tools and IEC materials including the website and newsletter and brochures, adhering to agreed approval protocols
• Identify communication challenges of the Project, and suggest and develop communication strategies to address such challenges. 
• Conduct a comprehensive audience assessment
• Coordinate and liaise with key stakeholders and partners at national and district level on content for programme communications 
• Ensure compliance with DFID guidance on media communications and branding 

Key organisational relationships 

The post holder will work closely with and/or through the Output Area Leads and District Coordinators, as appropriate and agreed to identify the objectives of communication, which may vary depending upon the audience. 

Additional information 

The post will be based in Kathmandu with travel to other locations in Nepal as required.  

Experience/skills required 

1. Developing, implementing, monitoring and managing communications in one or more of the following settings:
• for large international development programmes
• for UK aid-funded programmes
• targeted at national and local level decision-makers and influential actors
• in post-earthquake recovery sectors 
2. Ability to work with both the public and corporate sectors in Nepal, and with other stakeholders such as donors and technical agencies.
3. Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, but also a team player with the willingness to learn and support the learning of others;
4. Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders;
5. Ability to work effectively in remote areas, and willing to travel throughout the project area in Nepal;
6. Fluency in written and spoken English and Nepali is essential
7. Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. 
8. Ability to work with an international and national team which is geographically dispersed.
9. Ability to manage a range of activities in different places involving different stakeholders, and implementers.  
10. Excellent content drafting skills in English. 

Desirable

• A Master’s level degree in a related subject, with at least 15 years’ experience in communications, preferably in developing countries (experience of Nepal and South Asia an advantage);
• Strong practical expertise in social, political and economic development, empowerment and inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable people; 
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges of post-earthquake reconstruction and recovery;
• Good understanding of ‘Leave no one behind’, as expressed in the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Please apply through the following link by 15th August 2018.

Link: https://www.mottmac.com/job/41218/communications-manager