Communication Assistant

Vacancy Notice No: SVN#NP/05/24

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title: Communication Assistant

Duty Station: Jajarkot or West Rukum district, Karnali Province, Nepal 

Classification: General Service Staff, Grade-5

Type of Appointment: Special Short Term ,6 months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: May 01, 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Organizational Context and Scope

On 3 November 2023, Nepal’s deadliest earthquake since April 2015 struck Jajarkot District in Karnali Province in the west of the country. The 6.4 magnitude earthquake, which was followed by over 300 aftershocks, killed 154 (84 females and 70 males, including 81 children)2, injured 366, and displaced tens of thousands of people, forcing many to sleep outside in freezing overnight temperatures for fear of aftershocks. According to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), approximately 62,011 households were damaged (completely and partially) and 250,000 people were affected (127,750 females and 122,250 males, including 69,575 children), with Jajarkot and Rukum West districts bearing the brunt of the damage. Despite the earthquake's relatively low magnitude, the high levels of damage and casualties were caused by substandard construction of homes and as it occurred at night when most people were asleep in their homes.

In February 2024, the Joint Recovery Action Plan: Western Nepal Earthquake was launched by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office Nepal with three pronged objectives 1) Support livelihoods and the continuation of basic service delivery 2) Create enabling environments for long term recovery and reconstruction of affected communities 3) support the current season and build resilience to natural shocks in 2024. Under the Joint Recovery UN Project, IOM is leading the Shelter Recovery interventions planned from May 2024 until January 2025. 

Under the guidance from Chief of Mission and overall supervision of the National Program Officer/Head MECR (Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction) and the direct supervision of the Shelter Expert, and in close coordination with the Media FP in the mission, the successful candidate will be responsible to provide support in Shelter and Settlements-related communications interventions to support the Jajarkot earthquake recovery operation.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Support the development and implementation of communication strategies and plans in line with IOM visibility guidelines and donor priorities.
2. Support to develop and disseminate communication materials, such as press releases, newsletters, human stories, IEC and audio-visual content in line with donor requirements, while maintaining close contact with donor communications focal points and providing them with regular updates and information.
3. Record and develop knowledge products. 
4. Develop content for social media accounts and relevant digital communication channel.
5. Assist in organizing and promoting events, workshops, social media campaigns and other communication activities.
6. Participate in relevant meetings and conferences. Support information networks, and assist inorganizing media coverage, briefings, interviews, outreach activities, joint activities with implementing partners, and public events on Shelter and Settlements.
7. Coordinate with implementing partner for the implementation of communication plan.
8. Assist to prepare PowerPoint presentations and other digital and printed documents necessary for meetings or external presentations, working closely with the team in Kathmandu for the development of internal and external products.
9. Maintain correspondence, databases and monitor media coverage. 
10. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (including implementing partners) to ensure consistency and effectiveness in communication efforts.
11. Perform any duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in development studies, Social Sciences, Mass Communication and/ or Journalism from accredited Institute with three years of relevant experience.

Experience

• Experience in supporting the development and execution of communication strategies and plans.
• Strong skills in developing various communication materials such as press releases, newsletters, human interest stories, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, and audio-visual content are essential.
• Proficiency in developing content for social media platforms and other digital communication channels.
• Experience in assisting with the organization and promotion of events, workshops, social media campaigns, and other communication activities.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in content creation.
• Knowledge of media relations practices, including drafting press releases and monitoring media coverage.
• Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners, build relationships, and work collaboratively.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Skills in using audio-visual software for the development of communication content.
• Proficiency in using the MS Office package.

Languages

Fluency in English and Nepali is required (oral and written).

Required Competencies

VALUES - All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

CORE COMPETENCIES - Behavioural indicators – Level 1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment. Only Nepali Nationals will be considered for this position.

How to apply:

Interested Candidates are requested to submit their application indicating clearly the position applied, VN number and CV with three references to the following address: Human Resource Department, International Organization for Migration, P.O. Box 25503, Lazimpat Road, Panipokhari, Kathmandu or email to iomnepaljobs@iom.int by 01 May 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interview.

Posting period:

From 24.04.2024 to 01.05.2024