The Position:

The global and regional environment for UNFPA to deliver on the ICPD agenda is at a critical juncture. Population dynamics in Nepal is changing rapidly that presents new opportunities to the attainment of the goals outlined in this agenda. Nepal is also undergoing rapid economic and social development that require innovative and context driven communication solutions to development challenges that women and adolescent girls face.

In Nepal these include limited or unequal access to their sexual and reproductive health and rights, some persistent harmful practices and gender-based violence and limited opportunities for women and adolescent girls in developing skills to lead in social and economic life. It is critical that the UNFPA country office can respond to these emerging development challenges through innovative and inclusive policy advocacy as well as communication to engage a wider range of stakeholders including women and girls themselves, vulnerable groups and the public in general while reinforcing partnership with various organizations in all relevant sectors.

In order to achieve this, there is a need to invest further in gaps at the country office level in developing strategic partnerships including in non-traditional partners, strategically managed communications that reduces risk, and knowledge management to secure a conducive environment for sexual and reproductive health and rights. A full response to these trends also requires a renewed focus on programming responses to ensure strategies are aligned to meet the needs of girls and women in diverse settings and respond to priorities set in the 16^th Plan of Nepal directly affecting wellbeing of youth, women as well as vulnerable groups.

Under the overall guidance of the Country Representative, the consultant will provide the Senior Management of the Country Office, relevant programme teams, as well as partners including the governments at all levels, the donors, and the NGO partners technical advice and produce relevant communication products, while supporting programme teams to develop and implement communication plans in timely, effective and impact manners.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

Under the overall guidance of the Country Representative, the consultant will provide the Senior Management of the Country Office, relevant programme teams, as well as partners including the governments at all levels, the donors, and the NGO partners technical advice and produce relevant communication products, while supporting programme teams to develop and implement communication plans in timely, effective and impact manners.

You would be responsible for:

1. Map out key stakeholders and audiences (including both supporters and vested interests) and analyze their positions and attitudes, as well as their level of influence to assess the feasibility of possible communication networks and their effectiveness in reaching target audiences.
2. Assess the existing communication dynamics- such as how the stakeholders and target beneficiaries receive and process information, traditional forms of information dissemination practices, new media, and technology, social interaction, and others.
3. Analyze media coverage and public perspectives on sexual and reproductive health and rights and recommend the most appropriate channels and platforms to promote the mandate of UNFPA.
4. Evaluate the communication capacity of the relevant partner institutions and deliver capacity building programmes.
5. Prepare key strategic policy documents including briefs, think pieces and op eds to consolidate UNFPA Nepal country office’s position as a leading policy and agenda setting agency in Nepal.
6. Develop new programme proposals meeting requirements of the donors and partners in close partnership with the programme teams of the Country Office within a tight timeline. This will include drafting conceptual ideas and results-based project documents to create programming that assists position the country office in Nepal to respond to existing and emerging challenges in the three zero areas as well as humanitarian emergencies.
7. Produce, in collaboration with country office thematic units, regular corporate results-based reports including at country office and programmatic levels and support update where required strategic approaches and risk parameters.
8. Provide high-level policy-based content creation including political briefs, talking points, speeches and success stories and ensure consistent messaging that reflects UNFPA’s mandate and mission.
9. Provide technical support to the Communication Analyst of the Country Office and the Senior Management to develop and update a communication strategy combined with a risk management system.
10. Review and finalize all major external communication materials as well as knowledge products for consistent quality control in all communications of the Country Office.
11. Develop a monitoring tool to collect data and measures of communication activities of the Country Office programmes.
12. Work with thematic teams to conceptualize and implement communication strategies that increase the visibility of UNFPA’s work. This includes developing compelling content for print and digital platforms, media outreach, and advocacy campaigns to effectively engage stakeholders.
13. Build English writing skill training every month to build capacity and skills of UNFPA staff, specially those working in provinces.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Minimum master’s degree, in communications, journalism or related field is required while a PhD could be an asset.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• A thorough understanding of the UN system in general, and especially UNFPA’s mandate, policies, and operations.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in Communication for international development programmes and policies with international organizations.
• A strong and successful track record of leading on the development of project proposals and drafting of final project documents including outcomes, outputs, logical frameworks and risk assessments for a wide range of traditional and non-traditional donors in the three zero areas as well as humanitarian emergencies.
• Solid understanding of and ability to apply communication tools and techniques, including the ability to analyze and use research data / survey data.
• Extensive experience of government level external relations and a comprehensive understanding of donor funding requirements and priorities in Nepal.
• Extensive experience on requirements and trends of bilateral and multilateral development partners.
• Extensive experience in leading the drafting of corporate reporting at country office and programmatic levels showcases UNFPA’s results.
• Demonstrated track record of producing policy analysis, speeches, op eds, briefings, and situation analysis for high level representatives.
• Hands-on experience, in depth-knowledge and understanding of development issues, socio-political, economic, and cultural context of the South Asian countries.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in working with governments at national and sub-national levels on complex issues.

Languages: 

• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English

Required Competencies: 

Values:

Exemplifying integrity,

Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,

Embracing cultural diversity,

Embracing change.

Core Competencies: 

Achieving results,

Being accountable,

Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,

Thinking analytically and strategically,

Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships.

Compensation and Benefits:

 This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements