Terms of Reference
Title: Communication Consultant – Koshi Basin Initiative and Indus Basin Initiative
Division: Knowledge Management and Communication (KMC)
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 Himalaya (HKH) – 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. To do 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, and Himalayan University Consortium. 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.
Knowledge Management and Communications supports the organization through preparation and distribution of technical publications and information materials, media-related activities, outreach events, content development, and maintenance of the internal and external websites, all in line with the ICIMOD branding policy.
Responsibilities and tasks
The Communications Consultant will dedicate 60% of his/her time to the Koshi Basin Initiative and 40% to the Indus Basin Initiative. The Communications Consultant will, in collaboration with other KMC colleagues and the Initiative Coordinator, be responsible for the following tasks:
Synthesis, Editing and Documentation
- Support in synthesising initiatives’ achievements and developing strategic documents such as policy briefs, and related knowledge products for influencing policy and practice
- Develop draft publications or other forms of communication materials such as videos, flyers from diverse material provided by programme staff such as reports, summaries, presentation, and verbal inputs
- Prepare impact stories for web and wider dissemination. Travel may be required to project activity sites
- Summarize and rewrite text for different purposes (e.g., media articles, peer-reviewed journal articles, web summaries, information sheets)
- Support documentation of workshop and conferences as a rapporteur and/or editing
- Ensure Initiative publications are collected, registered and shared through ICIMOD’s on-line document repository, HimalDoc
- Provide editing support for routine publications such as workshop reports and other publications, as and when needed.
Planning, Networking and Outreach
- Prepare and design strategies and plans for communication and outreach for the Initiative within the framework of Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy.
- Expand the initiative’s outreach based on its existing communication strategy targeted at varied knowledge networks
- In collaboration with other KMC colleagues draft press releases, advisories, factsheets, newsletters, press/media kits, event proceedings, and news stories to inform media, key partners, and the general or other targeted audience on results and achievements of the initiatives
- Facilitate knowledge sharing with partners providing a steady flow of news and stories for website/publications, keeping partners aware of communication initiatives
- Provide training and capacity building support to initiative teams and partners on knowledge management and communication tools and processes, including training and capacity building on collecting and writing impact stories
- Help monitor and evaluate the knowledge sharing program and activities to improve networking and outreach of the initiatives
Internal Liaison and Coordination
- Facilitate interface of initiatives with KMC for smooth running of operations in-house and with outside consultants, including designing, layout, and publishing
- Provide relevant inputs and information to keep the initiatives’ website and other information portals up to date
- Facilitate submission to KMC and Publications and Outreach (POUT) committee for approval, including editing, liaison between authors for ensuring the feedback is incorporated when required
- Identify the communication and knowledge management need of the initiatives and suggest appropriate KM and communications tools/services available in-house
- Perform other related duties as required and as may be requested by the KMC senior manager
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Journalism, Information Management/Science, Development Communication, Knowledge Management, or related field with extensive experience in information, behavioural, and/or communications sciences
- 5 years of work experience in the field of communications as a communications specialist or journalist
- Sound knowledge of communication strategies, knowledge management tools, and information technology
Competencies
- Management/coordination: Experience managing and working with multidisciplinary teams, particularly with international/regional agencies
- Communication and outreach: Ability to effectively present, discuss, convince and influence different levels and target groups with tailored messages
- Networking: A good network and knowledge of the media in the region; the ability to identify relevant partners and maintain existing linkages
- 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
- Flexibility/innovation: Displays a continuous learning attitude; stays abreast with changing approaches and technologies; encourages others to come up with new ideas; actively supports a continuous learning culture
- 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 highly desirable
Duration
1 year
Starting Date
As early as possible
Remuneration
Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are competitive compared to other regional organisations; 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 11 Jul 2017 through ICIMOD's online application system.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
