National Information Officer

Position: National Information Officer, NOC
Job Opening ID: 286168
Job Network : Public Information and Conference Management
Job Family : Public Information
Category and Level : National Professional Officers, NO-C
Recruitment Type : Position Specific Job Openings
Duty Station: KATHMANDU
Department/Office : Department of Global Communications
Deadline : Oct 23, 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre in Kathmandu (UNIC Kathmandu), within the Information Centres Service (ICS) of the Outreach Division (OD) of the Department of Global Communications (DGC). The UNIC is part of the global network of United Nations Information Centres (UNICs), and UNIC Kathmandu is the principal source of information about the United Nations system in Nepal. The UNIC is responsible for promoting public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations by communicating about its work and disseminating UN information materials to a local audience in English and local languages, including Nepali; engaging local and regional partners; and, overall, bringing the United Nations closer to the peoples it serves. The UNIC Kathmandu has been integrated with the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Nepal since the operationalization of the United Nations development system reform on 1 January 2019. The incumbent reports directly to the Chief of Office of the RCO in Nepal and is under the general supervision of the Director, UNIC New Delhi.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

•  In line with the Global Communications Strategy of the United Nations and the UN and UN country team (UNCT) branding strategy, support the UNCT Communication and Advocacy Group (UNCAG) with the development and implementation of country-wide strategic communications plans, campaigns and activities targeted to local audiences, in consultation with the RCO, and/or UN partners as well as with DGC UNHQ.
• Takes a leading role on communications issues within the UNCT by serving as the Secretariat for the UNCAG at the country level in consultation with DGC UNHQ and the RCO.
•  Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT) in designing, implementing and monitoring the UN joint communications strategy, aligned to the Global UN Communications Strategy and based on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), a key instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities in the country, in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
•  Provides substantive support to the RC and UNCT, UN Programme Management Team (or equivalent) and Results Groups on potential issues, concerns and risks related to communications and advocacy, and suggests corrective actions.
•  In collaboration with the UNCAG and the UN Programme Management Team (or equivalent), and in coordination with the RCO team responsible for data management and results reporting, drafts the annual communications plan to publicize and communicate results with a focus on the UN’s development impact.
•  Drives and coordinates the development of country specific, including UNCT, multimedia communications products as well as digital and social media products and activities in multiple languages.
•  Maintains the integrated UNCT website and social media accounts in English and Nepali, in line with UN Secretariat governance mechanisms, including those related to information security and using up-to-date social media platforms and web practices.
•  Identifies, adapts, and institutes use of communications tools with innovative approaches and keeps pace with emerging technology to garner largest outreach and effectiveness of UN communications.
• In support of the RC, drafts, at a high-quality level, in English and local languages, including Nepali various print and digital communications products, as well as engages in public speaking with media, partners and local interlocutors.
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, advising DGC UNHQ, the RC and the UNCT on appropriate action/responses.
•  In collaboration with the UNCAG, conducts media outreach, including development of media strategies and action plans, initiating proactive media outreach efforts; maintains contacts with national and regional media in Nepal, disseminates information materials to the media, drafts or places op-eds and arranges interviews, organizes press conferences and briefings, monitors press coverage of UN issues; consults with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertakes appropriate follow-up action and analyzes and reports on the impact of coverage.
•  Initiates and sustains proactive professional relationships with key constituencies and partners at the national and regional level and undertakes joint strategic activities with them; plans and facilitates dialogues with partners to improve public engagement and participatory approaches to increase understanding about the UN’s work in Nepal.
•  Conducts educational outreach activities, including the engagement with Model United Nations conferences and organizing public-speaking opportunities at local educational institutions with support from and/or the participation of the UN Resident Coordinator and/or the UN Country Team.
•  Assumes responsibilities for the day-to-day running of UNIC Kathmandu; assumes overall responsibility for the administration of the UNIC by overseeing the planning and management of the UNIC’s overall activities and its operational requirements, including its budget and equipment; monitors the output of the UNIC and reports to DGC UNHQ and RC/O on a monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc basis.
•  Performs other functions and special duties as required by the Director of CCOD, the Chief of ICS/CCOD, and/or the UN Resident Coordinator, including providing crisis communications support; representing the UN at conferences; participating in seminars; coordinating and drafting op-eds, speeches and interviews including for the Resident Coordinator.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrated knowledge of communications techniques, including audience-focused strategic communications and crisis communications; proven ability to implement effective media campaigns and to develop traditional and digital media products and activities targeting the media; ability to identify communications opportunities and problems and to articulate these to clients. Ability to advise on communications challenges, assess communications environments, develop communications strategies, and manage implementation of communications campaigns in Nepal with various promotional techniques. Ability to make decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization and to apply rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently
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Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public information or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Nepal is required. Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies is required. Experience in crisis communications or reputational risk management is required. Experience in speaking to diverse audiences (e.g. general public, Government officials, special interest groups) is desirable. Experience working across multimedia platforms with traditional and digital media is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization is desirable.

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