Terms of Reference

Title: Science Writer/Publication Specialist
Unit: Knowledge Management and Communication
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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 Himalayan (HKH) region – 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 region. 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 (emerging). 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. 

The Knowledge Management and Communication unit supports the organization through the 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 Science Writer/Publication Specialist must be an excellent writer and communicator in English, with at least eight years of experience in science journalism and/or public relations. Experience in science communication will be an advantage. You must demonstrate the ability to understand complex issues relating to ICIMOD’s area of interest and communicate them accurately and engagingly to different audiences with variable specialist knowledge. You must show drive and innovation in using up-to-date communication techniques to help make ICIMOD better known and understood to its critical stakeholders. 

Key tasks and responsibilities:
  • Ensure consistency of language and messaging across ICIMOD publications and platforms, based on needs and audiences identified in the Knowledge Management and Communication Strategy; 
  • Generate content for other communication platforms including the monthly News Digest and Annual Report, as well as promotional materials; 
  • In collaboration with colleagues generate engaging news, blogs, and feature material reflecting the range and importance of ICIMOD’s activities for placing in key specialist and general-interest media, science platforms, and networks; 
  • Develop and maintain dynamic news content for ICIMOD‘s web complex, especially relating to the use of ICIMOD-mediated data in research and policy; 
  • Collaborate with colleagues in the design and production of ICIMOD publications, technical reports, guides, manuals, and training materials to support the capture, sharing, and use of mountain-relevant data and information; 
  • Coordinate the authoring and placing of articles in academic journals and other publications to reinforce strategic messaging needs for ICIMOD;
  • In collaboration with colleagues involved in scientific literature, tracking author and statement content;  
  • Capturing the requirements of ICIMOD’s global participant and user communities through dialogue and feedback; 
  • Engaging with external networks in the areas of policy, science, and informatics to align ICIMOD’s work with global needs and processes;
  • Communicating ICIMOD’s activities and values to key audiences, including policy makers, researchers, partners, and the wider public; and 
  • Perform other related duties as required and as may be requested by the KMC senior manager.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in Information Management/Science, Development Communication, Knowledge Management, or related field with extensive experience in information, behavioural, and/or communications sciences; 
  • 8 years of work experience in the field of communications as a communications specialist or science journalist; 
  • Sound knowledge of communication strategies, knowledge management tools, and information technology, including the principles and application of ICT in research and development; 
  • Experience in developing and delivering knowledge sharing programmes with and for different stakeholders and partner organizations;
  • Work experience in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is desirable.

Competencies

  • Management/coordination: Experience managing and working with multidisciplinary teams, particularly with international/regional agencies. 
  • Learning and knowledge sharing: Open to new ideas; shares own knowledge; applies knowledge in daily work; builds partnerships for learning and knowledge sharing.
  • 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.

Duty Station

The duty station is Kathmandu.

Duration

Three years, of which the first six months are probation, with a possibility of extension subject to ICIMOD’s future funding levels.

Starting Date

As soon as possible.

Remuneration

Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are competitive compared to other regional organizations; 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 14 July 2014 through ICIMOD's Online Application System.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.