Mission and objectives

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is a voluntary-funded international organization with a presence in over 150 countries, including Nepal. UNFPA is guided by the Programme of Action of the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals. Its mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. The work of UNFPA is based on the premise that all human beings are entitled to equal rights and protections. We focus on women and young people because these are groups whose ability to exercise their right to sexual and reproductive health is often compromised. Our work is informed by an understanding of population dynamics, human rights and cultural sensitivity.

Context

UNFPA has been operating in Nepal since 1971, partnering with federal, provincial, and local governments, civil society organizations, and development partners to ensure equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services, especially for women, adolescents, and marginalized groups. UNFPA Nepal is implementing its Ninth Country Programme (2023–2027), which focuses on achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, eliminating unmet need for family planning, and eradicating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The programme is closely aligned with Nepal’s national development priorities, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2023–2027). To achieve these results, UNFPA Nepal places strong emphasis on effective communication and strategic advocacy. Raising awareness, showcasing results, and fostering public dialogue are essential for driving social and policy changes in areas such as reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The office works to ensure that its voice is heard, and its impact seen—through media engagement, digital storytelling, publications, human-interest stories, and high-level advocacy. In this context, the IUNV-Communication Specialist will play a critical role in strengthening UNFPA’s communications and public information efforts. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to positive social change, amplify marginalized voices, and build UNFPA’s visibility and credibility among national and international audiences.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Representative, and in coordination with the communication analyst and the Country Office Programme Team, the External Relations and Communications Specialist will carry out the following responsibilities: A. Content Production & Communication Delivery ● Develop high-quality stories, features, videos, photography, and social media content. ● Maintain an active pipeline of content from provinces and implementing partners. ● Produce visually appealing communication products (infographics, donor visibility materials, event packages). ● Ensure all field documentation is accurate, timely, and aligned with UNFPA messaging. B. Social Media Management & Digital Campaigning ● Planning, drafting, and scheduling social media posts. ● Design and implement digital campaigns around key global days. ● Analyse engagement metrics and propose improvements. ● Support development of digital safety messaging and youth engagement content. ● Upload and maintain updated content on the UNFPA website. ● Assist with proofreading, layout coordination, and quality checks for publications, ensuring compliance with brand guidelines. C. Donor Visibility & External Relations Support ● Serve as primary focal point for donor visibility across all projects. ● Develop donor-specific stories, results highlights, field documentation, and annual visibility packages. ● Assist with coordination of donor field visits and communications documentation. ● Travel to provinces to document programme results, gather beneficiary interviews, take photos/videos, and support field teams in communications tasks. ● Provide logistical and content support for major events (WPD, 16 Days, IWD, launches, donor visits). ● Assist in preparing visual materials, event packages, banners, social cards, and live-coverage posts. ● Conduct daily media scanning and compile summaries for internal circulation. ● Support the Communications Analyst in responding to media inquiries. D. Internal Support & Knowledge Management ● Maintain photo and video archives, ensuring metadata, permissions, and filing systems are up to corporate standards. ● Support knowledge-sharing across programme teams, including documentation of lessons learned and best practices. ● Train implementing partners in basic storytelling, photography, branding, and documentation. ● Perform other related tasks assigned by the Supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: ● Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); ● Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. ● Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. ● Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. ● Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. ● Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Professionalism Respect for Diversity Technological Awareness Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is categorized as a B duty station by the United Nations, indicating a family-duty station with generally good living conditions. The city offers access to both local and imported goods, with numerous supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, and social venues catering to diverse preferences. Public transportation is readily available, and taxis are common and reasonably priced. Bicycles and motorcycles are also very popular ways to commute and get around Kathmandu. Overall, Kathmandu is very safe for walking, bicycling and the use of public transport and taxis. However, environmental challenges such as air pollution and water quality persist. It is advisable to use filtered drinking water and to wear a face mask, particularly in high-traffic or dusty areas. Healthcare services are available in Kathmandu, with a number of hospitals and clinics offering basic and specialized care. While the city is relatively safe, standard precautions should always be observed. Overall, Kathmandu offers a vibrant cultural experience and a comfortable standard of living for international personnel. Housing A wide range of affordable accommodation options is available, including both furnished and unfurnished apartments. Typically, a lease is taken for a minimum of 6 months, and payment of guest houses and Bed & Breakfasts which offer such services –in the range of USD 800 per month, including breakfasts. USD 300-600 per month will be sufficient to rent a one bedroom and/or studio apartment; USD 500-1,000 will be sufficient for a one or two-bedroom apartment in Kathmandu. Local real estate agents can show prospective renters at reasonable options. Cost of Living Cost of living in Kathmandu varies depending on the types of housing. Approximately monthly expenses for international staff is around USD 800. There are many local restaurants and cafes, and the prices are reasonable around USD 2-5 per meal. Nepal is a unique country and UNFPA represents a distinctive humanitarian operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.