Terms of Reference

Title: Programme Officer - Information Production and Management

The Mountain Forum
The Mountain Forum (MF) was established in 1996 to promote global action towards equitable and ecologically sustainable mountain development through 1) information sharing, 2) mutual support and 3) support for advocacy and policy process of sustainable mountain development (SMD). 

The Mountain Forum consists of regional networks in the Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, North and L. America. It is facilitated by the Mountain Forum Secretariat in Nepal and governed by a Board of Directors consisting of representatives from the hosting institutions and elected members from Africa, the Asia-Pacific and L. America.  The Mountain Forum has over 5,000 registered individuals and organisations, from various stakeholder groups, including research organisations, development agencies, policy institutes and the private sector.

The Mountain Forum Secretariat (MFS) supports the work of the regional networks, maintains global-level services, and helps to coordinate inter-regional and global initiatives. It has 3 main areas of work namely information production and management, IK systems and advocacy and policy support.

In order to achieve its objectives the Mountain Forum fosters use of modern web-based as well as more traditional media and tools. Systems and procedures are in place and will be further developed to ensure knowledge is more easily accessible and can be used to address key issues of SMD. Information on enhancing access for local communities will be collected and shared.

At present the below systems and tools are managed by the MFS with the regional networks:

  • General MF website
  • On-line library
  • Mountain Calendar of events
  • Membership  system for individuals and organisations
  • E-conference and e-dialogue tools
  • Photo database
  • Who=who in SMD database (organisations)
  • On-line election platform
  • User-survey applications
  • SharePoint

These services are regularly reviewed and adjusted to enhance user-friendliness and effectiveness in supporting the objectives of the Mountain Forum. Therefore scouting for relevant innovations is essential. Moreover integration, optimization and enhancing user-friendliness of existing services is carried out on a continuous base.

The Workplan 2008-2011 emphasises efforts on advocacy and policy support with partners on key strategic thematic areas and streamlining of ICT tools with increased emphasis on decentralised management and services. Use of shared tools and information exchange mechanisms will be fostered.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary of the Mountain Forum, the Program officer, Information Production & Management will ensure production of the on-line a, hardcopy and related digital offline services and products in collaboration with the regional networks.

The tasks include specifically:

  • Data quality control of content databases
  • Management of the OLL (scouting, abstracting, interaction with authors, quality control of information)
  • Production  and dissemination of MF e-news
  • Production and dissemination of the 6-monthly Bulletin including editing with thematic partners
  • Production of PR material (Brochures, posters, video clips etc.)
  • Production and dissemination of the Annual Report and other progress reports
  • Updating of  the Website and ensure user-friendliness 

Additional tasks:

  • Supervise the Assistant Program Officer and consultants if/ when required
  • Contribute to the overall development and implementation of the MF strategy
  • Provide training/ support others in editing, report writing
  • Contribute to the preparations of reports, meetings, proposals and other issues as needed
  • Participate , when appropriate,  in activities of ICIMOD, the MFS hosting institution
  • Perform other tasks as requested by Executive Secretary

Requirements

  • Strong Editorial skills
  • Excellent mastery of the English and preferably Spanish language
  • Accuracy and systematic mode of working
  • Experiences with using classifications
  • Ability to summarize and prepare abstracts
  • Good knowledge of  SMD issues
  • Ability to schedule work and keep to deadlines
  • Ability to write structured reports  and information for a variety  of audiences
  • Experience with using office software as well as on-line database
  • Team Player
  • Ability to interact with a wide range of international, and regional stakeholders
  • Experience  with producing publications, multi-media content  and PR material
  • Preferably experience in working with L. American and  African development situations

Desired Qualifications

  • Degree in a field related to information management and sustainable development with at least two years of experience in an international environment
  • Familiarity with the Mountain Agenda and sustainable mountain development issues
  • Excellent online research skills
  • Excellent communications skills in English - both written and verbal

HR policies and remuneration

Duration: 1 year, of which the first 6 month will be on probation. 

Starting Date: 15 March 2009 or as early as possible.

Remuneration: Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are highly competitive compared to other regional organisations; remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applications with complete curriculum vitae together with the names and contact addresses of three referees should be sent to the following address not later than 15 February 2009.

HRD Officer
ICIMOD
GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: (977-1) 5003222    
Fax: (977-1) 5003299 / 5003277
e-mail: hrd@icimod.org

ICIMOD is committed to gender equity and has a strong interest in recruiting women. Only short- listed candidates will be notified.

 

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