Head of Communications

About ICIMOD

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region stretches 3,500km across Asia, spanning eight countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Encompassing high-altitude mountain ranges, mid-hills, and plains, the zone is vital for the food, water, and energy security of up to two billion people and is a habitat for countless irreplaceable species. It is also acutely fragile and front-line to the impacts of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, Nepal, is an international organisation established in 1983 that is working to make this critical region greener, more inclusive and climate resilient. For more information, read our Strategy 2030 and explore our website.

Position overview

The Head of Communications is a senior management role responsible for advancing ICIMOD’s communications vision, strategies, and impact. This position has overall responsibility for supporting the systems, processes, and services required to translate ICIMOD’s scientific, policy, and development work into compelling narratives, products, and processes that engage global, regional, and local audiences.

The role combines strategic oversight, team leadership, people and systems management, and hands-on execution to enhance institutional visibility, influence, knowledge sharing, and impact.

Responsibilities

The Head of Communications will be responsible for delivering results in line with the commitments we have made in our Communications Strategy, which is nested within ICIMOD’s Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains and our Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026): Embracing Change and Accelerating Impact.

1. Strategic Communications Leadership and Management

·         Lead and manage the Central Communications Unit (~18 staff) for high performance, effective cross-ICIMOD teamwork, and professional development.

·         Ensure the provision of efficient, high-quality central communications services.

·         Oversee the delivery of the Communications Strategy, ensuring alignment with ICIMOD’s Strategic Groups (SGs) and institutional priorities as ICIMOD enters its next Four-Year Plan period (2027–2030).

·         Ensure ICIMOD communications accelerate “knowledge into use” through targeted engagement, advocacy, and influencing, reinforcing SGs and institutional impact.

·         Serve as the principal communications advisor to ICIMOD’s Senior Management Committee and contribute to strategic decision-making forums.

·         Lead and coordinate ICIMOD’s distributed communications network across Strategic Groups, bilateral projects, and the Directorate, maintaining strong, structured collaboration with Senior Communications Officers and Communications Officers.

·         Ensure high editorial quality and alignment with a consistent institutional identity and voice, including direct oversight of Strategic Group communications content as a priority, stewardship of institutional content, and co-supervisory responsibility for Senior Communications Officers.

·         Own the annual communications plan and budget; ensure SGs budget adequately for communications services through clear guidance and tools, working with ICIMOD Finance.

·         Partner closely with the Strategic Results, Partnerships, and Business Development (SRPBD) Unit to produce institutional and project annual reports and to support results, business development, and partnership communications.

2. Core Communications Services and Digital Systems Management

·         Ensure Strategic Groups and other units receive timely, service-oriented communications support with clear milestones and timelines.

·         Oversee ICIMOD’s digital communications systems (website, social media, newsletters), ensuring accessibility, relevance, and technical quality—using these channels to disseminate ICIMOD’s knowledge and highlight the issues ICIMOD works on with its regional partners, from build through to launch and continuous improvement.

·         Lead the web redevelopment process, supported by a project management resource, and in partnership with internal teams and the appointed firm.

·         Implement the Publications Policy and ensure smooth and time-bound end-to-end publication workflows, including the Publications Outreach Panel.

·         Ensure sufficient editorial/writing capacity for SGs; manage and refresh rosters of science editors and communications consultants to accelerate turnaround.

·         Oversee media engagement, building strong regional and international media networks and proactive pitching.

·         Foster innovation in formats and channels (visual storytelling, infographics, interactive media, campaigns, and responsible use of digital and emerging tools).

·         Lead the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ICIMOD’s communications, leveraging its opportunities to enhance outreach and engagement while proactively identifying and managing associated risks.

3. Organisational Communication and Collaboration

·         Drive high-quality institutional content across traditional, digital, and emerging channels for diverse audiences (governments, communities, donors, youth).

·         Support Directorate communications, including Board materials, in close liaison with Directorate Communications Officers and the PR Specialist.

·         Build internal capability and a culture of strategic and effective communication through guidance, training, and communities of practice.

·         Lead the establishment of organisational guidelines, style protocols, and brand standards for communication outputs.

·         Support HROD and senior management on internal communications for change management, organisational learning, employer branding, and staff engagement.

4. Communications Support, Reputation Management and External Handling

·         Act as spokesperson when delegated and advise senior management on media interactions and public messaging.

·         Oversee the development of high-level institutional communication products (speeches, statements, briefs) and sensitive communications.

·         Oversee issues and crisis communication, ensuring risk-sensitive communication protocols are in place and responsive.

·         Screen sensitive communication products to ensure they align with ICIMOD criteria and risk appetite.

·         Embed safeguarding (including PSEA and child safeguarding) across all communications through respectful, inclusive, and non-exploitative language and imagery, supported by rigorous review protocols.

5. Regional Outreach and Partner Engagement

·         Build and oversee the management and engagement of a network of communications focal points, agencies (including media focal points), and collaborators across the eight Regional Member Countries.

·         Ensure communications are inclusive, multilingual where relevant, and context-appropriate for regional audiences.

·         Cultivate media, academic, development, and government partnerships to co-create joint communication products and campaigns that amplify HKH priorities.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

·         Track performance against communication KPIs across publication production processes, outreach channels, media uptake, and audience engagement, and use data to inform decisions.

·         Integrate feedback loops and continuous learning into communication planning and delivery to ensure continuous improvement.

Produce regular analytics, dashboards, and concise reports for senior management and donors on communication reach, quality, and contribution to outcomes and impacts.

Requirements

Person Specification/Competencies

[Experience, Knowledge, and Skills]

·         Master’s degree or higher in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Affairs, or related fields.

·         At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, preferably in an international organisation, preferably a knowledge or research organisation.

·         At least 5 years of direct experience in leading high-performing communications teams and managing complex multi-stakeholder environments.

·         Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong understanding of policy, development, and environmental topics.

·         Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and build relationships across sectors and regions.

·         Fluency in English required; working knowledge of one or more regional languages is a strong advantage.

·         Familiarity with the HKH region and sensitivity to its cultural and political context.

Reporting and supervising

The Head of Communications will report to the Deputy Director General and work closely with and advise the Director General on specific matters as and when required.

The Head of Communication will also work in close collaboration and co-supervise the Senior/Communications Officers in Strategic Groups, the Senior Management Committee, and other internal and external stakeholders.  

Location

You will be working in a cross-cultural, impact-oriented environment at ICIMOD’s head office in Kathmandu, Nepal. Frequent travel in the HKH region will be required.

Kathmandu is a lively and exciting place to live. People are friendly, living costs are comparatively inexpensive, food is delicious (with a range of local and international cuisines), and there are good local and international schools and a low crime rate. Nepal offers amazing trekking trails, white water rafting, and safaris, combined with a rich culture and charming yet lively nightlife. 

Duration

Three years, with a probation period of six months, with the possibility of extension, subject to the staff’s performance and ICIMOD's future funding levels.

Benefits

Remuneration

This is an international position at ICIMOD. The starting annual gross salary for this position is USD 71,446 (negotiable based on experience and qualifications). Gross salary comprises basic salary, provident fund, and family/post adjustment allowance. Salaries and benefits at ICIMOD are competitive compared with other international organisations. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes child/dependency allowances, insurances (medical, life and accidental), children’s education grant for a maximum of 2 children below 18 years of age, severance pay, paid leave (30 holidays and 10 public holidays per year) and a day care facility. 

For expatriates, there is a tax exemption in Nepal; they are responsible for their home country’s tax payments. Expatriate staff are entitled to housing allowance, annual home leave ticket, shipment of personal effects, and an installation and repatriation allowance.

ICIMOD’s core values

Our core values are integrity, neutrality, relevance, inclusiveness, openness, and ambition. These values are an expression of our culture and are central to the guiding beliefs and principles of our work and behaviour. Our core values will lie at the heart of ICIMOD operations and delivery. They will underpin everything we do and frame how we work with our partners. They reflect our founding intentions and the balances we seek to hold, while equipping ourselves for the future.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding

ICIMOD’s human resource selection process is based on the qualifications and competence of the applicants. As an employer, ICIMOD is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and offers equal opportunities to applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, including but not limited to gender, age, national origin, religion, race, caste, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or social status. ICIMOD strongly encourages applications from all eligible applicants, especially women, from all parts of the HKH region.

ICIMOD is dedicated to establishing and upholding a safe and nurturing work environment where all its employees can participate fully and meaningfully without fear of violence, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Any type of abuse or harassment, including sexual misconduct [including child abuse], by our staff, representatives, or stakeholders is not condoned or tolerated.

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before December 14, 2025 (11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time)

Detailed TOR Link - ToR_Head of Communications 2025.pdf

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.