Communication and Liaison Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. With presently 194 member states, and working in more than 130 countries worldwide, including Namibia. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. 
The main of the FAO Country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Country Office activities include the design and implementation of country-specific field programs, liaison with local donors' representatives, and active outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the functional supervisor.

Technical Focus

The general objective of the Communicator and Liaison Specialist is to contribute to the dissemination of the activities and results of the FAO Technical Cooperation Program in the country, positioning it as a dynamic and renewed organization in the eradication of hunger and rural poverty; in the promotion of agriculture, fisheries and livestock, as well as the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, for the benefit of the neediest communities and rural dwellers.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:
•     Support communication-related activities of the Office and contribute to the design of a communication strategy for FAO in the country according to FAO's communication guidelines at the global and regional levels. 
•     Contribute to the preparation of an annual operational plan and follow up on its implementation based on the communication strategy.
•     Identifies opportunities for FAO to project organizational capacities and priorities into agendas and activities at the UN Common System level and with counterparts;
•     Assess FAO participation in interagency forums, identifies areas to improve effectiveness of FAO communication strategies and approaches;
•     Provide support in the organization of communication-related events and activities at country level. 
•     Facilitates mobilization of resources in support of agriculture and food security;
•     Researches and analyses technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology-related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support internal and/or external communication 
•     Coordinate, produce, and disseminate press releases, web articles, newsletters, brochures, and social media content.
•     Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes and databases.
•     Support the promotion of  knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.
•     Develop and implement the communication strategy by identifying stakeholders, goals, objectives, and timelines, and consulting with thematic and program units.
•     Identify and categorize key media outlets—print, broadcast, digital—at national, regional, and global levels that align with FAO’s thematic priorities (e.g., food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, agri-food system etc.).
•     Attend the events that require it, including the call to the media and dissemination of their results.
•     Ensure media assets are tailored to the needs, languages, and cultural contexts of target audiences, including rural communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
•     Ensure that all communication products comply with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards, and guidelines.
•     Performs other duties as required.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology: http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names Of Countries: https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy, and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies, and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     University Degree in Public Relations, Communication, International Relations, or a related field.
•     At least 3 years’ experience in communications and/or public relations or related field.
•     Working knowledge of English 
•     Namibian Nationality or Permanent residence
  
FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Ability to design and implement communication strategies aligned with FAO’s mandate and global priorities.
•     Proficiency in managing digital platforms, including social media, multimedia production, and web content management.
•     Experience organizing stakeholder consultations, advocacy campaigns, and public outreach events.
•     Ability to communicate effectively in multicultural environments and adapt messaging to diverse audiences.

Selection Criteria

•     Experience in international cooperation for development, donor aid programmes, government, fundraising, and/or public relations is an added advantage. 
•     Knowledge of other UN languages is a plus.
•     Excellent writing, editing, interpersonal, and organizational skills.