Communication Assistant

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, 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 help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture, and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

The Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Lao PDR is dedicated to working with the government in preventing and controlling emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases by working closely with national stakeholders in the animal production and health sector. The tasks envisaged for this position are to be carried out through the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), which is currently implementing several projects in various countries in Asia and the Pacific region.

Reporting Lines

The Communication Assistant reports directly to the Country Team Leader, Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease (ECTAD), Lao PDR, under the operational guidance of the Operations Officer and the overall administrative and functional guidance of the FAO Representative in Lao PDR. The incumbent will closely collaborate with project staff as well as with government counterparts at national and provincial level and other implementing partners and stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The AMR Communication Assistant will support project’s communication efforts and work closely with the Outreach specialist to develop and disseminate effective internal and external communication materials. The role will ensure timely and accurate distribution of information and perform any other duties as required.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:

•    Draft, edit, and proofread communication materials, including remarks, press releases, newsletters, reports, and social media posts.
•    Support the creation of visual content, such as graphics, videos, and infographics, in collaboration with the design team.
•    Monitor and manage the organization’s social media platforms.
•    Schedule and post content regularly across social media channels, ensuring consistency in tone and messaging.
•    Assist in organizing and promoting events, such as webinars, conferences, and workshops.
•    Maintain and update media contact lists.
•    Assist in drafting and distributing press releases and media advisories in line with FAO communication standards.
•    Monitor media coverage and compile reports.
•    Ensure communication materials are culturally and linguistically appropriate for target audiences, including translations where needed.
•    Take photographs, record video footage and perform video graphic design and editing as needed,following the FAO production guidelines: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5wiae472vh7srcw/FAO Video Guidelines.pdf?dl=0
•    Maintain an organized digital archive of multimedia assets, including photographs, videos, and infographics, for easy retrieval and future use.
•    Maintain organized records of communication activities and materials for reference.
•    Perform 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 communications, journalism, public relations, or a relevant role.
•    Minimum 2 years’ experience of relevant experience in communication or related role
•    Working knowledge in English.
•    National of Lao PDR.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Proficiency in using social media platforms and tools.
•    Familiarity with graphic design and video editing software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is an advantage.
•    Creativity and innovation in developing communication materials.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION