Communication Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
•    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.   

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Kenya.

Reporting Lines

The communication assistant will work in close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points through the implementation of the EU-funded DLGP and under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Kenya, the direct technical supervision of the Land Programme Manager.

Technical Focus

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) and the Digital Land Governance Programme (DLGP) Manager, the incumbent will contribute substantially to the implementation of DLGP by contributing technical inputs in Project activities related to communication and visibility to improve of food and nutrition security, livelihoods and promote sustainable development through equitable and secure access, and management of land in line with Vision 2030.

Tasks and responsibilities

(1)    General communications:

•    Prepare a visibility plan for the project and ensure that the project is in line with the overall communication strategy of the representation.
•    Support public communication activities for the programme. These include preparation of talking points, speeches, photo coverage, media advisories and press releases.
•    Manage interviews and maintain contact with the media for interviews and events.
•    Support the Capacity Development activities within communications: digital, public communications and media engagement.
•    Support in editing texts and publications, books, and any other materials to be published under the project.
•    Support the strengthening of media relations and public visibility as well as relations with development partners, donors and governments, to ensure that the above objectives are fulfilled.
•    Support the development of relevant documentation and audio-visual materials to facilitate the project’s implementation.
•    Support the preparation of project reports, briefs and reviews as needed.
•    Evaluate the performance of the communication/visibility strategies and provide appropriate guidance on how to reach key audience better.
•    Support in monitoring and evaluation of communication materials.
•    Ensure that all publications and documents to be disseminated via the FAO document repository are timely processed through the corporate Publications Workflow System (PWS), from their planning to production and dissemination.
•    Work in constant contact with the Publishing Group at FAO and ensure that all corporate publishing standards are adhered to in publications and documents.

(2) Social Media:
•    Collate information and develop appropriate digital assets, in line with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards and guidelines, and day-to-day management of thematic/regional/country social media channel(s), {add account handles and/or URLs}, as per the FAO social media guidelines and in support of country/regional/global strategies, liaising and coordinating with the relevant technical officers, Regional Communication Officers (RCO) and OCC, as appropriate, and relevant supervisor for clearance.
•    For videos intended for use on social media channels, liaise with RCO and OCC to review scripts, formats and final clearances.  
•    Manage interviews and maintain contact with the media for interviews and events.
•    Adapt into {local language} digital assets to ensure maximum reach and amplification via social channels. 
•    Ensure that all communication products comply with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards, and guidelines.
•    Monitor social media for results, compliance with guidelines, trends and risks, in consultation with RCO and OCC, as appropriate.
•    Provide monthly engagement reports with key performance indicators.
•    Prepare a monthly social media content calendar with innovative and issue-focused content to promote the work of FAO.
•    Support digital marketing, including by identifying, vetting and liaising with digital influencers, in close collaboration with RCO and OCC.
•    Perform any other related duties. 

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 media, communication, Languages or related subjects is required. 
•    Five years of relevant experience in Journalism or Communication or advocacy in programmes and projects is required. 
•    Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili
•    National of Kenya

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience within FAO and UN System or International Organizations. 
•    Experience in designing and implementing communication and/or media outreach plans in support of overall corporate goals is desirable.
•    Experience in developing content that clearly communicates development ideas for media, web, print production, and audio-visual productions. 
•    Excellent English language skills (written and oral). 
•    Strong creative and strategic thinking skills, and the ability to think outside the box. 
•    Ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders and teams. 
•    Skilled in photography and videography 
•    Ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. 
•    Proficient with Microsoft Office and other digital communication tools. 
•    Experience with graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is a plus. 
•    Conceptualizing and managing the production of printed materials, including detailed reports 
•    Proficient in Social Media Targeting and Communication 

Selection Criteria 

•    A postgraduate degree would be an added advantage.