Communication Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works towards achieving food security, eliminating hunger, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The FAO Country Office in Bhutan supports the government and local communities in their efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food systems, and conserve natural resources. The FAO Country Office in Bhutan plays a crucial role in supporting the Royal Government of Bhutan implementing various projects and programs related to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and rural development, with the aim of improving the livelihoods of rural communities and ensuring sustainable food production systems.

Reporting Lines

The Communication Assistant will work with the Communication Specialist under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bhutan, and under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative.

Technical Focus

The Communication Assistant will provide support in the implementation of FAO’s communication and visibility activities through content creation, social media management, photography, videography, and adherence to FAO’s corporate communication standards.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

•     Assist in drafting and editing press releases, communication materials, and reports.
•     Support the production of multimedia content, including videography, photography, and graphic design, for social media, web platforms, and publications in line with FAO branding guidelines.
•     Assist in preparing presentations, reports, media contact lists, and calendars.
•     Provide support in developing and sharing social media posts, blog articles, and web updates.
•     Assist in monitoring media coverage, tracking project developments, and compiling visibility reports.
•     Support internal communications and provide administrative assistance to programme and communications teams.
•     Assist in organizing communication, outreach, and networking events.
•     Support the Communication Specialists in managing FAO Bhutan’s external image and visibility.
•     Assist in maintaining and updating media contact lists and communication databases.
•     Provide logistical and technical support for video production, graphic design, and other creative outputs.
•     Perform other related duties as required.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•     Liaison with the Office of Communication (OCC) will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, 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 English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf  
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm 
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en   
Story guidelines http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/UPDATED-Digital-Storytelling-Guide-EN-FINAL.pdf 
Story template http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/FAO-Stories-Template-UPDATED.pdf 
UN map standards (available to staff);
FAO Brand and policy book (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, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field 
•     Three years of relevant experience in communications-related work and media relations and monitoring, and institutional communications
•     Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English
•     Working knowledge of Dzongkha
•     National of Bhutan or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment
•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work
•     Extent and relevance of experience in developing plans for the implementation and coordination of communications, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned actors 
•     Experience with maintaining databases of media contacts

Selection Criteria

•     Based on requirements, competencies and skills.