Communication Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (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.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The main aim 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 help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

The Communication Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sudan, and in close coordination with other project manager and the photographer and in close liaison with the communication officer of FAO Regional Office and other relevant HQ technical divisions.

Technical Focus

The Communication Specialist will support designing, developing, and implementing communication and related activity for different project and programs in FAO Sudan. He/she will ensure media effective presence of the FAO as a dynamic and organization that works to strengthen food security and to promote agriculture, fisheries, livestock and the sustainable management of natural resources to the benefit of communities and rural people in Sudan.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with OCC branches and focal points, the incumbent will:

•     Design and implement a communications strategy for the country office in line with the agreed Country Programming Framework (CPF) ensuring alignment with FAO regional and global priorities. 
•     Support the preparation of priority communication materials based on the communications plan and as required by the country office and the projects, as aligned to the overall communications strategy.
•     Develop and produce project factsheets, articles, social media messages, and monitor media coverage of FAO Sudan activities. 
•     Develop, produce, and disseminate communication and visibility products for the country office, including drafting/reviewing texts in English, and overseeing the design, printing and distribution process.
•     Support the country office project/sector teams to ensure a common approach in the coverage of different areas of focus, advise and provide support with sector-specific communication needs. 
•     Support the regular sharing of information on project activities, achievements and lessons learned with relevant stakeholders in the Sudan - e.g. government officials, resource partners, NGOs, academic and research institutions, etc.
•     Participate in and represent FAO in inter-agency communication meetings (UN Communication Group) and UN Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). 
•     Prepare press releases on key activities in close coordination with the FAOR and the project managers and ensure they are released to the audience on a timely manner. 
•     Facilitate media interviews with the FAO Representative and other FAO personnel/spokespersons and prepare media speaking/talking points.
•     Design, plan, and organize effective media coverage of activities and events, and arrange for media contacts, briefings, press conferences, interviews, media reports of the actions in the field projects, in collaboration with the regional and liaison communications officers and OCC media team.
•     Establish and maintain relationships with international and national media and update media lists regularly.
•     Select and propose quality photos and videos for inclusion in the FAO corporate photo database and liaise with the FAO Regional Office in RNE and HQ on the coverage of global events.
•     Maintain contact with the Office of Corporate Communications (OCC) to ensure compliance with FAO guidelines, policies, and clearance processes.

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 country social media channel(s), {https://x.com/FAOSudan}, 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.  
•     Ensure that all communication products comply with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards, and guidelines.
•     Maintain regular coordination with RCO and OCC, including ensuring key messages, outputs and products are shared via global multilingual channels, as appropriate.
•     Monitor social media for results, compliance with guidelines, trends, and risks, in consultation with RCO and OCC, as appropriate.
•     Participate in the development and implementation of thematic/country/regional/divisional communications plans for campaigns or key priorities such as the World Food Day, International Year, Four Betters, etc.
•     Adapt into Arabic language digital assets to ensure maximum reach and amplification via social channels.

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 Journalism, Communication, media relations, or a related field.
•     At least 5 years of relevant experience in Communications 
•     Working knowledge (Level C) of English; knowledge of Arabic or another FAO official language is an asset.
•     National of Sudan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

•     Proven experience in communicating project results.
•     Familiarity with various communications tools, including digital platforms and social media for internal or external communication, would be an asset.
•     Ability to work independently 
•     Knowledge in communications and media relations 
•     Experience in /familiarity with communication and visibility guidelines for development institutions such as FAO
Knowledge and skills on production of communications materials, organizing media or other events, managing social media platforms

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION