Communications and Media 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 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 catalyze 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.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Head of Office, working in close coordination with FAO programme and operational staff (RAP, FAPNG), UN partners and stakeholders, and in regular consultation and coordination with the Regional Communication Officer, FAO RAP, and in close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will ensure coherence with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs the incumbent will support the program activities and country office on developing communication strategies, information and actively support visibility for FAO.

Technical Focus 

The Specialist will develop communications and information strategy and carry out communications activities to promote and share information about FAO to enhance the visibility of FAO’s work.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Work as the focal point for Communication and Media at FAO Country Office in Papua New Guinea;
•    Produce public relations materials, edit and layout other promotional material, and assist with planning, 
•    publicizing, and carrying out special events;
•    Act as Communication Focal Point manages press and other media inquiries related or involving FAO;
•    Participate in and facilitate training and workshops as appropriate;
•    Produce and regularly update promotional materials and videos; 
•    Prepare successful stories on FAO work and showcase agri-preuners in FAO project sites; 
•    Increase visibility for youth and women in agriculture partnerships with FAO;
•    Develop communication materials to enhance visibility for the One Health approach; 
•    Prepare and submit a concise end-of-assignment report summarizing key activities undertaken, conclusions, 
and recommendations in English

Related to 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.
•    Ensure that all communication products comply with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards, and guidelines.
•    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.
•    Peform 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

•    Advance University degree in Journalism, Media Communications, Public Information or a related field from an accredited institution; 
•    Minimum of one year of relevant experience in the field of communications, media, knowledge management, outreach, marketing, or related field.
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in FAO and/or the UN System would be considered an asset. · 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in producing digital content (photos, video, social media assets, web content), graphic design and editing is desired.
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills in English with the ability to produce clear, concise, and compelling content for various platforms.
•    Creative and strategic thinking
•    Detailed-oriented, inquisitive, with great follow-up and strong reporting skills.