Knowledge Management and Communications Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main objective of FAO country offices, led by an FAO Representative, is to help governments formulate policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and use their environmental/natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The position is located in the FAO Representation based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname country office, and the technical supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programmes), in close coordination with the Regional Communication Officer of RLC, and other technical project leads.

Technical Focus

Should encompass a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, science communication, with a strong emphasis on developing stakeholder engagement, communication, and knowledge products promoting climate adaptation technologies and sustainable practices. Up to date on the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the successful achievement of the Programme’s goals.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

•     Review and update national communication plans for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname in line with the Sub-Regional Strategic Programme for the Caribbean and FAO’s Corporate Communication Strategy.
•     Support public communications activities of FAO Representation for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname: drafting/planning talking points, speeches, photo and video coverage, elaborating press releases and managing its publication in media through press contacts database, management of interviews, elaboration human interest stories and other communication products.
•     Maintain an updated and consolidated list of media contacts for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.
•     Support the management of FAO subregional social media accounts, provide relevant content for FAO regional and global (if required) webpage. 
•     Ensure that communication products follow the guidelines of the Regional Office and of the FAO Headquarters in Rome and include key messages FAO promotes globally.
•     Monitor FAO’s appearances in the media and report them weekly to the Regional Office and periodically to supervisors.
•     Disseminate FAO global and regional communication content to national media adapting the pieces to include national Country information when required. This includes dissemination of FAO flagship publications information and campaigns, as well as foster pro bono alliances with government and private actors to promote World Food Day.  
•     Act as focal point for FAO publications being prepared in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, in close collaboration with the Officer responsible for publications in the RLC Office.
•     Support the FAO technical team with the development of a stakeholder engagement and communication plan.
•     Support the office staff assisting in stakeholder engagement activities,
•     Support the FAO technical team in conducting stakeholder identification and engagement exercises.
•     Develop knowledge products for adaptation technologies.
•     Ensure compliance with FAO and Green Climate Fund (GCF) policies, including the Revised Environmental and Social Policy, Gender Policy, Indigenous Peoples Policy, and Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (PSEA) standards.
•     Develop training modules
•     Facilitate training workshops with key stakeholders.
•     Develop workshop report, inclusive of gender disaggregated data and pre- and post-workshop evaluation surveys.
•     Assist the FAO technical Unit logistics in the coordination of virtual/hybrid stakeholder consultation with government partners and stakeholders.
•     Prepare Consultation reports outlining stakeholder decisions on the selection process for proof of concept production units and climate resilient production units. Make recommendations on selection criteria including women-led and youth-led farms.
•     Support the Project Team in the implementation of the stakeholder engagement framework and communication plan.
•     Contribute to the design and delivery of project launch events, engagement/communication plans, and training workshops, ensuring gender inclusivity and equal participation.
•     Develop knowledge products for adaptation technologies, and investment opportunities. 
•     Undertake any related activities assigned that will contribute to the success of Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname FAO offices related to communications and knowledge management.
•     Maintain permanent contact with the project communicators in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname. 
•     Supervise and coordinate the communication strategy implemented by the project communicator(s) and ensure it complies with the requirements.
 

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

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communications, information and communications technology, journalism, communications science, information management or related field; Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     At least 5 years of relevant experience in awareness raising, stakeholder engagement support, and information dissemination out of which at least two should be related to climate change, environmental management or agriculture.
•     Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Basic knowledge in photograph and video production.
•     Experience interacting with government counterparts and community-based organizations is mandatory, specifically in an environmental context
•     Experience in working in donor funded projects such as Green Climate Fund (GCF) or Global Environment Facility (GEF)
•     Experience working in multilateral organizations would be an asset.
•     Work experience related to media and social media would be an asset.
•     Limited knowledge of Spanish and Dutch would be an asset.