National Communication Assistant

Organizational Setting

FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Reporting Lines

The Communication Assistant will carry out the below assignment under the direct supervision of the FAOR and the technical supervision of the NFI expert.

Technical Focus

The Communication Assistant will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies and activities to enhance the understanding, participation, and engagement of stakeholders in the project and will work with the NFI expert working on the same project to ensure that the NFI Communication Plan and tools are developed and finalized. The incumbent will also liaise and work with the NFI expert ensure that the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and communication Strategies are finalized.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

•     Develop a communication strategy and plan that outlines the objectives, target audiences, key messages, communication channels, and evaluation methods for the project.
•     Develop and disseminate communication materials on monthly basis based on data collection activities in the field such as brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, graphic designs and press releases to inform stakeholders about the project and its progress as approved by the FAO, EU and FD.
•     Organize and facilitate at least two stakeholder engagement activities such as community meetings, workshops, and consultations to gather feedback and input from stakeholders.
•     Coordinate with project partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations, to ensure consistency and coherence in project communication efforts and share feedback with the TWG regularly.
•     Participate in the meetings/field work to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities and adjust the communication strategy and plan as needed,
•     Organize radio programs and other sensitive media actions approved by EU, FAO and the government to get feedback from public and inputs for ongoing project activities.

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

•     Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
•     Minimum of 5 years of experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and activities for environmental or natural resource management projects.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English.
•     Working knowledge (level C) in Krio 
•     National of Sierra Leone.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional Skills

•     Ability to supervise, manage and support to field activities of the project.
•     Ability to manage trainings and capacity building programme of the project. 
•     Relevant experience/ exposure, skills and knowledge in results-based approach/management. 
•     Ability to communicate with different stakeholders.
•     Different types of report writing skills.
•     Computer skill (Microsoft office, Photoshop).
•     Good report writing skills.
•     Experience with the UN agencies in similar position is added advantage.

Selection criteria

•     Strong writing and editing skills, with experience in developing communication materials such as press releases, newsletters, and fact sheets.
•     Experience in organizing and facilitating stakeholder engagement activities such as community meetings and workshops.
•     Familiarity with the forest resources sector and the environmental and social issues associated with forest management.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION