Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been represented in Zimbabwe since 1984, with its office located in Harare. This office houses both the Country Office (FAOZW) and the Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SFS), which serves as a technical hub established in 2006.
The primary function of the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is to identify, plan, and implement priority activities in alignment with the needs of the Government of Zimbabwe, as outlined in the Country Programme Framework. These activities also align with the strategic objectives of the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF).
The Subregional Office for Southern Africa covers 15 member countries within the subregion and adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to agriculture programs based on FAOโs strategic objectives. It plays a key role in identifying and implementing priority actions that address subregional challenges in food security, nutrition, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. The office also works closely with Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs) and numerous development partners within the subregion, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination.
Reporting Lines
The Project communication specialist reports to the Programme Officer in charge of Partnership who is also in charge of the Technical Coordination Unit for Communication, Advocacy, Partnership, Resource Mobilization, and Monitoring and Evaluation (CAPRM).
Technical Focus
Support to the implementation of the dedicated project activities mainly for Communication plan and implementation, Content Development including reports, documents, videos, audios, photos, media support and other relevant products; Stakeholder Engagement, Media Relations, Event Communication, Knowledge Management and Sharing, Reporting.
Tasks and responsibilities
In close collaboration with the SFS Communication focal points, the incumbent will:
โข ย ย Develop and implement communication plans, coordinate communication for key milestones, ensure approvals and acknowledge partners/funders, follow branding guidelines, and participate in FAO global/regional activities.
โข ย ย Create content aligned with FAO standards, research and provide accurate information, manage social media channels, develop and distribute content (press releases, posts, reports), produce multimedia (photos, videos, infographics), focus on success stories, ensure accessibility and inclusivity, translate content when needed, encourage partner updates, and coordinate content clearance.
โข ย ย Notify stakeholders about events, engage media for project promotion, manage event communication, and create promotional materials for events.
โข ย ย Ensure communication outputs meet guidelines, measure impact, monitor media and social media, and report on communication outcomes.
โข ย ย Promote best communication practices.
โข ย ย Perform any other related tasks as needed.
FAO Standards and guidelines:
โข ย ย Liaison with OCC will be maintained, through SFS Communication focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
โข ย ย All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31:ย https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/enย
FAO social media policy and guidelines:ย https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia ย
Social Media Branding Guidelines:ย https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLEย 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).ย
โข ย ย 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
โข ย ย Advanced University Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Social Sciences, or a related field.
โข ย ย At least five years of relevant professional experience in communication, marketing, knowledge management, or related fields.
โข ย ย English Proficiency (Level C), working knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical Competencies
โข ย ย Strong writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling, and professional content.
โข ย ย Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in communication tools, multimedia production software, and digital platforms.