Organizational Settingย
The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) leads FAO's support to countries in the region in transforming their agrifood systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). it identifies regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development and ensures the planning and implementation of FAO's strategic response in the region through a multidisciplinary approach. It implements approved programmes and projects, monitors programme implementation, and ensures that they contribute to addressing regional priorities, RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Strategic Framework and Programme of Work and Budget.
RNE supports regional policy dialogues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and support knowledge exchange, capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region. It develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).ย
The post is located in the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) in Cairo, Egypt.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent Communication will report to the Regional Communication Officer.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will provide technical expertise in communication, outreach, and advocacy to support the Rural Transformation Programme (RP1) and related initiatives, including the African Alliance for Rural Transformation and Sustainability (AFRAS) and the NENA Platform on Innovation. S/he will ensure alignment with FAOโs corporate communication strategies and policies.
Tasks and responsibilities
The Specialist will perform the following tasks:
โข ย ย Update and implement the RP1 outreach action plan in consultation with the Rur/al Transformation team and RNE communications team, ensuring alignment with FAOโs global corporate communications strategy.
โข ย ย Plan and implement outreach and advocacy activities for the Rural Transformation Programme in close coordination with RNE Communication team and OCC.
โข ย ย Develop and implement a social media strategy and campaign, including content creation, to enhance the visibility of the Rural Transformation Programme.
โข ย ย Propose content for corporate social media channels in line with FAOโs branding guidelines.
โข ย ย 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 , Drafts posts for social media 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.
โข ย ย For videos intended for use on social media channels, liaise with RCO and OCC to review scripts, formats and final clearances. ย
โข ย ย Design and produce communication materials such as press releases, articles, speeches, factsheets, presentations, and multimedia outputs (videos, infographics, etc.) for various audiences.
โข ย ย Provide communication support to AFRAS, including drafting press releases, stories, and news items, and facilitating media coverage in collaboration with RNE and IFAD communication specialists.
โข ย ย Support the development and updates of the AFRAS web platform (Phase II) in liaison with the RNE communication team and CSI.
โข ย ย Assist in organizing the AFRAS 1st Annual Meeting including event planning, branding, and media coverage.
โข ย ย Support the NENA Platform on Innovation by drafting content and facilitating the associated Community of Practice.
โข ย ย Assist RP1 team members with publications, ensuring alignment with FAOโs corporate guidelines and quality standards.
โข ย ย Coordinate inputs into the corporate Publication Workflow System (PWS) for quality assurance.
โข ย ย Act as the communication focal point for RP1-related events, webinars, and activities, ensuring alignment with FAOโs overall communication strategy.
FAO Standards and guidelines:
โข ย ย 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.
โข ย ย 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/enย
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia ย
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).ย
โข ย ย Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
โข ย ย Perform any other related duties as required
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย
ย ย
โข ย ย Advanced university degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
โข ย ย Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communication, outreach, and advocacy, preferably in the context of rural development or agriculture.
โข ย ย Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Arabic. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
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/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality communication materials for diverse audiences.
โข ย ย Experience in managing social media campaigns and online platforms.
โข ย ย Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.
โข ย ย Strong organizational and event management skills.
โข ย ย Knowledge of rural development and agricultural issues in the Near East and North Africa region is an asset.
โข ย ย Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, social media campaigns, and multimedia content.
โข ย ย Experience in organizing and managing events, including media coverage and branding.
โข ย ย Familiarity with FAOโs corporate communication guidelines and policies is an asset.
โข ย ย Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, and multimedia tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
Selection Criteria
โข ย ย Extent of relevant experience in communication, outreach, and advocacy.
โข ย ย Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communication strategies and campaigns.
โข ย ย Experience in organizing and managing events, including media coverage.
โข ย ย Familiarity with FAOโs corporate communication guidelines and policies.