Communication Specialist

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 a diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and Headquarters (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 a 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

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone.

Technical Focus

Under the overall direction and supervision of the FAO Representative, the Communication Specialist will provide strategic direction and communication support to enhance visibility of FAO’s programme inSierra Leone. In regular consultation and coordination with the communication focal points of the Regional Office for Africa, Office of Communications (OCC), and the Sub-regional Office of West Africa, the incumbent will ensure the development and implementation of the country communication strategy. Activities and output under the strategy needs coordination and coherence with the organizational/corporate communication policy and operational guidelines.

Tasks and responsibilities

The candidate will perform the following tasks:

• Develop and implement country specific communication strategy by identifying stakeholders, goals, objectives and timelines and consulting with thematic and technical teams.
• Comply with the FAO corporate and regional communication strategies and closely coordinate plans and activities with the Regional Communication Officer.
• Develop communication plans for specific activities and target key messages tailored to certain audience (including donors, beneficiaries, partners, and the public), and disseminate information efficiently and effectively.
• Coordinate, produce and disseminate communication and advocacy materials, including brochures, human interest stories, posters and other visibility products in close coordination with focal points in RAF and in observance of corporate and branding guidelines.
• Develop a media database and partnerships with media organizations and journalists; interact and pitch stories of interest; organize media field visits.
• Coordinate media engagement during events and missions and collect visual and audio footage for archiving of events and missions.
• Create policy briefs and other strategic communication publications.
• Draft press releases and talking points; organize press conferences; prepare media kits; provide information to querying journalists; manage FAO events (e.g., World Food Day, project launches, workshops, etc.).
• Cover high-level and high-visibility events; ensure media coverage and disseminate live information to highlight messages.
• Produce content for online and social media channels such as the website, Flickr, Twitter, etc, in line with corporate policies and guidelines. Write and edit web posts and ensure content is interesting and visually appealing. Increase FAO Sierra Leone’s social media engagement and feature stories that will appeal to audiences.
• Work closely and train colleagues as communication champions and how to deal with the media by providing key messages and basic tips on media engagement.
• Participate and represent FAO in inter-agency communication meetings (UN Communication Group) and ensure FAO representation and participation in UN events.
• Monitor communication plans and address gaps to improve effectiveness and quality.
• Coordinate production of stories from the field such as documentaries and photo essays; this includes drafting TORs for production team, writing script, conducting interviews, managing vendors, arranging logistics, etc.
• Any other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• BSc/BA in public relations, communications or relevant field
• Five years of relevant experience in communication.
• Working knowledge of MS Office; photo and video-editing software is an asset
• Working knowledge of English and knowledge of local languages in Sierra Leone will be an added advantage
• National of Sierra Leone.

FAO Core Competencies

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/