Communication Specialist

Organizational Setting

The war in Ukraine has placed the entire Ukrainian agrifood system at risk, with significant consequences for food security both in Ukraine and globally. The destruction or damage to agricultural infrastructure and markets, and the disruption of food supply chains is threatening the food security of already vulnerable populations. Agriculture-based livelihoods, a key source of income for 30 percent of the population, are severely impacted. While many Ukrainians are fleeing their communities and/or the country, a significant proportion of the population is staying, facing extreme challenges and thus requiring multisectoral humanitarian assistance.

In this context, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is uniquely positioned in Ukraine to implement a multidimensional and innovative strategy to sustain and restore agrifood systems at scale.

Capitalizing on its technical expertise and in-country experience, in 2023, the strategic approach of the Organization will focus on restoring food security and self-sufficiency in front-line communities (Pillar 1); restoring critical agricultural production and value chains (Pillar 2); and enhancing coordination and technical support to the functioning of critical food system services (Pillar 3). FAO has expanded its presence in Ukraine and established a strong multidisciplinary team. FAO’s country office remains in Kyiv, with field offices in Lviv and Dnipro.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Designated Responsible Officer in Ukraine and the Head of Dnipro office, and the direct supervision of the FAO Ukraine Communications Coordinator, Communication Specialist will contribute to raising the visibility of FAO’s ongoing work in Ukraine, working in accordance with FAO’s corporate communications policies and practices.

Technical Focus

Communication Specialist will contribute to raising the visibility of FAO’s ongoing work in Ukraine, working in accordance with FAO’s corporate communications policies and practices.

Tasks and responsibilities

In accordance with FAO’s corporate communications policies and practices, the Communications Specialist will perform the following duties:

• Follow communication plans corresponding to the calendar of work for FAO-Ukraine, including project milestones, conferences, publication launches, events, media campaigns etc.; • Draft news stories, media advisories and feature stories, tweets for dissemination via appropriate channels, in a timely and professional manner; • Translate news releases, web stories, and media advisories from English to Ukrainian (and vice versa); • Assist with addressing queries from editors and journalists, and facilitating media field visits to FAO project locations; • Build up and maintains an up-to-date and detailed list of media stakeholders and partners; • Assist in organizing public events (conferences, presentations, training events, visits of officials, field visits, etc.) to ensure consistency of messages, quality of events, and visibility for FAO and donors; • In regular consultation and coordination with the Communications Coordinator, ensures coherence with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs; • Assist in preparing a variety of communication and promotional materials for projects (project briefs, brochures, leaflets, success stories, video and photo materials, printed banners and backdrops, etc.), in accordance with FAO corporate brand guidelines and donors’ visibility guidelines; • Ensure that all communication materials are appropriately targeted and gender-sensitive; • Liaise with local technical teams to select appropriate communication channels and messages for farmers; • Collect good photo and video materials on FAO projects and submits them for inclusion in the corporate photo database; • Liaise with the Office of Communication (OCC) will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes. • Perform other related duties as required.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: FAOSTYLE (English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf; French: https://www.fao.org/3/AC339FR/ac339fr.pdf; Spanish: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339s/ac339s.pdf; Arabic: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339a/ac339a.pdf; Chinese: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339c/ac339c.pdf); FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm; FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en; Story guidelines http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/UPDATED-Digital-Storytelling-Guide-EN-FINAL.pdf; Story template http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/FAO-Stories-Template-UPDATED.pdf; UN map standards (available to staff); FAO Brand and policy book (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

• University (Bachelor or equivalent) degree in communication, social science, journalism, political science or a related field. • Four years of relevant experience in communication, production of content and promotional materials for projects, communication plans design, organization of public events (conferences, presentations, training events, visits of officials, field visits, etc.). • Working knowledge (Level C) of English and working knowledge of Ukrainian. • National of Ukraine.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Very good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment

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
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.