Communication Specialist
Lead communication efforts to enhance project visibility and stakeholder awareness.
Overview
Lead communication efforts to enhance project visibility and stakeholder awareness.
You have:
- University Degree in Development Communications, Social Science, Journalism or related fields.
- Working knowledge of English.
- Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in development communications or related fields such as public information, journalism, and internal relations.
- National of the Philippines or resident of the country with a valid work permit.
Organizational Setting
For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.
Reporting Lines
The Communication Specialist will report to the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, and direct supervision of the Project Team Leader.
Technical Focus
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing the project “Support to Agriculture and Agribusiness Enterprises in Mindanao for Sustainable Development” with funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The project aims to contribute to the attainment of sustainable peace and development and inclusive growth in Mindanao through support to the improvement of agriculture and fisheries-based livelihoods, and accelerated agriculture-based enterprises. Various agricultural infrastructures (Animal Housing, Commodity Processing facilities, Multi-purpose drying pavement and storage facilities, etc.) are on-going and to be constructed. These agricultural infrastructures and facilities will help boost the development of the agribusiness enterprises of community-based organizations supported by the FAO project in the project sites in Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces.
The Communications Specialist will provide guidance and leadership in implementation of communication efforts to strengthen awareness of stakeholders and the general public on project activities and achievements thereby raising the profile and visibility of the project “Support to Agriculture and Agribusiness Enterprises in Mindanao for Sustainable Development”.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Design and implement communications plan in collaboration with the project team; • Write, produce and disseminate various communication materials including success press releases, press/media kits, media briefings, write ups on key project events and accomplishments, and factsheets, for a variety of local and national communication channels including print media, websites, e-news and blogs, • Organize press conferences and media interviews; develop and maintain strong relationships with media organizations and practitioners; • Assist and provide guidance in documenting project activities and events; • Prepare speeches for FAO Representative and other senior management officers representing FAO in major events such as meetings and conferences; • Provide editorial, design, and production support for all project publications including brochures, leaflets, social media postings, and reports, project markers, and other project visibility materials; • Ensure that all communications materials produced and disseminated online adhere to FAO branding guidelines;
• Liaison 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.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University Degree in one or more of the following: Development Communications, Social Science, and Journalism or related fields; • Working knowledge of English • Minimum of 5 years progressive experience on development communications experience or any engagement related to public information, journalism and internal relations; • National of the Philippines of resident of the country with valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Selection Criteria
• Able to be based in Cotabato City and/or conduct missions to the project sites in Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a successful communication campaign you led. How did you measure its success? | This question assesses your experience and ability to achieve communication objectives. | Discuss the campaign's goals, your strategy, and the metrics used to evaluate its success. |
| How do you ensure adherence to branding guidelines in your communications? | The interviewer is looking for your knowledge of branding and communication standards. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you use to engage media outlets effectively? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss a challenge you faced while communicating for a project, and how you resolved it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your approach to writing press releases and success stories? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |