Communications for Development Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), leads international efforts to alleviate hunger, eliminate poverty and achieve food and nutrition security for all. Ending hunger is about all people having access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. At present, FAO is supports food systems the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, Better environment and Better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is currently implementing a project titled “Building Resilience of Agri- Food Systems and Better Nutrition in the context of the global pandemic”. The project is executed under EU funded multi-sectoral program ‘’AGRI-CONNECT’’ through support to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mainland and Zanzibar). This project includes a separate nutrition component which aims at promoting behavioral changes in order to achieve better nutritional outcome, in addition to poverty reduction, It also includes new challenges that have emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences on agri- food systems.

FAO is seeking for suitably qualified and experienced communication specialist to provide technical support in Agri connect Nutrition project in the United Republic of Tanzania. He/she will work under the FAO Programme in Tanzania and according to the Country Programming Framework (Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar) particularly in relation supporting the strategic design and development of communication for development activities; advocacy, networking and partnership building; and Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building.

The post is in the FAO Representation in Tanzania, with the incumbent also working with other units in an integrated and cross-sectoral approach.

Reporting Lines

The Communications Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Tanzania, and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme). The incumbent will also receive guidance from the regional communications officer in consultation with the Office of Communications at HQ to ensure appropriate review and clearance processes. He/she will work under close collaboration with other technical officers at the country office, Sub regional office, Regional office and FAO Headquarter.

Technical Focus

The Communications specialist will provide strategic support in the design of Social Behavior Changes Communication (SBCC) strategies and communication materials/tools. H/she will be responsible for developing digital and print communication content for visibility and Nutrition education and awareness, capacity building purposes of the project in line with project Communication and Visibility Plan, FAO’s communications strategic ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in communication-related operations.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Communications Officer will undertake the following tasks:

Develop and implement the Communication and Visibility Plan, prepared based upon the guidelines of the EU on Communication and Visibility

• Engage with technical project staff to develop ways / tools to implement the SBCC nutrition campaigns.
• Research and draft media and advocacy materials; create/prepare documents for publications in journals, position papers, speeches and talking points
• Collect and synthesize information and package; including production, editing of human interest stories, press releases, web stories for the action
• Edit texts of a specialized or technical nature to ensure accuracy, clarity, cohesion and conformity with FAO, the EU Guidelines on Communication and Visibility and the Government of Tanzania; house-style English, policy and practice
• Track, research and analyze information on assigned topics/issues; gather information from diverse sources and help synthesize briefs
• Lead editorial review of the actions’ public information documents, public materials (including the website), presentations, newsletters, for public review
• Work with the technical project staff and FAO – Tanzania communications Officer to communicate project accomplishments to media and the general public.
• Work with technical project staff to produce communication materials that are clear and understandable by project stakeholders and ensure those materials are distributed to communities, target beneficiaries, government authorities, to increase awareness of the project, its major results and lessons learned.
• Support project monitoring and evaluation activities including the establishment of baselines, progress reports and work plan in relation to Communication.
• Produce compelling audio-visual products (editing and film, photography and video)
• identify, build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with strategic partners to reinforce cooperation and/or pursue opportunities for communication for development advocacy to promote project goals and objectives
• Design, plan, formulate and manage the Actions’ social media presence – in line with the corporate guidelines and donor preference
• Prepare and coordinate high profile visits, events around FAO global, regional and local work
• Facilitate internal knowledge sharing, documenting good practices and other evaluation related learning
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Communications, social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, public relations, or another relevant technical field.
• At least three years of relevant experience in communication, Social Behaviour Change Communication change campaign planning and implementation, public advocacy and media relations with emphasis in communication strategy and partnership development.
• At least three (3) years of relevant work experience in International Organizations or Governments
• Fluent English and Kiswahili.
• National of Tanzania.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Capacity to draft scripts for animations and quality newspaper articles
• Development of documentaries
• Capacity in using content management systems
• Experience in managing and monitoring corporate social media channels/accounts
• Understanding FAO Policies and Programmes is an added asset

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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.