Communications Specialist

Overview

Develop and deliver FAO Kazakhstan communication strategy.

You have:

• Advanced University degree in Communications, Media Studies or related field, or equivalent work experience in the field of communication combined with university degree in related discipline.
• At least five years of relevant experience in the above mentioned areas.
• Working knowledge of English, Russian and Kazakh.
• Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.
• National of Kazakhstan or resident in the country with a regular residence/work permit in Kazakhstan.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

Communications Specialist will be assigned in Astana, Kazakhstan and will provide communications support to the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Officer-in-Charge of FAO Kazakhstan office. Communications Specialist shall develop and deliver the FAO Kazakhstan communication strategy, ensuring coherence with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines as developed by the Office of Corporate Communications.

Technical Focus

Communications Specialist shall develop and deliver the FAO Kazakhstan communication strategy, ensuring coherence with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines as developed by the Office of Corporate Communications.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Update the content promoting FAO’s work in Kazakhstan for use on FAO corporate websites and FAO corporate social media, as required, and following FAO policies and style guidelines; • Draft newsworthy press releases and success stories on FAO projects in Kazakhstan, agreeing them with project and program staff; after the approval by the Head of FAO Kazakhstan, share press materials with the regional, national and local media; • Prepare the communications plan for the FAO country office in Kazakhstan • Provide communications support to the Head of FAO Kazakhstan on preparation of presentations and official speeches. Support FAO Kazakhstan team in organizing different awareness raising campaigns/events (eg.: the World Food Day and other relevant UN Days); • Provide training, consultancy and advice to FAO staff in Kazakhstan on dealing with the media, where appropriate; • Answer queries and provide information to the media; • In close collaboration with the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, conduct comprehensive weeklymedia monitoring and evaluation of print and digital media channels to assess communication effectiveness; • Consult with the Head of FAO Kazakhstan on ways to include advocacy activities into all aspects of FAO’s country program; • Update the communications plan for the FAO country office in Kazakhstan if needed; • Review project and program proposals relevant to the FAO Kazakhstan office, ensuring there is a proper funding allocated for communications activities; • Coordinate the preparation of promotional and educational materials for FAO Kazakhstan, if requested; • Develop local language versions of corporate communication materials (news releases, DG op-eds, brochures, etc.); • Liaise with print companies and other suppliers to oversee production and ensure that all communication materials, both print and digital, produced on behalf of the country office follow FAO corporate communication guidelines, paying special attention to branding and logo guidelines; • Ensure all communication materials, both print and digital, produced on behalf of the FAO office in Kazakhstan are up to a high standard, and follow FAO corporate communication policies, paying special attention to branding and logo guidelines; • Contribute to the activities of the UN Communication Team in Kazakhstan, initiate and actively participate in UN joint communication efforts to promote the FAO mission among UN agencies in Kazakhstan; • Participate in and facilitate training and workshops, as relevant; • 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.

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

• Advanced University degree in Communications, Media Studies or related field, or equivalent work experience in the field of communication combined with university degree in related discipline; • At least five years of relevant experience in the above mentioned areas; • Working knowledge of English, Russian and Kazakh; • Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment; • National of Kazakhstan or resident in the country with a regular residence/work permit in Kazakhstan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org