Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Iraq is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under the current transition from L3 to L2 Emergency. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant government entities and Ministries at country level. The post is located in Erbil, Iraq and can be Home-Based.

Reporting Line

The International Communication Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Iraq, the technical supervision of relevant Technical Officers in HQ/FAO-RNE, with guidance from the Deputy Representative, Senior Resilience Team Leader, and Head-of-Office based in Erbil Iraq, and in close collaboration with other colleagues and the donor.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Develop, manage and implement communications, media and press relations strategies in line with FAOs and donor requirements, in consultation with the Regional Communication Office and in alignment with OCC policies and strategy;
• Undertake editing, translations, and proof-reading of technical and programme/ project progress reports (English and/or Arabic);
• Perform Graphic Design for social media and publications’ use;
• Support FAOIQ in social media posting and publications workflow;
• Produce compelling audio-visual products (editing and film, photography and video); in close consultation with the Regional Communication Office and in alignment with OCC policies and strategy;
• Supervise and train the national communications expert and guide colleagues on correct procedures for generating content;
• Support management of regional and local meetings, workshops and events held in Iraq;
• Facilitate internal knowledge sharing, documenting good practices and other evaluation related learning;
• Review/ edit official reports generated by FAO-Iraq staff and in partnership with others;
• Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education and languages:

• University degree relevant area such as, communications, media relations, social studies, filmmaking, editing, translations, web,
• At least five years of relevant experience in communications and publications;
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages: Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Spanish and/or French; Knowledge of Arabic would be an asset. For PSA.SBS working knowledge of English is sufficient.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in communication services for prominent organizations, particularly at the international level, including media relations, online communication and social networks, along with direct experience in journalism;
• Extent and relevance of experience in the production of complex technical content for external audiences, especially in areas relevant to FAO’s mandate;
• Demonstrated communication (spoken, written, public speaking and presentational) skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions;
• Work experience in more than one location, particularly in field positions is essential;
• Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset;
• Ability to work under pressure and to carry out several tasks in a timely fashion and under tight deadlines with minimum supervision;

Courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.