National Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist(NCSE)

Organizational Setting

FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Reporting Lines

The National Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant should support in the overall project implementation, coordination and collaboration related to communication, development of technical guide for stakeholder engagement and capacity engagement in the same discipline. S/he reports to the FAOR, Sierra Leone. On technical front, the NCSE must engage, coordinate and liaise with the Forest/Environment/Climate (FEC) Projects Coordinator, the Regional Project Coordinator, AFAOR, Head of Programmes and the REDD Focal Person appointed by the Government.

Technical Focus

The NCSE will provide overall supervision for the successful implementation of activities in line with the proposed budget. S/he must be technically inclined to provide technical input and lead in proper planning of project activities. S/he will be responsible for reporting and presentation of the project results to the AFAOR (Programme), the FAOR, the REDD Focal Person and the Regional Project Coordinator on all aspects related to stakeholder engagements, communication and reporting.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the FAOR, the NCSE will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of the project implementation including the day-to-day project management and regular monitoring of project results and risks including social and communication and stakeholder engagement and field operational risks. S/he will liaise with relevant entities to enhance responsible coordination, consultation and collaboration with other institutions both private and public for the smooth implementation of the communication and stakeholder engagement components of the project. S/he must perform among others the following functions:

• Support in the development of communication and stakeholder engagement materials under each of the following interventions • Activities 1.1.1.1 to 1.1.1.3 define NRCC and NRCU ToR and institutional arrangement; validate the ToR and deliver NRCC and NRC Unit capacity enhancement • Activities 1.1.2.1 to 1.1.2.5: ToR for MRV, validation of the MRV ToR and delivery training on NFMS/MRV tools/components, technical meetings on FREL for MRV and validate characteristics of MRV • Activities 1.3.1.1 to 1.3.1.5: develop stakeholder consultation and engagement plan and REDD communication strategy, organize validation workshops for the plan and strategy, deliver the trainings, develop communication plan, and oversight the contractor who will develop communication tool. • Activities 1.3.2.1 to 1.3.2.2: establishment of the REDD National Committee and organization of workshops • Activities 1.3.3.1 to 1.3.3.3. – engagement of non-state actors, capacity strengthening in REDD • Activities 2.2.1.1 to 2.2.1.4 – prepare communication materials for REDD roadmap • REDD information and awareness raising materials and tools • Guide and support the organization of South-south exchange and submit the report

Project management and administration • Provide communication and information dissemination advice on project and monitoring for the achievement of results at the output, outcomes; • Liaise with the Project Management Unit (PMU) in all aspects of communication and information sharing of project interventions • Develop project work plan and identify risks • Develop an effective monitoring and evaluation and communication strategy • Work with the PMU to address obstacles and challenges related to communication and stakeholder engagements • Ensure the integration of cross-cutting issues, such as gender, communication and human rights, monitoring and evaluation. • Ensure good coordination and collaboration with governments, beneficiaries, key stakeholders etc. • Represent the project in national/international fora on REDD and climate adaptation/mitigation on communication stakeholder engagement • In close collaboration with OCC branches and focal points, the incumbent will:

Policy advice and knowledge management: • Provide strategic communication guide and policy advice to relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies and other partners on issues related to REDD . • Lead and direct in communication, knowledge management and capacity strengthening at national level;

• 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: 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

• Bachelor degree in communication and information system • Minimum of 5 years of experience in development and project/program management. • National of Sierra Leone

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional Skills

• In depth understanding of concepts and actions on REDD and climate change. • Ability to lead and coordinate the project teams in communication, stakeholder engagement and information sharing and management. • Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize large amount of data into analytical and practical knowledge/ information. • Extensive professional experience in coordination of multicounty projects/programmes.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in working with Government. • Masters degree will be an added advantage • Experience in similar project will be considered an advantage • Experience in national projects related to forestry, environmental management and climate change. • Working knowledge of additional languages will be considered an advantage

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.