NATIONAL COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. REU also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall responsibility of the FAO Representative in Armenia and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, the National Communication Specialist will contribute to raising the visibility of FAO’s ongoing work in Armenia. Working under the technical guidance of the REU Communication Officer for Europe and Central Asia, in close collaboration with FAO project leaders in Armenia, and in accordance with FAO’s corporate communications policies and practices, the National Communication Consultant/Specialist will perform the following duties:

Tasks and responsibilities

• Draw up a strategic communication plan for the year based on the calendar of FAO-Armenia’s planned work, including project milestones, consultations and conferences, publication launches, etc.;
• Prepare news releases, web stories and media advisories for dissemination to national and regional media, when appropriate, in a timely and quality manner;
• Serve as FAO’s communication focal point in Armenia, addressing queries from editors and journalists, and facilitating media field visits to FAO project locations in the country;
• Build and maintain an up-to-date and detailed list of media contacts in Armenia, and share this information with the FAO Regional Office;
• Monitor Armenian media for coverage/mentions of FAO, and provide that information to the REU Communication Officer on a weekly basis;
• Do regular media monitoring and analysis of coverage of the food and agriculture sector in Armenia, as relevant;
• Support promotion of the FAO activities and donors’ contribution, in line with FAO communication policy and donor requirements;
• Develop a variety of communication and promotional materials for FAO-Armenia, as well as for the ongoing and implemented projects (project briefs, brochures, leaflets, success stories, video and photo materials, printed banners and backdrops, etc.), in accordance with FAO corporate guidelines;
• Contribute to planning and organizing public events (conferences, presentations, training events, visits of officials, field visits, etc.) to ensure consistency of messages and enhance FAO and donor visibility;
• Assist and advise local staff on effective interaction with the media, and support the promotion of different activities and initiatives;
• Maintain close contacts and collaborate effectively with the UN country team’s communication unit, and contribute to the joint UN initiatives and campaigns;
• Organize communication campaigns and activities around the World Food Day, do media monitoring and analysis and share that information with the REU Communication Officer;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree (MA) in Communication, Public Relations or Journalism, or equivalent professional experience
• 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level;
• Excellent knowledge of English and Armenian;
• Availability to travel within the country, as needed;
• Knowledge and experience within the UN system is an asset;
• National of Armenia or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Hands-on experience in developing and implementing communication and visibility strategies and plans in the field of development;
• Press release writing, project visibility, outreach and presentation delivery skills;
• Experience with producing video and photo materials;
• Good understanding of agriculture-related issues;
• Experience of working with international donors, as well as the government;
• Experience of working with local and international media;