National Communication Specialist - FLW

Organizational Setting

This assignment will support the FAO Sub-regional Office for Central Asia and the Regional Project in implementing the multi-country FAO-SEC project titled “Reduction of Food Loss and Waste in the SEC Countries” (FLW) - GCP /SEC/015/TUR. The project aims at reducing food loss and waste (FLW) in the context of national food systems and climate change. In the longer term, this will result in a reduction of the national contribution to climate change, and mitigation of the pressure on national food systems for increased production caused by population and income growth, urbanization and changing consumption preferences and patterns.

The project has a regional component, which consists of an FLW reduction campaign, an interactive partnership network. The project has national components in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkey, which consist of the national FLW reduction strategy formulation, and training in FLW measurement, analysis, monitoring, accounting and reporting.

Project beneficiaries are trainers, extension specialists and other staff of national institutions, government, NGOs and CSOs, as well as farmer/fisher organizations and other food value chain actors. The project will collaborate with and benefit from external international institutions, providing gender-responsive technical advice and knowledge in FLW measurement and accounting, FLW reduction methodologies, as well as publicity, awareness-raising and information dissemination. The Human-Rights Based Approach (HRBA) will frame the engagement of stakeholders (duty bearers and rights holders) and emphasis will be given to the active involvement of women and youth in project activities.

The National Communication Specialist - FLW will implement national activities for FAO Turkey’s GIDANI KORU (“Save Your Food”) Campaign on Food Loss and Waste in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey and also support activities in other countries if required. All the activities will be conducted in close collaboration with the REU Communication Officer, Communication and Partnerships International Consultant and other relevant colleagues/stakeholders.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Central Asia, the direct supervision of National Project Coordinator, the technical supervision of the REU Communication Officer/OCC-HQ and the FAO REU Agro-industry Officer (LTO), under operational guidance from SEC-FPU, and in close collaboration with the Communication and Partnerships International Consultant, as well as the FAO Turkey Communication and FTPP teams.

Technical Focus

- Awareness raising on food waste and influence behaviour to food waste reduction - Communications, visibility, outreach, knowledge management.

Tasks and responsibilities

In line with FAO’s Corporate Communications Strategy and Policy, the National Communication Specialist will perform the following tasks:

1. Continuously contribute to revising and updating of the communication plan for the Turkey national FW Campaign; 2. Brief and guide the external service providers in the development of: 1) content for social media (infographics, animated GIFs, charts and graphs, videos); 2) multi-media communication materials (leaflets, brochures, posters, videos, PSA, etc.), training materials and visibility items; 3. Ensure the service providers are briefed on and have a clear understanding of the FAO Corporate communications policies and practices relevant to these developments; 4. Act as a Focal Point in organizing and/or supporting the organization of events, exhibitions, contests, workshops, etc. in the framework of the FLW campaign; 5. Create, manage and update the content of the Save-Your-Food website, print materials, social and other media in line with the communication and visibility plan and FAO Corporate communications policies and guidelines; 6. Act as a Focal Point for media enquiries and proactively engage with media by pitching stories and articles; 7. Prepare speeches, talking points and press releases; 8. Prepare monthly media coverage reports; 9. Provide additional communication support, as may be necessary in the course of project implementation. 10. Support the organization of the 2022 Regional FLW Conference. 11. Perform any other related duties, as needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant university degree in journalism, communication, public relations or related discipline • Five years of relevant experience in communications and outreach activities, or related fields • An excellent command of Turkish and English • Proven writing, reporting and communication design skills and the ability to operate under pressure and meet tight deadlines • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment; and to proactively forge good relations and networks • National of Turkey or resident in the country with a regular residence/work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional Skills

• Familiarity with the topic of food systems is desirable • Previous work for FAO or other UN agencies is desirable • Previous experience with government or relevant institution is desirable