National Communications and Outreach Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, and through four Betters (Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life) and leaving no one behind.

FAO, through the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) partnership, developed a project for increasing capacities and scale for Anticipatory Action including through Social Protection systems, commonly referred to as the ECHO PPP. The project is being implemented at a global, regional and national level with five countries being the core focus in the Asia-Pacific region, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, Lao PDR, Viet Nam.

Reporting Lines

The Communications and Outreach Specialist will be under overall supervision of the FAO Representative of Lao P.D.R and the direct supervision of the National Programme Specialist. The Specialist will work in close collaboration with the PPP project team in Laos and the RAP PPP Anticipatory Action Specialist in charge of communication and knowledge management.

Technical Focus

The Communications and Outreach Specialist will closely collaborate with the technical officers, project coordinators, project assistant, as well as with government counterparts at national and provincial level to successfully assist in development of communication products under the emergency and resilience programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with OCC branches and focal points, the incumbent will: • Lead the development of knowledge products and dissemination of learnings as part of the output of the ECHO Pilot Programmatic Partnership (PPP) project in support of FAOLA’s Anticipatory Action strategy in Laos. Identify key products that will enable FAOLA legacy for the approach. • With RAP and HQ Communications Specialist, develop a communication/ visibility plan for Year 3 of the Pilot Programmatic Partnership between FAO and DG ECHO and map out possible products in the country to promote the partnership; • Implement the Communications/visibility plan of the FAO Laos PPP Year 3; • Take stock of the communication and visibility activities and products of the Year 1 and 2 of the PPP. • Support the FAO PPP project team with all matters related to communication (including briefs, talking points and other materials as required), awareness raising, publications (including factsheets and brochures), risk communication materials on stakeholders' awareness, graphic design of technical training or outreach materials in relations to livelihood recovery, resilience and anticipatory action; • Prepare articles, press release, and social media material of events e.g. meeting, workshop, mission, etc. to enhance the visibility of project activities; • In the event of FAO Laos implements Anticipatory Action response to a flood or drought disaster, work with project team to prepare communications materials such as videos, blogs, and case studies to promote the action nationally and internationally. • Take still photographs and video footage as required, including of FAO projects and disaster responses in provinces. Deliver video graphic design and editing as needed. Videos should follow the FAO production guidelines below: <https://www.dropbox.com/s/5wiae472vh7srcw/FAO Video Guidelines.pdf?dl=0> • Work closely with the communication officer at RAP and HQ, and external communications or graphic design service providers, to produce relevant communication document in Lao PDR on the above topics, including (i) One advocacy video on why anticipatory action is important for Lao PDR and what government has been doing with FAO to advance the agenda, and (ii) Two educational/training purpose videos from flood and drought AA simulation exercises. • Assist the technical officers to report periodically as per donor’s requirement and provide inputs for FAO and donor reports; • Liaise with Communication Officer from the Regional Office (RAP), OCC, UN Communication team and local press/media to strengthen media relations and for any matters relating to FAO work at global, regional, and country levels and in the fields; • Maintain an information management system to store multi-media products; • Support donor visibility efforts; • Liaison with the Office of Communication (OCC) will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs, appropriate review and clearance processes; • Liaise with FAO Laos Outreach specialist and coordinate representation to UN and external communications working group and RAP; • Provide translation as required; • Perform any other related duties as required. • 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

• University degree on communication, social science, journalism, political science or a related field • At least 5 years of relevant work experience in communication, web publishing and/or social media networks • Working knowledge of English • National of Lao PDR

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good communication and reporting skill • Proficient in word and excel • Ability to translate complex and technical communications to a wide and varied audience, in a simple and concise manner • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of web publishing and social media networks as well as in editing communication, promotional or technical materials, • Knowledge on agriculture, nutrition, food security could be an advantage • Have experience working with international organizations including INGOs, bilateral or multi-lateral agencies, and with UN agencies is 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.