National Communications Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by the FAO Representative, is to assist government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner

Reporting Lines

Working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Lesotho (FAOR), the joint technical supervision and guidance of the Assistant FAOR (P) and the Emergency Coordinator and in close collaboration with project managers and other programme staff, and in regular consultation and coordination with the Regional and Sub-regional Communications Officers the incumbent shall develop and deliver the FAO Lesotho communication strategy, ensuring coherence with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines developed by the Office of Corporate Communications.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments
• Support the design, management and implementation of FAO communications strategies
• Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies
• Research and draft media and advocacy materials;
• Create/prepare documents for publications in journals, position papers, opinion articles, speeches and talking points;
• Collect, synthesize and package information; including production, editing of human-interest stories, press releases, web stories and lead in the production of communication products, including a quarterly newsletter, and programme materials such as training materials, coordination tools, etc.
• Liaise with several communication service providers for production of material including; visibility materials, publications, photography, audio-visual production, editors etc;
• Coordination and management of all activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination
• Development of the FAO Lesotho website and its management
• Development and maintenance of close contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches
• Assist office management with adhering with the SOMI initiative and adhering/complying with corporate communication and publications procedures and policies
• Edit texts of a specialized or technical nature in order to ensure accuracy, clarity, cohesion and conformity with FAO house-style English, policy and practice. These materials will include programme documents such as proposals, reports, surveys, power point presentations, etc.
• Develop and coordinate production of multimedia products (video and radio) and coordinate the preparation, use and maintenance of websites and social media (UN in general or FAO specific) in liaison with the Office of Corporate Communication;
• Cultivate relations with the media, organise and facilitate media coverage for events, guide media engagement for the country programme team, project staff and stakeholders to achieve country programme objectives;
• Represent FAO in the UN Communication Group and ensuring that FAO areas of programmatic focus are reflected;
• Manage and organize a data base of graphic material related to FAO work in Lesotho.
• Monitor and analyse current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses;
• Document FAO media presence and initiatives regularly in communication reports.
• Lead Country communications campaigns, especially for World Food Day, project and product launches;
• Provide advice to managers and senior officers on the strategic use of social media to strengthen FAOs Agriculture and Food Security leadership and advocacy role;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in journalism, communications or related field;
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Public Information/ Communication, in the area of agriculture or related field;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for various audiences.
• Knowledge of another UN official language will be an asset;
• National of Lesotho

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively;
• Experience in drafting/editing a variety of humanitarian and development public information products;
• Ability to work efficiently in a team while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/