National Consultant - Communications

Organizational Setting

The Representation of Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname leads the implementation of FAO’s programme of work in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname. FAO’s country-level prioritization and medium-term programming, within the context of the reform of the UN system, is designed to implement SDG 1, 2 and 10.

The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has organized its work in the region under three Regional Initiatives (RI) to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and poverty in all countries of the region. These initiatives embody the UN SDGs and include; (RI1) “Sustainable food systems to provide healthy diets for all,” (RI2) “Hand-in-Hand towards prosperous and inclusive rural societies” and (RI3) “Sustainable and climate resilient agriculture.”

Reporting Lines

The National Consultant - Communications will report to the FAO Representative in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname and work in collaboration with the Communication Unit of RLC and the Communications Consultant in SLC.

Technical Focus

Increased awareness and visibility of FAO’s work within the Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname through the promotion the organization’s mandate and areas of work under the SDGs, Regional Initiatives, and the Country Programmes and to foster greater information and knowledge exchange with key stakeholders inclusive of other UN partners, development partners, NGOs and Civil Society in the agriculture, environment sector and sectors with responsibility for social protection, investment, digitization and innovation.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and implement national communication plans for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname in line with the Sub-Regional Strategic Programme for the Caribbean and FAO’s Corporate Communication Strategy.
• Support public communications activities generated by the Sub-Regional Office and the RCO: drafting talking points, speeches, photo coverage, sending press releases through press contacts, management interviews and other communication products.
• Establish and coordinate a network of preferred journalists in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname who would follow FAO’s work and assist with special interest stories, news items and interviews which showcase the work of the organization.
• Design, develop and disseminate information of general interest aimed to educate and divulge the results of the SDGs, Regional Initiatives, programmes, projects and activities being undertaken by FAOTT, as part of the organization’s contribution to the countries’ development, specifically, assist in the preparation, including editing and layout of the Issue Briefs.
  • Disseminate all and each of the statements and/or “flagships” and reports from FAOTT through the local network of media contacts, institutions and organizations.
  • Support the update of the official website of the Sub-Regional office with all relevant information products and the press releases generated by the Representation and/or submitted by the Regional Office, in close collaboration with the person in charge of digital channels and social networks in the RLC Office.
  • Act as focal point for FAO publications being prepared in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, in close collaboration with the Officer responsible for publications in the RLC Office.
• Promote a corporate image of FAO Representation for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname in the Caribbean as an open/accessible, multidisciplinary institution with rapid response and action. This includes support to the FAOR and other officials of the organization in the preparation of presentations, interviews, programmes and FAO documents.
• Strengthen FAO relations with the government, government counterparts, donors, NGOs, media and other United Nations agencies.
• Ensure the presence of FAO in the media and in public opinion as an official source on rural development, food security, family agriculture and other priority areas of FAO.
• Support the presence of the Sub-Region on social media (Twitter, Flickr, blogging and official social media platforms).
• Provide consultation for exhibition planning and assist in the preparation and set up of the booth and displays for the FAO Stall at major events such as Caribbean Week of Agriculture and World Food Day.
• Prepare a monthly communications management report, including news clipping, and distribute results to FLTRI, SLC and RLC.
• Coordinate and analyze feedback from the stakeholders on the various information products to inform the improvement of future products.
• Other required activities in order to fulfill the objectives or requested by FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum requirements

• University degree in Communications, Journalism or a related field
• At least 5 years working in the field of Communications, particularly in the Caribbean.
• National of Trinidad 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 Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communications
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form
• Competent in the use of computer and internet/information software, use of desktop publishing software

Selection Criteria

• The candidate must have professional work experience in communication, journalism, print media, research documentation and report writing, including at least 3 years in a media outlet.