National Project Personnel - Communications Specialist

Organizational Setting

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

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

Reporting Lines

Under the overall operational supervision of the FAO Representative in Ethiopia and the day-to-day supervision of the Communications Consultant, working with the Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes) and in collaboration with different units of FAO Ethiopia, the National Communication Officer will provide strategic direction and communication support to enhance visibility of the FAO’s programme in Ethiopia. In regular consultation and coordination with the Communication focal points of the Regional Office for Africa (RAF), Office of Corporate Communications, and the Sub-regional Office of Eastern Africa, the Specialist will ensure the development and implementation of the Communication Strategy for Ethiopia. Activities and output under the strategies will be coordinated in coherence with the organizational/corporate communication policy and operational guidelines.

Technical Focus

The technical areas/profiles covered will be as follows:

• Writing
• Editing
• Graphics designing
• Video filming and production
• Media engagement
• Photography

Tasks and responsibilities

The candidate will perform the following tasks:

• Under the guidance of the Communications Consultant, ensure coherence with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs;
• Support country-level actions guided by FAO’s Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), sub-regional and regional priority frameworks and higher-level strategic frameworks of the Organization in order to transform and disseminate FAO’s knowledge products within the country and sub-region;
• Assist in the preparation of the country level communications strategy, in close collaboration with RAF regional communication officer, OCC, and relevant units of FAO, to define key messages, identify target audiences; and implement appropriate tools and tactics to deliver messages to those audiences;
• Support the development and editorial review of FAO Ethiopia strategic documents, public materials (including the website), presentations, proposals and reports for public review;
• Disseminate agreed agriculture related information/feedback within the Development Partners Group and humanitarian community in Ethiopia;
• Collaborate with FAO Ethiopia technical staff, to develop and then, in consultation with RAF regional information office as well as Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, proactively disseminate digestible, easy to understand situational analyses briefs, brochures, press releases and feature stories on FAO activities in Ethiopia; feed field stories to HQ if/when appropriate;
• Brief FAO staff and partners on the FAO communications and advocacy strategy; ensuring adherence to corporate procedures and guidelines;
• Identify key messages and create/prepare documents for publications in journals, position papers, speeches and talking points; ensuring adherence with FAO style and other relevant corporate guidelines;
• Maintain professional relations with the media and handle daily media queries and arrange press briefings and interviews, as required; provide assistance on FAO country-level event organizations and make sure media coverage is arranged as required.
• Working very closely with the FAO Procurement and/or HR Units, as may be required, to handle the arrangements for the production of materials, including publications, photography, audio-visual production, editors, translators, etc.;
• Compile photo gallery, best practices and success stories for the purpose of publications at country and regional level;
• Monitor print, broadcast and on-line coverage of the FAO and report on issues of importance to the Organization;
• Participate in public relations activities involving FAO and the Host Country, in close liaison with the FAO Representative;
• Support the organization of World Food Day and other international events, ensuring visibility of FAO and communication of the Organization’s key messages to targeted audiences through multiple channels.
• Represent FAO at joint United Nations communication activities and ensure that FAO participates in all activities and features in publications.
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in communications, journalism, social science, political science, humanities or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Corporate Communications, Public Information, Journalism, International Relations.
• Working knowledge of English, and Amharic, and limited knowledge of one or two other local languages
• Nationality of Ethiopia.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential
• Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating and managing complex multimedia communication, especially in areas relevant to FAO’s mandate
• Extent and relevance of experience in publishing policies and processes and of key issues and developments affecting technical and scientific publishing
• Demonstrated ability to project positive corporate images, reporting on key achievements and effectively advocating vision and priorities to internal and external stakeholders

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge in corporate communications, public information, journalism, international relations or closely related fields
• Independent worker and excellent skills working as part of a team.
• English proficiency in writing; expertise in preparing high quality print and digital publications and products.
• Very high skills/knowledge of background related to the ToR’s Requirements.
• Experience with UN, and other International Organizations would be an asset

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
• 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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.