Partnership and Communications Specialist

Organizational Setting

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

Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.

Reporting Lines

The Partnership and Communications Specialist will be under the the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi, functional supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative-Programme and, the direct supervision of the Head, Policy, Planning and Partnership Section.

Technical Focus

The Partnership and Communications Specialist will assist the Section Head in building partnerships with development partners and enhancing internal and external communication.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will specifically:

• Support the Head of Section in planning and executing strategic meetings, conferences and workshops. • Keep track of all incoming partnership requests, review them and ensure that all replies are provided timely in consultation with the Section Head and the FAOR, where need be. • Lead the preparation and finalization of the country annual report (CAR). This will call for proper planning in liaison with OSP in HQ and ensuring that timelines are adhered to always. • Plan and provide input into the bi-annual and annual Workplanning reports, usually led by OSP and RAF. • Plan and ensure execution of reporting for the UNSDCF by collecting information from all outcome agencies and in liaison with the M&E Team, report timely. • In liaison with the Head of Finance and Administration, ensure weekly reporting in COIN. In addition, support the Head of Section in planning for updating of the country overview reports in COIN. • Working closely with the Head of Section, prepare and submit ad hoc reporting requirements by the HQ e.g. Country Briefs and High Level Talking Points and meeting notes. • Deliver and implement corporate outreach activities and special events, and leverage media and other events for outreach and promotional purposes. • Draft easy-to-read papers, brochures, leaflets based on all the technical reports produced by the programme team. • Draft articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy materials for both web-based and mainstream media, as appropriate. • Organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals. • Develop relations and maintain close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives. • Establish or maintain an up-to-date repository for communication materials including publications press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual material and web resources. • Provide ad hoc emergency situation reports in liaison with M&E to the UNRCO, SFS in Harare and RAF. • Provide any other communications support as may be requested by management from time to time. • Liaise 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). Photos should follow the FAO Photo Library Production Guidelines: https://www.dropbox.com/s/pu6vckocxhlc7fc/FAO_Guidelines_for_Photo_Production_202206.pdf?dl=0 The social media videos should follow the branding guidelines outlined here: https://www.fao.org/3/cb5044en/cb5044en.pdf 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 in Journalism, Public Relations, Communication or related field; • Minimum of three years of relevant experience in strategic planning, communication, public relations or partnership building; • Working knowledge of English; • National of Malawi.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated understanding of agricultural systems, policies, frameworks and strategies in Malawi; • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; • Excellent command of English (written and oral comprehension) and highly developed drafting skills; • Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential).

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.