Reporting LinesThe Communication Specialist deployed for surge support will report to the FAO Representative.
The Communication Specialist will work in close collaboration with the Resource Mobilization and Communications team in the Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) as well as the Office of Communications (OCC) and the Regional Communication Officer.
Technical Focus Media relations, strategic communication Tasks and responsibilities• Supports in the planning, development and implementation of a communications plan for the regional/country office.
• Drafts initial public communication content at the onset/escalation of a crisis to ensure proactive FAO positioning, and provides regular updates as warranted through appropriate products and channels tailored to target audiences.
- Content to communicate early on may include: what is happening on the ground (e.g.
impact of crisis/shock on agrifood systems and rural communities); references to FAO's know-how and value-added; and relevant FAO data, statistics and knowledge.
- Content to communicate as the situation evolves may include information and products that highlight FAO priorities/achievements in support of the Government and affected communities.
- Products can include, but not be limited to: key messages; media talking points/holding lines; digital/social media assets); photos, videos and testimonies to produce multimedia human-interest stories; opinion pieces; publications (e.g.
thematic reports, policy briefs, flagship publications, etc).
- Direct support should be provided to the FAOR as lead FAO spokesperson in the country, including managing media requests and drafting content for the FAOR's social media platform(s).
• Contributes to designing, planning and organizing effective media coverage of activities and events and arrange for media contacts, briefings (including at the biweekly Geneva press briefings and the daily New York noon briefings when appropriate), press conferences, interviews, media reportages to field projects, in collaboration with the regional and liaison communications officers and OCC media team.
• Supports in establishing and maintaining relationships with international and national media, working with national communications staff as appropriate.
• Supports in the organization and coordination of communications aspects of high-level/Ministerial events.
• If warranted, participates in and represents FAO as a member of the UN Country Team (Humanitarian) Communication Coordination Groups.
• Ensure compliance of all communication materials with FAO guidelines, policies and clearance processes, including: FAO Standards and guidelines:Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance withOCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processesAll communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: FAO Strategic Framework -31: FAO social media policy and guidelines: FAOSTYLE: FAO Names Of Countries CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements• Experience in communications, advocacy and/or donor relations/reporting 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 desirable;• Experience in humanitarian contexts is desirable.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list 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 For more information, visit the FAO employment website Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
