Communications Specialist

Under the overall supervision of the Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific, the direct supervision of the Technical Adviser (Agrifood Systems), and in close collaboration with the International Communications Specialist and with other national and international consultants of the, ‘Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) Project” in Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands the Communications Specialist will perform the following activities:   

This role is responsible for enhancing the visibility and outreach of agrifood system transformation initiatives by developing and implementing an adaptive Communication & Visibility Plan, ensuring alignment with FAO policies, donor requirements, and regional priorities. Additionally, the role involves creating compelling multimedia content, managing social media engagement, coordinating with regional and international media, and developing knowledge products to maximize stakeholder awareness and project impact.

Responsibilities:

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:

• Review and Update Communication and Visibility (C&V) Plan: Regularly assess the project’s C&V plan, identifying necessary updates based on evolving needs, donor requirements, and project milestones. Obtain necessary approvals for revisions in a timely manner.
• Design Branding and Templates: Develop and customize branding and design templates for all project communication materials. Ensure adherence to donor specifications, FAO policies, and style guidelines to maintain consistency and professionalism across all outputs.
• Develop and Manage Social Media Content: Create and schedule regular, engaging content for social media platforms to raise awareness about the project and FAO’s work in the Pacific. Highlight key activities and partnerships with resource and implementation partners.
• Coordinate Communication Support for National Teams: Collaborate with national project staff across participating countries to provide tailored communication and visibility support for key events and milestones. This includes creating materials such as banners, posters, brochures, and providing relevant FAO publications and promotional items.
• Leverage International Media Campaigns: Work with FAO’s SAP, RAP, and HQ Communication Specialists to strategically align the project with internationally recognized days and media campaigns, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.
• Create and Disseminate ‘Food Hero’ Video Stories: Oversee the production of impactful ‘food hero’ video stories that feature beneficiaries of the project. Manage the entire process from identifying subjects, conducting interviews, filming, and ensuring high-quality production for broad dissemination.
• Draft and Distribute Press Materials: Support the drafting of press releases, FAO News stories, and content for the project’s newsletters. Focus on significant events, milestones, and success stories that highlight the project’s impact and achievements.
• Coordinate Knowledge Products: Facilitate the development of knowledge products, such as policy briefs, by guiding them through FAO’s PWS process. Ensure these materials are finalized and published in line with FAO standards.
• Monitor and Engage with Regional Media: Continuously monitor media coverage in the Pacific related to agrifood system transformation. Proactively identify potential collaboration opportunities with regional media outlets to amplify the project’s impact and visibility.

Minimum Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience in strategic communications, media engagement, and content development, preferably within international development or the agrifood sector.
• Full proficiency in English.

Technical/Functional Skills :

• Efficiency, competence and integrity as well as negotiating skills, tact and diplomacy are essential.
• Able to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural project partners at regional and international level;
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Extent of knowledge of FAO standard operational rules and procedures and project/programme administrative management procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience liaising between diverse project stakeholders.
• Extent of knowledge of FAO’s corporate systems and database, or knowledge of other accounting or financial modules or applications relevant to accounting procedures or project budget management would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated analytical and judgment skills and ability to apply rules and regulations in the subject field.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2500434