National Communications Specialist

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Description

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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.

• FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
• FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
• The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 

• advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
• provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
• assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
• position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 

ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

• In collaboration with key government agencies such as the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA), the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), and the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), FAO actively supports sustainable forest management, ecosystem protection, and the advancement of Papua New Guinea’s climate change mitigation strategies. These efforts align with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (2018-2022) and the European Union’s Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) (2021-2027).
• A notable initiative is the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project, which focuses on conserving threatened species and habitats, improving the management of protected areas and high conservation value zones, and fostering sustainable, biodiversity-friendly, climate-resilient livelihoods in the Eastern and Western Highlands Provinces. Meanwhile, the Forestry Climate Change Biodiversity (FCCB) Nexus project enhances the capacity to collect and disseminate critical forest information, creating an accessible platform for stakeholders to engage in sustainable forest management and ensure transparency in climate finance.
• FAO’s overarching corporate goal is to increase the visibility of its impactful work at the country, regional, and international levels. While FAO Headquarters and Regional Offices have dedicated staff for this purpose, there is a growing need for specialized media outreach personnel at the country level to elevate the organization’s presence in national and local media, as well as on broader platforms.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Papua New Guinea. 

Reporting Lines

The National Communications Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor. The incumbent will work in close consultation and coordination with PNG GEF Coordinator, government counterparts, international and national consultants, donors, implementing partners, and other stakeholders as required, in carrying out his/her tasks and duties.

Technical Focus

• Communication, media relations, strategic communications, outreach and advocacy activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

• Monitor, update, and distribute all internal and external communications materials to relevant stakeholders promptly and efficiently.
• Establish and maintain strong business relationships with agency communications focal points and media personnel on a regular and ongoing basis.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy and annual work plan for GEF7 and EU-FCCB projects.
• Ensure proficiency in social media platforms, including both integration and application for project visibility.
• Oversee the effective use of communication content and materials to enhance FAO’s profile and visibility across all mediums.
• Utilize basic knowledge and skills in data visualization, videography, and photography to support communication efforts.
• Ensure FAO branding is present and consistent in all communication-related events and activities.
• Support the dissemination of information and updates related to the implementation of GEF7 and EU-FCCB projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in communication, journalism, social science or related field of FAO’s mandate 
• Three years of relevant experience in communication, public information, journalism or related field 
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English 
• National of Papua New Guinea

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2403023

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