Communication Liaison Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. With presently 194 member states, and working in more than 130 countries worldwide, including Namibia. 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.
The main of the FAO Country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Country Office activities include the design and implementation of country-specific field programs, liaison with local donors' representatives and active outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the functional supervisor.

Technical Focus

Support the development and implementation of communication, visibility, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement activities to enhance the visibility of FAO programmes and projects. The incumbent will contribute to the preparation and dissemination of communication products, media relations, digital communications, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and public outreach activities in line with FAO corporate communication policies, standards, and strategic priorities.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent
will:
• Support communication-related activities of the Office and contribute to the design of a communication strategy for FAO in
the country according to FAO's communication guidelines at the global and regional levels.
• Contribute to the preparation of an annual operational plan and follow up on its implementation based on the communication strategy.
• Identifies opportunities for FAO to project organizational capacities and priorities into agendas and activities at the UN Common System level and with counterparts;
• Assess FAO participation in interagency forums, identifies areas to improve effectiveness of FAO communication strategies and approaches;
• Provide support in the organization of communication related events and activities at country level.
• Facilitates mobilization of resources in support of agriculture and food security;
• Researches and analyses technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support internal and/or external communication
• Coordinate, produce, and disseminate press releases, web articles, newsletters, brochures, and social media content.
• Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes and databases.
• Support the promotion of knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.
• Support the development and implementation of communication strategy by identifying stakeholders, goals, objectives, and timelines, and consulting with thematic and program units.
• Identify and categorize key media outlets—print, broadcast, digital—at national, regional, and global levels that align with FAO’s thematic priorities (e.g., food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, agri-food system etc.).
• Attend the events that require it, including the call to the media and dissemination of their results.
• Ensure media assets are tailored to the needs, languages, and cultural contexts of target audiences, including rural communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that all communication products comply with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards, and guidelines.
• Performs other duties as required.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
• FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
• FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
• Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
• FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
• FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
• FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
• Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy, and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• 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 Public Relations, Communication, International Relations, or a related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience in communications and/or public relations or related field.
• Working knowledge of English (C1)
• Namibian Nationality or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proficiency in managing digital platforms, including social media, multimedia production, and web content management.
• Experience organizing stakeholder consultations, advocacy campaigns, and public outreach events.
• Ability to communicate effectively in multicultural environments and adapt messaging to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in managing relations and outreach with partners.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in international cooperation for development, donor aid programmes, government, fundraising, and/or public
• relations is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is a plus.
• Excellent writing, editing, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• 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 other issues, 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.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT