Communication Consultant at Food and Agriculture Organization

Vacancy Announcement: 181077

Contract type: Personal Service Agreement (PSA)

Duration: 11 months

Reporting line: The Communication Consultant will work under the overall direction and supervision of the FAO Representative, the Communication Consultant will provide strategic direction and communication support to enhance visibility of FAO’s programme in Kenya.

They consultant will be in regular consultation and coordination with the communication focal points of the Regional Office for Africa, Office of Corporate Communications. and the Sub-regional Office of East Africa.

Technical Focus

The consultant will ensure the development and implementation of the country communication strategy. Activities and output under the strategies need coordination and coherence with the organizational/corporate communication policy and operational guidelines.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Develop and implement country specific communication strategy by identifying stakeholders, goals, objectives and timelines and consulting with thematic and technical teams.
• Comply with the FAO corporate and regional communication strategies and closely coordinate plans and activities with the Regional Communication Officer.
• Develop communication plans for specific activities and target key messages tailored to certain audience (including donors, beneficiaries, partners, and the public), and disseminate information efficiently and effectively.
• Coordinate, produce and disseminate communication and advocacy materials, including brochures, human interest stories, posters and other visibility products in close coordination with focal points in RAF and in observance of corporate and branding guidelines.
• Develop a media database and partnerships with media organizations and journalists; interact and pitch stories of interest; organize media field visits.
• Coordinate media engagement during events and missions and collect visual and audio footage for archiving of events and missions.
• Create policy briefs and other strategic communication publications.
• Draft press releases and talking points; organize press conferences; prepare media kits; provide information to querying journalists; manage flagship FAO events (e.g.,
• World Food Day, project launches, workshops, etc.).
• Cover high-level and high-visibility events; ensure media coverage and disseminate live information to highlight messages.
• Produce content for online and social media channels such as the website, Flickr, Twitter, etc. Write and edit web posts and ensure content is interesting and visually appealing. Increase FAO Kenya’s social media engagement and feature stories that will appeal to audience.
• Work closely and train colleagues as communication champions and how to deal with the media by providing key messages and basic tips on media engagement.
• Participate and represent FAO in inter-agency communication meetings (UN Communication Group) and ensure FAO representation and participation in UN events.
• Monitor communication plans and address gaps to improve effectiveness and quality.
• Coordinate production of stories from the field such as documentaries and photo essays; this includes drafting TORs for production team, writing script, conducting interviews, managing vendors, arranging logistics, etc.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in communications, public relations or other relevant qualification.
• 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level.
• Working knowledge of English, communication skills, ability to operate under pressure.

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 the Africa region, is desirable
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and field experience in a technical area of assignment listed above
• Extent and relevance of experience in providing policy advice at local, national, or regional levels
• Extent and relevance of knowledge in the implementation of international instruments related to pertinent field of expertise
• Extent and relevance of experience in project/programme formulation, implementation and monitoring in the pertinent field of expertise
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
• Demonstrated ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, conferences and workshops when applicable
• Good judgment and ability to organize office work and prepare correspondence on own initiative.
• Knowledge and experience with communication for development tools.
• Proven knowledge of graphic design.
• Great understanding of overall organizational strategies and alignment of communication strategy to the same.
• Hands-on experience in journalism or public relations.
• Reporting and briefing skills is an additional asset to the position