National Communication Specialist

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'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. The current CPF for the period of 2022 - 2025 has four priority areas\: (1) One Health (OH); (2) Climate change response, environment and natural resources management; (3) Food safety, sustainable production and consumption, and equitable livelihoods for all; and (4) Governance, Gender and PWDs.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices\:

(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Hanoi, Viet Nam

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Viet Nam and direct supervision of the Senior Technical Coordinator of the FAO Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Viet Nam, with guidance from the FAO Viet Nam, the FAO ECTAD Regional Communications team, and in close collaboration with OCC branches and focal points.

Technical Focus

The Communication Specialist will work closely with FAO ECTAD Viet Nam and stakeholders to ensure that relevant communication, visibility and branding materials (such as project article and posts, newsletter, success stories, briefing notes, videos, project portfolio, etc.) are developed and disseminated to donors and target groups through relevant media and network channels, and make sure it aligned with the related strategy, guidelines and requirements of both donors and FAO.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

• Familiarize him/herself with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines (http\://www.fao.org/3/I7429EN/i7429en.pdf) to ensure mandatory coherence of all communication and information outputs;
• Conduct communications assessment for the FAO ECTAD in Viet Nam in consultation and collaboration with the government, the resource partner and relevant stakeholders;
• Integrate communications, outreach and advocacy strategies into project proposals, workplans and activities;
• Assist in the planning and implementation of campaigns, events and activities to promote programme’s visibilities;
• Work proactively with the FAO ECTAD Viet Nam technical teams to identify opportunities for capturing key programme outputs, achievements and success stories and for disseminating such information to targeted audiences, including the government and the resource partner;
• Assist in the development of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) plan of the animal health sector and in the conduct of related activities identified therein;
• Develop, design and update the information, education, communication, project visibility and awareness-raising materials (posters, briefers, e-cards, videos, presentations, publications etc.), including assisting in copyediting, translating and proof-reading in English, Vietnamese, as needed;
• Write and distribute press releases, opinion editorials and feature articles on emerging infectious diseases, pandemic threats, antimicrobial resistance, transboundary animal diseases and One Health;
• Produce content for FAO websites and their social media accounts. Undertake necessary analytics to measure the outreach;
• Oversee operational and administrative processes to ensure timely delivery of communications outputs;
• Assist in writing project reports following the requirements and style guide of FAO and the resource partner;

FAO Standards and guidelines\:

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, 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. Ensure that all publications and documents to be disseminated via the FAO document repository are timely processed through the corporate Publications Workflow System (PWS), from their planning to production and dissemination.
• Work in constant contact with the Publishing Group at FAO and ensure that all corporate publishing standards are adhered to in publications and documents.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or other related field;
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations and working with media
• Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese
• National of Viet Nam

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Understanding of FAOSTYLE\: English\: https\://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf;
• Work experience in journalism or public relation areas;
• Work experience with UN system, FAO in particular is an advantage;
• Knowledge of video production and social media content development;
• Relevance experience in supporting organizing high-level events, conferences and webinars.
• Proven experience and networking skills with wide range of media agencies either as a journalist or specialist in public relations
• Excellent command of English including proven writing and reporting skills

Selection Criteria

• Based on minimum requirements, FAO core competencies, and Technical/Functional skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION