Project Communication 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 its staff and international consultants 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
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been represented in Zimbabwe since 1984, with its office located in Harare. This office houses both the Country Office (FAOZW) and the Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SFS), which serves as a technical hub established in 2006.

The primary function of the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is to identify, plan, and implement priority activities in alignment with the needs of the Government of Zimbabwe, as outlined in the Country Programme Framework. These activities also align with the strategic objectives of the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF).

The Subregional Office for Southern Africa covers 15 member countries within the subregion and adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to agriculture programs based on FAO’s strategic objectives. It plays a key role in identifying and implementing priority actions that address subregional challenges in food security, nutrition, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. The office also works closely with Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs) and numerous development partners within the subregion, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination.

Reporting Lines

The Project communication specialist reports to the Programme Officer in charge of Partnership who is also in charge of the Technical Coordination Unit for Communication, Advocacy, Partnership, Resource Mobilization, and Monitoring and Evaluation (CAPRM).

Technical Focus

Support to the implementation of the dedicated project activities mainly for Communication plan and implementation, Content Development including reports, documents, videos, audios, photos, media support and other relevant products; Stakeholder Engagement, Media Relations, Event Communication, Knowledge Management and Sharing, Reporting.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with the SFS Communication focal points, the incumbent will\:
• Develop and implement communication plans, coordinate communication for key milestones, ensure approvals and acknowledge partners/funders, follow branding guidelines, and participate in FAO global/regional activities.
• Create content aligned with FAO standards, research and provide accurate information, manage social media channels, develop and distribute content (press releases, posts, reports), produce multimedia (photos, videos, infographics), focus on success stories, ensure accessibility and inclusivity, translate content when needed, encourage partner updates, and coordinate content clearance.
• Notify stakeholders about events, engage media for project promotion, manage event communication, and create promotional materials for events.
• Ensure communication outputs meet guidelines, measure impact, monitor media and social media, and report on communication outcomes.
• Promote best communication practices.
• Perform any other related tasks as needed.

FAO Standards and guidelines\:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, through SFS Communication 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

• Advanced University Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in communication, marketing, knowledge management, or related fields.
• English Proficiency (Level C), working knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical Competencies

• Strong writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling, and professional content.
• Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in communication tools, multimedia production software, and digital platforms.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• 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.

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
• 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