National Communication Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (FAOSAP) drives strategies for food, agriculture, and rural development across the sub-region, supporting country-level efforts. This role is tied to the EU-funded "Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems" (STODAS) project, a EUR 10 million initiative spanning Fiji, Samoa, and Solomon Islands, extended until January 2028.

Job Purpose

This role focuses on enhancing communications, visibility, and knowledge management for EU-funded agrifood systems development projects within the Pacific sub-region. Key responsibilities include managing media relations, producing engaging digital and social media content, overseeing design and branding, facilitating publication processes, and conducting outreach to communities and stakeholders. The objective is to effectively communicate project achievements and impacts, fostering broader understanding and engagement with sustainable agrifood systems initiatives.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will provide comprehensive communication and visibility support for the STODAS project, including updating the Communication and Visibility Plan, producing "Food Hero" video stories, and developing promotional materials aligned with donor requirements and FAO branding. Responsibilities extend to assisting with policy briefs and publications through FAO's workflow system. The role involves local media relations, drafting press releases and human-interest stories, and adapting content for diverse audiences via local media channels, including community radio. Additionally, the specialist will manage social media content for FAOSAP, coordinate communication for international observances, and support communication arrangements for project events and national activities, ensuring compliance with FAO standards and clearance processes.

Work Experience

Requires at least three years of professional experience in communications, public information, journalism, or media production. Demonstrated experience in development communications or communications within international organizations is essential. Familiarity with EU-funded projects or international development programmes, including EU Communication and Visibility guidelines, is highly desirable. Experience with multimedia content production, such as video storytelling, photography, and graphic design, is also important.

Skills

Essential skills include strong results focus, teamwork, and communication abilities. Proficiency in building effective relationships and knowledge sharing is crucial. Desirable skills include knowledge of Samoan or other Pacific languages, proven multimedia content production capabilities (video, photography, graphic design), experience with Pacific media and local language content, and familiarity with FAO publication processes, social media management, and FAO/UN branding standards. Experience with EU communication guidelines is a significant asset.

Explore related opportunities