Communications Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a United Nations agency dedicated to achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture globally. The FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Kazakhstan collaborates with the government and stakeholders to advance national priorities in food security, agriculture, and rural development. The FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) is a key initiative, enhancing national capacities and fostering sustainable agricultural development within the country.

Job Purpose

The Communications Specialist will support the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) by leading the development, implementation, and review of its outreach and communication strategy. This role is crucial for increasing the visibility of project activities, results, and lessons learned. The Specialist will create high-quality communication products, including digital and print materials, social media content, press releases, and multimedia outputs. All communication efforts must align with FAO standards, promote climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, and effectively disseminate project outcomes to diverse audiences, including beneficiaries, partners, donors, and international stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the FKPP Communication and Visibility Strategy and Action Plan jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, setting clear targets and timelines. Provide guidance and support for visibility activities of FKPP projects, assisting the FAO Country Office, project teams, and national partners in developing communication materials. Ensure project-specific communications align with FKPP messaging, branding, and visibility standards. Coordinate the development and production of printed materials, promotional videos, and visibility items like banners and merchandise, adhering to FAO guidelines. Update the FAO web page for FKPP and advise the Ministry of Agriculture on their related web page. Disseminate project information to media outlets through press releases and organize media engagement opportunities. Monitor media coverage and the implementation of communication activities, reviewing workplans and reports. Facilitate cooperation with national institutions, universities, NGOs, and regional partners to enhance outreach. Support communication activities with government partners and ensure visibility materials reflect national ownership and partnership results. Assist with FAO communication activities in Kazakhstan, including report publication oversight, and prepare speeches and talking points for FAO representatives. Promote partnerships between FAO Kazakhstan and stakeholders, performing other related duties as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required in communications, project coordination, media relations, or in managing the visibility of development programmes. Experience in managing communication and visibility for multi-project programmes, particularly in agriculture, rural development, environment, or climate change, is highly desirable. Strong skills in communication planning, content development, media relations, and digital communications are essential.

Skills

Demonstrated experience in managing communication and visibility for multi-project programmes, preferably in agriculture, rural development, environment, or climate change. Strong skills in communication planning, content development, media relations, and digital communications. Core competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.

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