Senior Communications Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and ensuring access to quality food for active, healthy lives. Operating in over 130 countries since 1979, FAO Sri Lanka supports sustainable agri-food systems. Currently, FAO is implementing a US Macro Grant project to enhance the resilience of vulnerable farming communities in Sri Lanka against climate shocks like cyclones and El Niño, focusing on smallholder paddy and vegetable farmers in specific districts. The project provides agricultural inputs, promotes climate-resilient practices, and strengthens anticipatory action systems.

Job Purpose

The Senior Communications Specialist will provide essential technical support for the communication, visibility, advocacy, and knowledge management activities of the US Macro Grant Project in Sri Lanka. This role involves developing and disseminating strategic communication products to raise awareness about project objectives, interventions, and impacts among diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, development partners, donors, media, and target communities. The specialist will facilitate stakeholder engagement, ensure adherence to FAO's communication standards and donor visibility requirements, and lead the documentation and promotion of project results, lessons learned, and success stories to enhance project visibility and support evidence-based advocacy.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive Communication and Visibility Plan for the US Macro Grant Project, ensuring alignment with FAO corporate standards and donor requirements. Create and distribute high-quality communication materials such as press releases, success stories, newsletters, factsheets, and social media content. Document project achievements, results, best practices, and beneficiary impact stories through various media. Coordinate field missions to gather communication materials, including photos and videos, showcasing project interventions. Ensure donor contributions are properly acknowledged across all project communications. Produce communication materials in English, Sinhala, and Tamil for broad audience reach. Manage media engagement activities, including press briefings and journalist field visits. Build and maintain relationships with media, government institutions, and development partners. Develop digital and visual content, including infographics and videos, and manage FAO Sri Lanka's website and social media platforms. Monitor media coverage and social media performance, preparing regular reports. Support the organization of project events and outreach activities. Coordinate with UN agencies and government communication units for coherent messaging. Contribute to knowledge management by maintaining project archives and repositories. Liaise with FAO's Office of Communications (OCC) to ensure compliance with policies and branding guidelines. Support donor reporting with communication inputs.

Work Experience

At least five years of relevant experience in the humanitarian sector. Working knowledge of English and Sinhala and/or Tamil.

Skills

Proven experience in strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management, preferably in agriculture, food security, or development programs. Demonstrated ability to develop high-quality communication products, including press releases, success stories, donor reports, and digital/social media content for diverse audiences. Strong understanding of UN communication protocols, donor visibility requirements, and corporate branding standards. Familiarity with FAO policies and project reporting is an asset.

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