Communications Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads global efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security, promoting sustainable agrifood systems. In Papua New Guinea since 1975, FAO supports national priorities in food security, agriculture, and sustainable development. The FAO PNG office, established in 2013, is currently enhancing its communications systems to boost visibility, accountability, and knowledge sharing across its programs and partners, aligning with corporate policies and standards.

Job Purpose

This assignment directly supports the continuity and strengthening of FAO Papua New Guinea's communications functions, contributing significantly to the FAO Strategic Framework and the broader 2030 Agenda. The specialist will enhance the visibility, accountability, and knowledge sharing of FAO PNG's vital initiatives by expertly managing its website and social media presence, establishing structured communications workflows, and rigorously ensuring compliance with corporate policies. A core contribution involves building the capacity of national staff in essential communications management and governance processes, thereby ensuring the effective and consistent dissemination of information on sustainable agrifood systems, promoting better production, nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.

Responsibilities

The Communications Specialist will manage the FAO PNG website, ensuring timely, accurate content updates, drafting and publishing web stories aligned with FAOStyle, and coordinating inputs while monitoring analytics. They will also oversee social media, planning and scheduling content, drafting audience-friendly posts, and tracking engagement in line with FAO branding. Key duties include producing results-focused content like human-interest stories and news, supporting visibility for initiatives, and ensuring all outputs are publication-ready and compliant with FAOStyle. A core priority involves establishing and maintaining robust communications governance, including a central tracker, clear workflows for content clearance, website publishing, and social media approvals, alongside developing an editorial calendar and content pipeline. The role also entails knowledge management, documenting processes, maintaining content asset repositories, and ensuring system continuity. Furthermore, the specialist will provide structured capacity building and mentoring to national staff on website and social media management, FAO Style, and branding compliance, promoting best practices and encouraging content ownership. Finally, they will contribute to UNV volunteerism by promoting its mandate and documenting volunteer experiences.

Work Experience

Candidates must have at least three years of relevant experience in communications, specifically in digital, media, or content roles. This includes demonstrated experience in web content management and social media. Prior experience within international development or the UN system is considered a valuable asset for this position.

Skills

Required skills include strong writing and editing for publication-ready outputs, familiarity with CMS platforms (preferably Sitefinity), and an understanding of communications governance, including workflows, approvals, and trackers. Knowledge of FAO or UN communications standards is an advantage, as is the ability to work remotely and manage multiple tasks independently. Core competencies encompass professionalism, accountability, planning, organization, corporate communication, teamwork, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and client orientation. Expertise in communication, community development, and development programmes is also essential.

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