Organizational Setting 

FAO-SNG office is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for    addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant government entities and Ministries at country level.

The assignment is located in Abu Dhabi/UAE,and can be Home-Based.

Reporting Line

The Communication Specialist will work under the overall supervision of FAO-SNG Head of office in UAE, and in close collaboration with OCC branches and focal points, the incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the head of office, the technical supervision of relevant Technical Officers in HQ/FAO-RNE, and in close collaboration with other colleagues.
Tasks and responsibilities 

•    Develop, manage and implement communications, media and press relations strategies in line with FAOs and donor requirements, in consultation with the Regional Communication Office and in alignment with OCC policies and strategy;
•    Developing and maintaining relationships with key media outlets, journalists to enhance FAO Iraq’s media presence.
•    Developing the global communication plan and strategy for FAO, alongside crafting project-specific communication plans and strategies aligned with the overarching objectives and expected outcomes of FAO, partners, and individual projects.
•    Undertake editing, translations, and proof-reading of technical and programme/ project progress reports (English and/or Arabic);
•    Engaging proactively in the review and editing process of official reports generated by FAO-SNG staff in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
•    Support FAO SNG in social media posting and publications workflow.
•    Produce compelling audio-visual products (editing and film, photography, and video), in close consultation with the Regional Communication Office and in alignment with OCC policies and strategy.
•    Coordination and implementation of updates to the FAO SNG website, ensuring that information is accurate, up-to-date, and aligns with FAO branding guidelines.
•    Supervise and train the national communications expert and guide colleagues on correct procedures for generating content;
•    Advising senior management on communication-related matters and providing strategic recommendations for enhancing FAO-SNG’s overall communication approach.
•    Review/edit official reports generated by FAO-SNG staff and in partnership with others.
•    Liaison with the Office of Communication (OCC) will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review, and clearance processes.
•    Establishing and maintaining connections with other UN agencies, facilitating communication and collaboration on critical matters of mutual interest.
•    Contributing to the development of advocacy materials, including policy briefs, fact sheets, and other resources to promote FAO Iraq’s priorities.
•    All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAOSTYLE (English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf; French: https://www.fao.org/3/AC339FR/ac339fr.pdf; Spanish: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339s/ac339s.pdf; Arabic: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339a/ac339a.pdf; Chinese: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339c/ac339c.pdf);
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm;
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en;
Story guidelines http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/UPDATED-Digital-Storytelling-Guide-EN-FINAL.pdf;
Story template http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/FAO-Stories-Template-UPDATED.pdf;
UN map standards (available to staff);
FAO Brand and policy book (available to staff).

•    Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
•    Facilitate internal knowledge sharing, documenting good practices and other evaluation related learning;
•    Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING 
 
 
 
Minimum Requirements 

•    For COF: Minimum of an advanced degree in a relevant area such as communications, media relations, social studies, filmmaking, editing, translations, web development, etc.
•    For PSA: University degree in a relevant area such as communications, media relations, social studies, filmmaking, editing, translations, web development, etc. At least five years of relevant experience in communications and publications;
•    For COF: Working knowledge of English (C1). Knowledge of Arabic would be an asset.
•    For PSA.SBS: Working knowledge of English is sufficient. Limited knowledge of one other FAO language is not required but beneficial.

FAO Core Competencies 

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

Technical/Functional Skills   

•    Extent and relevance of experience in communication services for prominent organizations, particularly at the international level, including media relations, online communication and social networks, along with direct experience in journalism;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the production of complex technical content for external audiences, especially in areas relevant to FAO’s mandate;
•    Demonstrated communication (spoken, written, public speaking and presentational) skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions;
•    Work experience in more than one location, particularly in field positions is essential;
•    Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset;
•    Ability to work under pressure and to carry out several tasks in a timely fashion and under tight deadlines with minimum supervision;
•    Courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.