Organizational Setting 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

FAO’s work in Zambia is guided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2023-2027. The Junior Communications Assistant will be responsible for supporting the office to develop and prepare the communications content for FAO’s activities including projects.

Reporting Lines 

The Junior Communications Assistant will work in the FAO Representation in Zambia under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) and the Assistant FAOR Programmes. He/She will directly report to the Communications Specialist. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the preparation of communications content.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support preparation of work plans for the communication and visibility activities under the project, and support routine solicitation and collation of communication and visibility content from the project technical teams.  In addition, the incumbent will support the preparation  graphic designs, infographics, photography, social media content for the projects and the country office

Tasks and responsibilities 

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:

•    Support timely and up-to-date compilation of information on the programmes progress and results into communication and visibility products. This will include supporting compiling, organizing, analysing, and preparing data for ad hoc reports, fact sheets, resource partner reports, briefing notes, and other reporting and communication products as per the program communication and visibility strategy.
•    Support resource and implementing partner relations by contributing to the production of various communication products and accompanying partners during the field visits in coordination with other program colleagues.
•    Support communications office to conceptualize and create high-quality photographs, graphics, infographics and visual materials for various media, including print, web and social media for the project communication and visibility.
•    Collaborate with teams to create visual content for campaigns, events and projects and support proactive identification of media opportunities and, in close liaison with implementation partners, support planning and implementation of media events including press releases, report launches and press conferences. This includes management of social media channels to publicize and highlight purpose, progress, and results of the project.
•    Contribute to improved information and knowledge management systems in the program by ensuring adequate and frequent updates, access and standardization of program information and agricultural situation analysis in the country.
•    Support travel arrangements for communication and visibility implementing partners to any of the communication and visibility events under the Country Office; preparation of travel requests, travel expense claims, payment requests, and other travel-related documents and processes.
•    Support the work of other national consultants in visibility related matters.
•    Participate in the necessary meetings and workshops and support in the communication and visibility aspects.
•    Carry out all other actions necessary to achieve the objectives of the main task.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en   
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia    
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en  
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en    
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING 

Minimum Requirements 

Candidates should meet the following:
•    Tertiary education in communications or related field
•    A minimum of two years of relevant experience in compilation of communication information, including photography and graphics design.
•    Working knowledge of the English language (written and spoken)
•    Zambian National

FAO Core Competencies 

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

Technical/Functional skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work
•    Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    Strong organizational and planning skills and commitment to discretion and confidentiality
•    Familiarity with UN human resource administrative procedures and systems
•    Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Selection Criteria 

•    Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
•    Level of communication skills, good writing skills including ability to write concise technical reports in English is a strong asset.
•    Possession of relevant experience in short video and film production is a very strong asset.
•    Familiarity with FAO and UN (in general) administrative, operational, and financial procedures is an asset

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION