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.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country  level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Syria.

Reporting Lines

The National Reporting Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Syria, and under direct supervision from the Office Associate – Acting Operations Officer.

Technical Focus

Support the Operations unit in providing reporting and information management support to the office and as such ensure timely project closure.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representation in Syria, the direct supervision of the  Office Associate – Acting Operations Officer in FAO Syria and in close consultation with the whole technical teams and project managers in FAO Syria, the incumbent will be responsible of performing the following tasks:

•    Assist in the review and finalization of proposals drafted by technical teams
•    Maintain an up-to-date tracking list of progress and final reports for FAO projects and ensure the timely clearance of draft project (progress and final) reports.
•    Inform project managers of when reports are coming due and follow-up to ensure reports are received in a timely manner;
•    Assist in improving the reporting system to ensure reliable, accurate and timely reporting at all levels and for all projects and programmes implemented by FAO in the context of the Syria programme;
•    Prepare project reports based on information provided by project technical and operations staff, finalize (interim and final) reports and briefs, and submit them for clearance to FAO Syria;
•    Provide critical inputs and analysis into draft reporting submitted from technical teams.
•    Review and edit reports to ensure adherence to the FAO corporate style.
•    Assist in writing, proof reading and editing donor briefs and success stories.
•    Provide expert support, mentorship and guidance to field staff to ensure quality reporting.
•    Perform other related duties, as requested.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.

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

•    The candidate must have at least a University Degree in the area of Linguistics, Journalism, Public Administration, International Development or a related field.
•    5 years of relevant experience in professional writing, either communication or a similar reporting role;
•    Working knowledge of English and Arabic
•    National of Syria

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Strong writing skills with good attention to details;
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills;
•    Ability to use their own initiative, multi-task and have good organizational skills.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements