Organizational Setting 

FAO’s Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SFS) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing subregional food, agriculture and rural development priorities. It develops and maintains relations with subregion-wide institutions including Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of FAO’s Regional Office for Africa (RAF). The office provides technical assistance and support to governments and country offices in the sub-region developing policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition while using their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Southern Africa (SFS) the Communications Specialist will report to the STOSAR II Regional Project Coordinator. The incumbent will work closely with the regional communication teams in SFS and RAF and the Office of Communications (OCC), to ensure compliance with corporate guidelines and regional initiatives.

Technical Focus

Support to the implementation of STOSAR II project activities and production of project-related materials, including, reports, documents, videos, audios, photos, media support, as well as, other relevant products, to enhance the visibility of the project and its stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

•    Update and execute the Communications Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement Plan for STOSAR II Project ensuring they meet the requirements of key stakeholders such as the SADC Secretariat and the donor (EU), while collaborating closely with project technical teams to develop the strategy and provide input for other communication plans as necessary.
•    Support development of strategic communication publications that highlight key project milestones and best practices, and coordinate the production, and distribution of communication materials and visibility products such as newsletters, human-interest stories, and case studies to inform, raise awareness, and facilitate advocacy/resource mobilization for print and web, leaflets, brochures, presentations and posters. In addition, maintenance of the STOSAR document repository.
•    Support branding of communication materials for the project’s key stakeholders at regional and national levels and oversee the creation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials ensuring they adhere to branding guidelines and effectively convey key messages.
•    Facilitate media engagement and events management for the STOSAR II Project through organizing press conferences/ briefings, field visits and producing media-style public information products, preparing media kits, speaking/talking points, press releases, human interest stories for use by FAO.
•    Act as the communication liaison with key partners i.e. SADC Secretariat and Donor (EU)
•    In consultation with the FAO Corporate brand guidelines provided by the OCC ensure the visibility and online presence of STOSAR II. Develop and disseminate suitable content for existing digital channels such as the FAO website, Flickr, and Twitter. Support the maintenance of the STOSAR Project website, SADC AIMS website and the STOSAR Flickr account, including updating photo gallery, news, calendar of events, related articles/publications.
•    Establish standard information-sharing and clearance processes, in consultation with technical colleagues and provide oversight and quality control of communication support for events organized by FAO or with FAO participation.
•    Support and facilitate the development of audio-visual content to include infographics, video clips, high resolution images, podcasts etc. that reflect the key project activities and impact at regional and national level.
•    Provide communications support to SADC Member States who are rolling STOSAR II through liaising with National Project Focal Points and National Communications Specialists.
•    Undertake communication and information travel within the sub-region as necessary.
•    Support the logistical organization of events and knowledge sharing activities, such as, regional and international conferences, seminars, webinars, technical workshops, and publication launches etc.
•    Performing any other related duties as required

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•    Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and 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

•    Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, audiovisual, web design, graphic design, language studies, linguistics, international affairs or related field
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience (category B) in knowledge management or communication
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Excellent writing skills and proven capacity for story telling
•    Extent and relevance of experience in information management, outreach, publishing, communication, event management organization, particularly at regional level
•    Ability to organize communication and outreach campaigns as well as events at country and regional levels
•    Ability to draft attractive texts for communication on multiple platforms
•    Extent and relevance of experience in developing high-quality communication/ multi-media materials for a wide variety of audiences, including non-technical stakeholders
•    Ability to operate effectively as part of a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships
•    Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered an asset
•    Thoroughness, reliability, communication skills, sense of diplomacy and tact
•    Excellent computer skills (MS Office essential and design software an asset)

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements