Assistant Communications Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition.

The FAO Country Office in Bangladesh (FABGD) is responsible for leading FAO's response to country priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the country. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the country and, in collaboration with the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), Divisions, Offices and Centres at FAO Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to these priorities. Through its Country Programming Framework (CPF), the Country Office supports policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, at country level and facilitates the emergence of country partnerships and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Against this backdrop, the FAO Country Office in Bangladesh is seeking a dynamic and creative Assistant Communications Specialist to strengthen the visibility and impact of FAO’s work. The incumbent will lead the development of compelling human-interest stories, high-quality communication materials for print and digital platforms, and advocacy content for the RAINS Project (FAO-TA) in Bangladesh. 

The position is offered at SC7.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and direct supervision of the Senior Technical Adviser (STA) for the RAINS project, with technical backstopping from other National Communications Specialists. 
 

Technical focus

The incumbent will develop and implement key communication strategies and support the Project(s) through the development of communication products aimed at a range of media (print, radio, TV, web, social). The incumbent will work to increase visibility and awareness of technical assistance to the RAINS Project (FAO-TA) in Bangladesh.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Assistant Communications Specialist will, among others but not limited to, undertake and/or contribute to the following tasks:

•    Develop, maintain and update a communication strategy and workplan for the RAINS TA team, in line with the corporate communications strategy of FAO and in alignment with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the RAINS PMU communication guidelines. 
•    Create compelling stories and communication products that showcase FAO’s impact, translating technical content into engaging narratives and documenting key successes and lessons learned.
•    Support the development of funding proposals, donor reports, and materials that showcase FAO’s results and impact.
•    Review and refine speeches and PowerPoint presentations as well as messages and forewords for the FAO Representative and senior leadership for key events and campaigns
•    Facilitate timely and engaging content for FAO Bangladesh’s Website and social media platforms; track analytics and adjust strategies as needed.
•    Support the FAO Communications Specialist in coordinating with Government, other UN agencies, media, and partners to ensure consistent messaging and joint communication efforts.
•    Contribute to organizing and maintaining an FAO-TA archive of images, video content and key project documents for the RAINS and UNUN projects.
•    Perform other duties as required by the Senior Technical Advisor, including for other FAO projects in Bangladesh.

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 journalism, communication, public relations, international business / relations, marketing, or related discipline.
•    7 years of relevant experience in journalism, communication, public relations, international business / relations, marketing, or related discipline
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Excellent people skills – ability to work with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
•    Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines. 
•    Excellent attention to detail. 
•    Ability to explain complex information in a clear and concise way. 
•    Adapt writing style to different audiences.
•    Able to come up with creative communication ideas and solutions. 
•    Strong sense of visual presentation – the candidate needs to be able to present information so that it is clear and visually appealing.
•    Experience developing and implementing a communications plan.
•    Experience using social media to promote an organization. 
•    Good photography skills would be an advantage. 
•    Video production experience would be an advantage.
•    Graphic design skills with experience using graphic design programs including Adobe Creative Suite (In-Design, Illustrator, Photoshop) would be an advantage. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION