Communication and Digital Media Assistant

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 sys tems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's office for Lebanon is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Lebanon. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. This position is based in FAO Representation in Beirut, Lebanon. 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.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Lebanon, the direct supervision of the Resilience And Liaison Officer, and close consultation with the National Communication and Media Specialist

Technical Focus

The Communication and Digital Media Assistant will provide the necessary support to achieve and complete the communication and visibility plans of the FAO Representation and of all ongoing projects in due time. He /she focuses on providing professional content production and digital communication support.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

(1) General communications:

•     Assist the Communication and Media Specialist in the implementation of the FAO Lebanon communication and visibility plan, and of all ongoing projects; communication and visibility plans;
•     Support the Communication and Media Specialist in the development of information, promotional and interactive materials (i.e. photo galleries, briefing notes, fact sheets);
•     Assist the Communication and Media Specialist in drafting media advisories, press releases and other communication materials and in reviewing, editing and finalizing talking points and speeches in both Arabic and English.
•     Ensure the FAO visibility requirements are met as well as quality and application of donor/FAO visibility according to branding guidelines.
•     Support the Communication and Media Specialist and the Multimedia and Design Consultant in the development of promotional items and reviewing specifications and items.
•     Assist the Communication and Media Specialist in drafting success stories from the field and in drafting news items of various formats (electronic, printed, web) in English and in Arabic by FAO writing style guidelines (formatting, fonts, index, acronyms, spell check, headers and footnotes) and visuals (pictures, graphics, infographics, etc.).
•     Ensure that the FAO publications are reviewed by the FAO publishing workflow system and coordinate on the finalization of printed items.
•     Support the Communication and Media Specialist in updating the FAO Lebanon website, and in the dissemination of media, communication, and visibility materials.
•     Maintain and periodically update relevant contact databases (media and other partners).
•     Proofread materials in both Arabic and English.
•     Review filming plans and comment on drafts received by videographers in the field based on FAO videography and SM rules; and coordinate with both regional and OCC offices on the approval process of the videos produced.
•     Work closely with all parties involved in the content development process, including the project managers, partners and donors, in line with the relevant authorities and level of involvement.

(2) Social Media:

The objective of this specific aspect of the role is to create the digital space for engaging with the public, civil society, the international community and other relevant stakeholders on topics related to agrifood systems and shaping the discourse around the four betters, leaving no one behind
•     Monitor traditional and social media and report relevant information to the Communication and Media Specialist to inform the development and/or evaluation of communications activities and strategies.
•     Contribute to the design and implementation of a social media strategy for FAO Lebanon X account;
•     Assist the Communication and Media Specialist in managing FAO Lebanon X account and creating appealing posts, visuals, infographics and videos in Arabic and English.
•     Maintain a social media editorial schedule to be reviewed by the Communication and Media Specialist and relevant staff at FAO Lebanon.
•     Assist in monitoring the reporting and analysis system of the portal, social and digital marketing such as Google Analytics and social media reporting tools.
•     Analyse trends in the social media space, review best practices and make recommendations on how to improve the representation online presence.
•     Develop a multimedia library including photos and videos for social media.
•     Collate information and develop appropriate digital assets, in line with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards and guidelines, and day-to-day management of thematic/regional/country social media channel(s), {add account handles and/or URLs}, as per the FAO social media guidelines and in support of country/regional/global strategies, liaising and coordinating with the relevant technical officers, Regional Communication Officers (RCO) and OCC, as appropriate, and relevant supervisor for clearance.
•     For videos intended for use on social media channels, liaise with RCO and OCC to review scripts, formats and final clearances.  
•     Adapt into {local language} digital assets to ensure maximum reach and amplification via social channels. 
•     Ensure that all communication products comply with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards, and guidelines.
•     Maintain regular coordination with RCO and OCC, including to ensure key messages, outputs and products are shared via global multilingual channels, as appropriate.
•     Monitor social media for results, compliance with guidelines, trends and risks, in consultation with RCO and OCC, as appropriate.
•     Provide monthly engagement reports with key performance indicators.
•     Prepare a monthly social media content calendar with innovative and issue-focused content to promote the work of FAO.
•     Participate in the development and implementation of thematic/country/regional/divisional communications plans for campaigns or key priorities such as the World Food Day, International Year, Four Betters, etc.
•     Support digital marketing, including by identifying, vetting and liaising with digital influencers, in close collaboration with RCO and OCC.

(3) Perform any other related duties.

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 social media assets should be produced must comply with FAO standards, including:
•     Social Media Branding guidelines: https://www.fao.org/3/cb5044en/cb5044en.pdf
•     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). 
•     For videos intended for social media, liaise with OCCI to clear the scripts prior to editing. The social media videos should follow the
•     branding guidelines outlined here: https://www.fao.org/3/cb5044en/cb5044en.pdf
•     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

•     A University degree in Communication or related discipline
•     At least 4 years of working experience in managing large projects related to the above area.
•     Working knowledge of English and Arabic .
•     National of Lebanon.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•     Limited knowledge of French is an advantage.
•     Extensive and relevant experience with national and international NGO’s, UN agencies, governments, and donors 
•     Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable.
•     Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Word, Excel essential.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION