Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Specialist

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 FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) was established in 1996 in Samoa to coordinate the FAO work in the Pacific and covers 14 - Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Tokelau (one Associate Member). SAP is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing programmes and projects to address food security, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development priorities, in which gender, climate change adaption, and anticipatory action are important cross-cutting issues. SAP develops and maintains relations with subregion wide institutions and entities.

The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP). The position will be based in Palau with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, Ministry of Finance.

Reporting Lines

The Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Specialist will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific and will directly report to the project’s Lead Technical Officer (LTO) / Natural Resource Officer, SAP International Communication Specialist, and the day-to-day supervision of the Technical Adviser. He/she will also work closely with the National Environment Coordinator, Office of Project Management, Bureau of Budget and Planning, Ministry of Finance.

Technical Focus

The Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Specialist will lead the development and execution of the stakeholder engagement map and plan to ensure the success of all project activities. She/he will also provide support to and engagement with the project’s stakeholders, partners and participants, including with industry and government stakeholders to broaden awareness, support and engagement in the project activities. He/she will also work with professional service providers who bring specific expertise to the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Provide advice to the Technical Advisor and team on community relations and stakeholder engagement. 
•     Identify and map all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector entities, local communities, and vulnerable populations. 
•     Assess the needs, interests, expectations, influence, and potential impact of each stakeholder group. 
•     Develop a comprehensive plan outlining the methods, frequency, and communication channels for engaging with different stakeholder groups. 
•     Conduct inclusive and participatory consultations using various methods and tools (interviews, focus groups, workshops, surveys). 
•     Document and integrate stakeholder feedback into project design and implementation. 
•     Identify capacity building needs for stakeholders to effectively participate in the project. 
•     Identify potential risks related to stakeholder engagement and develop mitigation strategies. 
•     Establish indicators and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement activities. 
•     Support the implementation of project activities in Palau, including coordinating workshop/training logistics.
•     Work with the SAP Communications Specialist to ensure content shared in media inquiries, articles, interviews, press releases aligns with FAO and Palau messaging and stakeholder activities and interests. 
•     Develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed about project progress and ensure transparency. 
•     Support with media relations, including press releases and interviews.
•     Organize and support projects activities and events.
•     Monitor and evaluate effective communication activities.
•     Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (including government, CSA, communities, media, civil society.
•     Perform other duties as required.

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

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Social Sciences, Agriculture, Communication, Development Studies, or relevant area; consultants with bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in facilitating participatory processes of stakeholder engagement and learning stakeholder engagement or community development.
•     Working Knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Demonstrated understanding of machinery of government.
•     Extensive experience in working with local communities and engaging a diverse stakeholder in the context of project implementation.
•     Experience working with a cross-section of stakeholders, including senior government officials in small and vulnerable states (SIDS and LDCs)
•     Familiarity with local culture, context and challenges
•     Good level of analytical, communication, writing skills including ability to write concise reports in English is a strong asset
•     Experience in working in Palau or Pacific region will be an advantage
•     Strong writing skills, communication and language proficiency
•     Experience in mapping, research, analysis and reporting. 
•     Excellent knowledge and understanding of Palau villages, cultural protocols, and language. 
•     Good level of communication skills, writing skills including ability to write concise technical reports in English is a strong asset.