Program Specialist (Communications and Reports) at FAO

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.

Under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), FAO in Zambia will be partnering with the European Union, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) to implement a program on Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ). The project will focus on building demonstrable synergies between research and promotion of appropriate sustainable agriculture intensification practices.

Reporting Lines

The Program Specialist (Communications and Reports) works under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Zambia and directly reports to the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA). The incumbent will work in close collaboration with implementing partners from Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and relevant FAO technical units in headquarters and in Zambia. In regular consultation and coordination with the communication focal points of the Regional Office for Africa, Office of Corporate Communications, and the Sub-regional Office of Southern Africa, the incumbent will ensure the development and implementation of the communication strategy. Activities and output under the strategies need coordination and coherence with the organizational/corporate communication policy and operational guidelines.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will play a pivotal role in development and implementation of the communications and visibility strategy for the European Union Funded Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project implemented by FAO Zambia.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Directly responsible for ensuring timely and up-to-date information on program progress and results is available by compiling, organizing, analysing and preparing data for ad hoc reports, fact sheets, resource partner reports, briefing notes, and other reporting and communication products as per the program communication and visibility strategy;
• Produces communication materials/products on the program, i.e. brochures, newsletters, and other printed advocacy materials. Develop content for digital and online media channels such as Twitter account and website;
• In close consultation with regional and sub-regional communication focal points, develops a strategy on communications and identifies needs and opportunities in raising visibility of the program;
• Supports resource and implementing partner relations by contributing to the production of various communication products and accompanying partners during the field visits in coordination with other programme colleagues;
• Proactively identifies media opportunities and, in close liaison with program resource and implementation partners, plans and implements media events including press releases, report launches and press conferences. This includes management of social media channels to publicize and highlight purpose, progress and results of the project;
• Systematically screens and cross-checks internal and external reports, situational reports, information and communication material for accuracy and consistency on information about the program. Develops and coordinates regular highlights for internal distribution;
• Maintains a close collaboration with the UN, Resource Partner, MoA and Implementing Partners communications teams so as to ensure a smooth exchange of information with FAO. In particular, actively contributes to the regular updates and any information requests from partners throughout the program implementation period;
• Ensures full coherence and alignment of the program communication and visibility strategy with FAO, EU and implementing partners communication policies and adapting the strategy to prevailing circumstances while ensuring that is mainstreamed at national provincial and field level;
• Assists the FAO country office in production of monthly situation reports, concept notes to resource partners and updates related to food security and agriculture situation in the country;
• Provides support to improved information and knowledge management systems in the program by ensuring adequate and frequent updates, access and standardization of program information and agricultural situation analysis in the country. This includes undertaking field visits to gather information on activities and results related to the program and ensuring that all data from the field is captured, documented and reported in a timely manner for resource partner and internal purposes;
• Provides high quality editing and formatting for SIFAZ program related documents for external audience;
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by management from time to time

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

• National of Zambia
• University degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Communications or related technical field
• At least 5 years’ experience in working with/or in government departments, national and international NGOs and other UN agencies in Zambia
• Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the following:

• Extent and relevance of experience in communication and writing skills in English and any local languages
• Extent and relevance of experience working with national and local governments, donors, NGOs, academic and research institutions, including the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), is considered a strong asset
• Demonstrated and very good skills in info-graphics, publishing software, and editing. Knowledge and experience with photography, video, etc. will be an added advantage
• Good interpersonal relationships and a strong personality; self-starter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website:http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/

.