Organizational Setting

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 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.

Conflict, climatic shocks such as drought, displacement and the cascading impacts of desert locust invasions and COVID-19 have driven humanitarian needs in Ethiopia to an extreme high. As a result, food security and nutrition across the country have significantly worsened. Communities in northern, southern and southeastern Ethiopia are the most vulnerable, as people already face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels of acute food insecurity.

FAO provides vital emergency agricultural and livestock assistance to enable people to produce their own food, generate income and strengthen their resilience. FAO's Office in Ethiopia is responsible for leading the Organization's response to threats to food security, and agricultural and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of the organization's priority activities in the country. 

The post is located in the FAO Representative office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Reporting Lines

The Communication Officer reports to the FAO Representative, with a secondary reporting line to the Communication Officer of the Regional Office (RAF) and receiving functional guidance from the Office of Communications (OCC) at FAO headquarters in Rome, which is responsible for both external and internal communications of the Organization as well with the Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER), in particular with its Resource Mobilization and Communication Team (OERRD).

Technical Focus

Internal and external strategic communication, writing, editing, outreach, campaign design and support, planning and coordination of the delivery of digital multimedia products, event planning, social media, media outreach and monitoring and evaluation of activities.

Key Results

Contribute to the development and strengthening of internal communication, web publishing and media-relations activities of the Organization.

Key Functions

Researches and analyses technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology-related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support internal and/or external communication.

Produces a variety of information and reports as well as input for communication-related documents and web pages.

Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes and databases.

Participates in multi-disciplinary teams and/or leads working groups/teams; collaborates with other offices and agencies on work groups and committees and promotes best practices.

Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.

Specific Functions

Prepares a comprehensive communication strategy for FAO Ethiopia in close collaboration with OER and the regional Communication Officer in the Regional Office for Africa (RAF).

Formulates and oversees, in line with FAO corporate and regional communication strategies, the implementation of project-level communication plans and calendar of events for FAO Ethiopia, in close consultation with Programme staff including project managers and other technical colleagues.

Supervises and coordinates the work of the Communication Assistant.

Develops key messages tailored to specific audiences (including donors, beneficiaries, partners and the general public) and a dissemination plan.

Upon instructions, interacts with press and pitches stories of interest; organizes visits for media to the field and serves as focal point for media missions.

In close coordination with the Office of Communication (OCC) and in cooperation with concerned FAO units, ensures timely preparation of material in support of the FAO spokespeople and trains FAO Ethiopia spokespeople in how to deal with the media, makes the most of publicity opportunity as well as in basic photography.

Participates in and represents FAO as a member of the Humanitarian Communication and the UN Information Groups in Ethiopia.

Draft press releases, statements and announcements on social media for FAO Ethiopia in coordination with FAO Communication offices (at headquarters, regional and sub regional levels as appropriate).

Supports press conferences and drafts responses to media queries.

Develops and maintains a contact list of strategic partnerships with media organizations and journalists.

Coordinates produce and disseminates communication and advocacy materials, including brochures, human interest stories, videos, posters and other visibility items in coordination with focal points in RAF and headquarters and following corporate branding guidelines.

Produces content for and maintains the FAO Ethiopia website and other social media platforms, including writing and editing web posts, visible and in line with corporate priorities and in close collaboration with OCC.

In close coordination with OCC branches, makes communications arrangements for outreach and advocacy events including World Food Day, other international Days of relevance to FAO's mandate and other important events. 

Ensures coherence with FAO's corporate communications policies and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs.

Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Job Requirements

Advanced university degree in communication, social science, journalism, political science or a related field.

Five years of relevant experience in communication, journalism, web publishing and/or social media networks

Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies:

Technical/Functional Skills

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.

Ability to translate complex and technical communications to a wide and varied audience, in a simple and concise manner.

Understanding FAO policies and programs is considered a strong asset. 

Extent and relevance of experience in the field of web publishing and social media networks as well as in editing communication, promotional or technical materials.

Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and dissemination of communication, promotional or technical materials.

Extent and relevance of experience in the field of journalism, communications and outreach for prominent organizations, and/or interagency initiatives, particularly at the international level.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

GENERAL INFORMATION

FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment

Extension of fixed-term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds

The appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm 

Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

Dependency allowances

Rental subsidy

Education grant for children

Home leave travel

30 working days of annual leave per year

Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund

International health insurance; optional life insurance

Disability protection 

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:

elements of family-friendly policies

flexible working arrangements

Standards of conduct

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK