Communication Consultant - Media and External Relations Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Job Description

• Coordinate overall planning, formulation, execution and monitoring of media and external relations strategies and plans aimed at continuously enhancing and maintaining the image of the organization at country, regional and global levels.
• Manage and coordinate with Anglophone and Francophone media and engage and mobilize communication counterparts of existing and potential partners of FAO to further strengthen capacity to carry out organization’s mandate.
• Develop a systematic and innovative strategic plan of media and external relations to support the regional direction and priorities of FAO. Develop and gain agreement on a plan of activities.
• Develop and maintain a media and external relations contact database.
• Develop press releases to provide good visibility for the organization’s programmes and projects in the region.
• Coordinate media relations within the region by working with media networks in covering activities, programmes and events organized by FAO and RAF. Manage media relations by maintaining connection and rapport with media partners.
• Collate, write and edit English and French content for RAF publications and edit and review stories/articles from sub-regional offices and countries.
• Provide communication guidance and advice to new communication officers in RAF and sub-regional offices
• Support sub-regional offices and Communication Networks on media relations and engagement
• Plan production of short video documentaries such as drafting TOR’s for short contract, coordinate production, write script, picture selection, conduct interviews, and ensure timely delivery of products.
• Arrange media placements such as placing technical officers on local TV for discussions on topical issues and other special events
• Research, plan, coordinate and conduct interviews for senior officials of FAO.
• Monitor media activities involving FAO, media mentions clippings, etc.
• Ensure that FAO’s priorities addressed are in relation to changes in the UN system as a whole, by taking a proactive role in reviewing and commenting on new developments.
• Develop social media content and use digital channels to strengthen scope of reach.
• Carry out any other tasks upon request by supervisor

Requirement/Skills

• Advanced university degree (for Consultants) / University degree (only for PSA) in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Mass Media, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations or other related fields
• Minimum 8 years of experience as press officer in UN agencies, NGOs, etc. with good contacts with the media, and worked in a multi-cultural, multi-national context
• Excellent Knowledge of English and limited knowledge of French for Consultants. Working knowledge of English is sufficient for PSA; knowledge of French would be an asset.
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Work experience in communication and outreach in international and field positions preferably in the UN system or similar context
• Relevance of experience in strategic communication, media outreach, publications, digital communication, campaigns, etc.
• Proven experience in writing (candidates will be required to send samples of work and undergo an assessment)
• Knowledge in resilience, climate change and related area of work
• Experience in organizing international meetings, campaigns, high-level conferences, etc.
• Technical knowledge on digital communications such as social media and other channels; publications with knowledge in working on applications and desktop publishing tools; ability to undergo photography and videography activities, i.e. documentaries, photo essays, etc.
• Knowledgeable in media relations and have established networks with media partners
• Ability to strategize and mobilize resources
• Experience in editing written materials for general public (newspapers/magazines) in English and French
• Experience in promoting public awareness on humanitarian issues
• Experience in public speaking
• Background in working in a developing country (other than own) showing ability to adjust to diverse environments