Senior Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to combat hunger. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to sufficient high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives. Founded in 1945, FAO has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. In Sri Lanka, FAO has been active since 1979, with its Country Office located in Colombo. The organization contributes to the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, focusing on transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, encapsulated in its four 'Betters': Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment, and a Better life, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the communication and visibility of a United States Macro Grant project aimed at enhancing the resilience and adaptive capacity of vulnerable farming communities in Sri Lanka. This project addresses the challenges posed by various shocks, including natural disasters and geopolitical crises, impacting agricultural production and food security. The Specialist will be responsible for developing communication strategies, engaging stakeholders, and documenting project achievements to promote awareness and compliance with FAO and donor visibility requirements. The role requires close collaboration with technical teams, government institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure effective dissemination of information and to highlight the project's impact on smallholder farmers and local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Communications Specialist will be tasked with developing and implementing a comprehensive Communication and Visibility Plan for the US Macro Grant Project, ensuring alignment with FAO corporate communication standards. Responsibilities include preparing high-quality communication products such as press releases, success stories, and multimedia content; documenting project achievements and best practices; coordinating field missions to collect communication materials; ensuring proper visibility of donor contributions; engaging with media and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders; producing digital content for internal and external audiences; managing social media platforms; monitoring media coverage; and supporting the organization of outreach events. The Specialist will also contribute to knowledge management initiatives and ensure compliance with FAO communication policies and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in mass media communications or a related field, along with at least five years of relevant experience in the humanitarian sector. A strong working knowledge of English and Sinhala and/or Tamil is required. The role demands proven experience in strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management, particularly in agriculture, food security, and resilience programs. Familiarity with UN communication protocols and donor visibility requirements is essential, as is the ability to produce high-quality communication materials for diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
A university degree from a recognized institution in mass media communications or a related field is mandatory. Candidates must ensure that their educational qualifications are accredited and recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of humanitarian communications, with a focus on strategic communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. Experience in agriculture, food security, and resilience-building programs is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and target communities.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities. The appointment will be subject to security clearances and compliance with FAO standards and guidelines.