National Communication Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to become a vital organization in the global fight against hunger and poverty, with a mission to help eliminate food insecurity and improve nutrition. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ensure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. FAO is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focuses on sustainable management of natural resources and the environment, particularly for vulnerable communities and rural populations.

Job Overview:
The National Communication Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and outreach of FAO's initiatives in Papua New Guinea. This position is designed for a professional who can effectively communicate FAO's mission and achievements to various stakeholders, including government entities, media, and the general public. The incumbent will be responsible for developing communication strategies that align with FAO's corporate standards, creating engaging content for digital platforms, and ensuring that the organization's messages resonate with target audiences. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for promoting FAO's programs and successes, as well as a strong understanding of communication policies and practices within the UN framework. The specialist will work closely with the FAO PNG team and other UN agencies to coordinate outreach efforts and ensure consistent messaging across platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Communication Specialist will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: familiarizing themselves with FAO's corporate communication policies and operational guidelines to ensure coherence in all outputs; drafting documentation in accordance with FAO Style without the need for continuous oversight; maintaining liaison with the Office of Communication to ensure compliance with standards; assisting in the development of communication materials such as brochures, leaflets, and audiovisual content; proactively identifying opportunities to capture and disseminate key program outputs and success stories; planning and implementing campaigns and events to promote FAO's visibility; supporting digital communication outreach activities across social media platforms; monitoring the performance of social media posts and media coverage; coordinating with headquarters on the development of the FAO PNG website; documenting key activities through various media; ensuring timely processing of publications; collaborating with the UN Communications Group; and preparing a final technical report upon completion of the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least one year of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, media relations, or public information, preferably within a UN or international organization context. A strong working knowledge of English and at least one other official FAO language (French or Spanish) is required. Candidates must also be nationals of Papua New Guinea or residents with a valid work permit. Familiarity with FAO's corporate communication policies and standards is highly desirable, as is experience in developing communication materials for diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, or public relations. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the principles of effective communication and media relations, which are critical for the role of National Communication Specialist.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, media relations, or public information. This experience should ideally be within a UN or international organization context, providing the candidate with a solid understanding of the unique communication challenges and opportunities present in such environments. Proven experience in managing digital communication platforms and creating engaging content is also essential.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and at least one other official FAO language, which can be either French or Spanish. Additionally, knowledge of another FAO or UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, media, and partner organizations. The role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and candidates must be either nationals or residents with valid work permits. The FAO offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and engagement in meaningful work aimed at eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.