Project Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide, working closely with governments, civil society, community-based organizations, and the private sector to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. FAO's strategic framework aims to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The Project Communications Assistant will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility of FAO’s Anticipatory Action initiatives. This position involves providing technical and logistical support in documenting, producing, and disseminating information and communication materials that highlight the project’s results, good practices, and human-interest stories. The assistant will work closely with the Office of Communications and various stakeholders to ensure effective communication strategies are implemented. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with local media and partners, track media coverage, and contribute to the development of visibility materials that align with FAO and UN branding guidelines. The position also involves field missions to document project activities and maintain an organized repository of communication assets.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Communications Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: drafting and editing communication materials such as news articles, social media posts, and human-interest stories; supporting the preparation of visibility materials like brochures and posters; documenting key project milestones and events through photo and video coverage; developing content for donor visibility and progress reports; coordinating with local media and communication focal points; tracking media coverage and online engagement; preparing press releases and event briefs; conducting field visits to document project activities; maintaining an organized repository of communication assets; compiling lessons learned and good practices; and submitting an end-of-assignment report detailing key achievements and recommendations. The assistant will also ensure compliance with FAO communication standards and guidelines throughout all tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in communications, journalism, development studies, or a related field. A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in communication, documentation, or media work is required, preferably within development, humanitarian, or UN projects. Full proficiency in English is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of the Philippines. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to work under pressure in a complex humanitarian context.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in communications, journalism, development studies, or a related field. It is essential that the degree is obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least 4 years of relevant experience in communication, documentation, or media work. Experience within development, humanitarian, or UN projects is preferred, indicating a familiarity with the specific challenges and requirements of such environments.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, excellent written and oral communication skills in Tagalog are also required. Proficiency in other languages may be considered an advantage, but English and Tagalog are the primary languages for this role.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. 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 travel to project sites as required, and candidates should be prepared for field missions. The role is full-time, and the appointment will be subject to security clearances.