Communication Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency that leads the transformation of agrifood systems globally. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, making it a pivotal organization in the realm of food and agriculture. With 194 Member States, FAO operates in over 130 countries, providing expertise and support to improve agricultural productivity and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The FAO Representation Office in Antananarivo specifically oversees the Indian Ocean Island States, including Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, implementing country-specific frameworks aligned with national government programs and regional priorities. FAO's interventions are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are designed to adapt to the unique needs of each country, ensuring that their strategies are relevant and effective. The organization emphasizes collaboration and partnership with various stakeholders to achieve its objectives, and the incumbent's role will be crucial in facilitating communication and knowledge sharing across these nations.

Job Overview:
The Communication Officer will play a vital role in enhancing the visibility and effectiveness of FAO's communication strategies across Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles. This position requires a strategic thinker who can design and implement communication and advocacy strategies that align with the priorities outlined in the Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) of these countries. The incumbent will be responsible for producing high-quality communication materials, ensuring compliance with FAO's corporate communication policies, and fostering collaboration among various teams within the organization. The role demands a proactive approach to knowledge sharing and capacity development, as well as the ability to adapt communication strategies to different contexts and audiences. The Communication Officer will also be expected to monitor and report on communication activities, ensuring that all outputs are consistent and impactful, thereby contributing to the overall mission of FAO in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Leading and harmonizing communication activities across Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles, ensuring alignment with FAO's communication guidelines.
• Supervising communication personnel and guiding them in the execution of their tasks.
• Developing and monitoring work plans and schedules for communication initiatives.
• Designing and implementing a comprehensive communication and advocacy strategy that reflects the priorities of the four countries.
• Supporting program and project teams in enhancing their visibility through strategic communication efforts.
• Preparing knowledge-sharing materials and presentations aimed at promoting positive behavior change.
• Building and maintaining relationships with media, influencers, and partners to strengthen communication efforts.
• Ensuring all communication outputs comply with FAO guidelines and clearance processes, maintaining consistency in messaging and branding in both English and French.
• Monitoring and reporting on communication activities and visibility achievements, adapting strategies as necessary to meet the unique needs of each country. 1
• Performing other related duties as required to support the overall objectives of FAO in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a field related to communication, social sciences, international relations, or other relevant areas related to FAO's work. A doctoral degree is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in communication, particularly in areas related to food security, nutrition, agricultural value chains, and agrifood systems. A strong understanding of FAO's work and its communication standards is essential, along with proven abilities in producing high-quality written materials in both English and French. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in multi-country and multi-stakeholder environments, showcasing their capacity to coordinate and guide multidisciplinary teams effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in communication, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. A doctoral degree is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile. It is crucial that candidates have their educational qualifications recognized by an accredited institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). This ensures that the educational background aligns with FAO's standards and expectations for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in communication, particularly in sectors related to food security, nutrition, and agricultural systems. Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, or NGOs is highly desirable. The ability to navigate multi-country and multi-stakeholder settings is also an asset, as the role involves collaboration across various teams and regions. Proven experience in planning, designing, and implementing communication and advocacy campaigns is essential, along with strong research and writing skills to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary languages used in FAO's communication efforts. Additionally, proficiency in Malagasy is essential, given the location of the role in Madagascar. Candidates who possess knowledge of other languages may have an advantage, but the primary focus will be on the aforementioned languages to ensure effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at Grade SB5-7, and the contract extension will be contingent upon performance and availability of funds. FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Candidates must also meet medical fitness requirements and any residency or visa requirements necessary for appointment. The role is full-time, and candidates are encouraged to apply if they meet the specified qualifications and experience.