Senior Communications Officer

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 has a mission 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, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations and adequate resources while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications Officer position is located in the FAO Country Office in Islamabad and is classified at the SBIV-SC9 level. The incumbent will provide strategic leadership in developing, overseeing, and executing high-impact communication and advocacy strategies focused on food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. The role aims to enhance the visibility, credibility, and policy influence of FAO's work in Pakistan. This includes engaging with media, developing content, managing social media, and ensuring alignment with FAO's global standards. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including senior management, communications staff, and external partners, to ensure effective communication strategies are in place that resonate with the organization's objectives and the needs of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Communications Officer will lead strategic communication planning and advisory efforts, providing senior-level support in designing, implementing, and evaluating the FAO Pakistan communications and advocacy strategy. The officer will serve as a communications advisor to senior management, focusing on reputational risk management and public engagement strategies. The role involves overseeing communications initiatives across FAO project offices in Pakistan, ensuring coherence and quality across all communications. The officer will establish and maintain strong relationships with media representatives and government counterparts, represent FAO in strategic meetings, and provide final clearance on major communication materials. Additionally, the officer will design and implement large-scale national communication campaigns, produce analytical reports on communication performance, and lead capacity-building initiatives for FAO staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, or Media Studies. A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications is required, including demonstrated leadership and advisory roles. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and be nationals of Pakistan. Strong writing and communication skills, the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams, and experience in media relations and digital strategy are essential. Experience in UN or similar settings is considered an asset, along with proficiency in creating content for various communication products.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, or Media Studies. Candidates must have their educational qualifications recognized by an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, including leadership, advisory, or oversight roles at a national or organizational level. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in communications and media relations, with experience in digital strategy and storytelling being highly advantageous.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with excellent writing, editing, and speaking skills required. Proficiency in Urdu is also essential, as it will facilitate communication within the local context and enhance engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and 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 is subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website. The organization emphasizes the importance of compliance with its standards and guidelines in all communication materials.