International Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, is engaged in implementing two significant projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience and improving the livelihoods of rural communities in the Upper East and Savannah regions of Ghana. These projects focus on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities through climate-resilient livelihoods and integrated environmental practices. The overarching goal is to improve nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security while promoting sustainable livelihoods for rural farming populations. The FAO's mission aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic transformation, and emphasizes gender equality and social inclusion as critical components of its strategy. The organization operates in multiple countries, working towards global food security and sustainable agricultural practices, and is committed to supporting the Government of Ghana in achieving these objectives through technical assistance and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The International Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the projects by ensuring effective communication and advocacy strategies that resonate with the local context in Ghana. This position requires a deep understanding of FAO's communication guidelines and the ability to produce high-quality content that aligns with the organization's strategic framework. The specialist will be responsible for designing and implementing tailored communication strategies that not only promote the projects but also enhance the visibility of FAO's initiatives in the region. The role involves close collaboration with project teams and various units within the FAO country office to ensure that all communication outputs are timely, relevant, and impactful. The specialist will also engage with media outlets and strategic partners to foster relationships that support the projects' objectives and contribute to broader advocacy efforts related to climate resilience and food security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of tasks, including: studying and applying FAO communication and publishing guidelines; designing and implementing communication and advocacy strategies; supporting project teams with visibility actions; producing knowledge-sharing materials and campaigns; monitoring service providers for communication outputs; developing high-quality content such as articles and multimedia products; building relationships with media and influencers; contributing to digital platforms and social media; coordinating communication workflows with various units; liaising with FAO corporate communication structures; ensuring compliance with communication guidelines; and documenting and reporting on communication activities and outreach impact. The role may also involve performing other related duties as required, ensuring that all communication materials adhere to FAO standards and clearance processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as communication, social sciences, economics, international relations, or international development. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of three years of overall experience in communication and media is required, preferably in areas related to climate change, food security, agriculture, natural resources, or sustainable development. Full proficiency in English is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate strong research and writing skills, as well as the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and accessibly.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in communication, social sciences, economics, international relations, international development, or a related discipline. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to compensate for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of communication within the context of international development and climate resilience.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience in communication and media, with a preference for experience related to climate change, food security, agriculture, or sustainable development. Experience working with development projects, international organizations, UN agencies, or NGOs is highly desirable. Proven experience in coordinating publishing processes and preparing reports or articles for dissemination is required, along with demonstrated experience in planning and implementing communication and advocacy campaigns. Familiarity with digital communication tools and platforms is also essential.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timelines. The role is based in Accra, Ghana, and may require collaboration with international partners and stakeholders. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate, in line with FAO's policies and standards.