Communications 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 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the FAO Strategic Framework, which aims to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the ADAPT Jamaica project, which focuses on enhancing climate change resilience among vulnerable smallholder farmers in Central Jamaica. This position involves leading the design, implementation, and updating of the project's outreach and communication strategy. The Specialist will be responsible for creating high-quality communication products that effectively disseminate project results and lessons learned to various stakeholders, including beneficiaries, partners, and donors. The role requires a strong emphasis on promoting climate resilience and sustainable agriculture through effective communication strategies that align with FAO and Green Climate Fund standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including designing and implementing the outreach and communication strategy for the ADAPT Jamaica Project, conducting stakeholder analysis, and developing key messages tailored to different audiences. They will create and edit public communication content, draft web notes, press articles, and social media posts, and document strategic project information such as success stories and case studies. The Specialist will also design communication tools emphasizing digital platforms, coordinate communication processes with the Project Coordinator, supervise the production of outreach materials, and support the organization of project events. Additionally, they will maintain a database of communication products, strengthen the capacity of communication focal points, and provide communication-related reports as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. They should have at least three years of relevant experience in communication, including generating content in various formats for different audiences, particularly in scientific, technical, or environmental dissemination. A working knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Jamaica.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field is required for this position. The FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in communication, particularly in generating content for diverse audiences and in the context of scientific, technical, or environmental dissemination. Experience in communication for development and project coordination with international cooperation is desirable.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. 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 appointment will also be subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.