Communication and Knowledge Management 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 over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. FAO collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and private sector partners, to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve nutrition.

Job Overview:
The Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist will play a pivotal role in the project 'Innovative Solutions for Land Dispute Resolution in Sierra Leone,' which is a collaborative effort between FAO, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, and the World Bank. This position focuses on leading the knowledge management, communication, and visibility functions of the project. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring effective dissemination of project results and lessons learned, compliance with visibility guidelines, and the development and management of digital platforms and communication tools. The role requires a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and information sharing, which is crucial for the success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: designing, developing, and maintaining a dedicated project website that is user-friendly and optimized for low-bandwidth environments; regularly updating website content with reports, tools, news, and multimedia materials; monitoring website performance and producing analytics reports; developing and implementing a knowledge management and communication strategy; producing communication materials such as briefs, newsletters, infographics, and press releases; establishing and maintaining an online resource hub for project documents; ensuring all materials are gender-sensitive and accessible; coordinating media coverage of project events; developing success stories and case studies; managing social media integration; and providing regular updates on communication activities to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Information Management, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in communication, knowledge management, or digital media is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C and must be nationals of Sierra Leone. Strong skills in website development, experience in communication strategy development, and knowledge of FAO/World Bank visibility and branding guidelines are also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, or Information Management. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of communication and knowledge management within the context of international development and project implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in communication, knowledge management, or digital media. Experience working on donor-funded or international development projects is highly desirable, and familiarity with FAO, UN, or World Bank-funded projects will be considered an asset. Proven experience in website development and content management systems is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with a working knowledge at proficiency level C. Knowledge of Krio or other local languages is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate better communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

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 should note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.