UN Volunteer Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition. Established in 1945, FAO has 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that people have regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food while promoting sustainable agricultural development and the sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's mission includes eradicating hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, improving rural livelihoods, and supporting governments with evidence-based policies and technical expertise. FAO has been active in Papua New Guinea since 1975, with a dedicated Country Office established in Port Moresby in 2013, focusing on food security, agriculture, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and effectiveness of FAO's communications efforts in Papua New Guinea. This position involves managing the FAO PNG website, strengthening social media presence, and ensuring compliance with FAO's corporate communications policies. The specialist will be responsible for producing engaging content that highlights FAO's initiatives and supports the organization's mission to improve food security and sustainable agricultural practices. The role requires collaboration with various program teams to ensure that communications are aligned with organizational priorities and effectively reach target audiences. The specialist will also contribute to knowledge management and capacity building within the FAO PNG team, ensuring that communication processes are documented and that national staff are supported in their communications efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Website management: Maintain and update the FAO PNG website with timely and accurate content, draft and publish web stories, ensure compliance with branding and clearance processes, coordinate inputs from program teams, and monitor web analytics.
• Social media management: Plan and schedule content for social media, draft audience-friendly posts, ensure alignment with FAO branding, coordinate with technical teams for content sourcing, and track engagement metrics.
• Content production: Develop human-interest stories and features, support visibility of key initiatives, ensure outputs are publication-ready, and assist in creating captions and key messages.
• Communications governance: Maintain a central communications tracker, support implementation of workflows for content clearance and publication, develop editorial calendars, and identify bottlenecks in content delivery.
• Knowledge management: Document communications processes, maintain a repository of content assets, and contribute to institutional memory.
• Capacity building: Provide structured support to national staff on website management and social media practices, promote best practices in communications, and encourage ownership of content contributions.
• UNV volunteerism: Promote volunteerism through FAO communications and engage with communities to strengthen understanding of volunteerism.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a focus on clarity and audience engagement. Experience in managing websites and social media platforms is essential, along with a solid understanding of corporate communication principles. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Knowledge of FAO's mission and objectives, as well as experience in the agricultural or food security sectors, would be advantageous. The candidate should also be adaptable and self-motivated, capable of working independently while maintaining close coordination with geographically dispersed teams.

Educational Background:
A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field is required. Additional training or certifications in digital communications, social media management, or content production would be beneficial. Familiarity with content management systems, particularly Sitefinity, is a plus.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. Experience in the non-profit or international development sector, particularly in food security or agriculture, is highly desirable. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, while meeting deadlines, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly local languages spoken in Papua New Guinea, would be considered an asset and beneficial for effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote assignment, and the selected UN Volunteer will perform duties from their approved remote work location. Regular virtual engagement with the FAO Papua New Guinea team and stakeholders is expected. Although the assignment is remote, occasional travel may be required based on operational needs and funding availability. The successful candidate should be adaptable, self-motivated, and capable of working independently while maintaining close coordination with geographically dispersed teams. Flexibility, professionalism, and a collaborative approach are essential to succeed in this dynamic working environment.