National Communications Specialist SC9

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to defeating hunger and improving nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries, employing nearly 400 staff in Somalia alone. The organization focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, food security, and the management of natural resources, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Somalia, FAO's mission includes supporting the national government in developing policies and programs that address food security, reduce hunger, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The National Communications Specialist will play a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and impact of FAO's programs in Somalia. This position requires a strategic thinker who can develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that effectively engage stakeholders and promote FAO's initiatives. The incumbent will be responsible for storytelling, media outreach, and knowledge sharing, ensuring that FAO's achievements and contributions to food security and sustainable development are effectively communicated to diverse audiences. The role demands creativity and a strong understanding of communication for development principles, as well as the ability to manage multimedia content and coordinate outreach efforts across various platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Communications Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including preparing detailed mission briefs for photography and videography, supervising these missions to ensure high-quality outputs, and gathering content that showcases FAO's impact in Somalia. The specialist will develop case studies and success stories, support the production of communication materials for events and campaigns, and maintain active participation in team meetings to monitor progress on communications deliverables. Additionally, the role involves managing project visibility plans, drafting scripts and communication content, coordinating logistics for multimedia productions, and representing FAO in inter-agency communication platforms. The specialist will also be responsible for establishing a comprehensive archive of visual and audio assets and contributing to donor reports and organizational publications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, and advocacy is required, along with a working knowledge of English. Familiarity with project cycle management and experience in multimedia content creation are also essential. Strong organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills are necessary to succeed in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations, Development Communication, or a related field. A Master's degree in a relevant area is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, and public information. This experience should include developing communication strategies, managing multimedia content, and supporting development or humanitarian programs. The candidate should also have a proven track record of coordinating media outreach and visibility efforts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Somali is essential, as the role involves translating and adapting materials into Somali, ensuring contextual relevance and linguistic accuracy. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must meet medical and security clearance requirements for appointment. The position is based in Mogadishu, Somalia, and may involve working closely with various stakeholders in the region. The FAO emphasizes the importance of higher educational qualifications obtained from recognized institutions, and candidates are encouraged to refer to the World Higher Education Database for verification.