National Communications Specialist

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Position Title: National Communications Specialist
Location: Tirana
Country: Albania
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency 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's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works collaboratively with various partners, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement programs and initiatives that promote sustainable development in agriculture and rural areas.

Job Overview:
The National Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility of the Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART) project in Albania. This position is part of a collaborative effort between FAO, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to support the sustainable digital transformation of Albania’s agriculture and rural areas. The specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that effectively promote digital agriculture initiatives, engage stakeholders, and raise awareness about the benefits of digital tools and services in the agricultural sector. The role requires close collaboration with various teams within FAO and external partners to ensure that communication efforts align with organizational goals and donor requirements. The specialist will also be tasked with creating compelling content for various platforms, managing social media channels, and executing the DART Communication Strategy to reach diverse audiences, including policymakers, farmers, and vulnerable groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Communications Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Digital Content & Social Media Management: Collating information and creating digital assets such as articles, photos, videos, and infographics that align with FAO's key messages and standards. Overseeing thematic, regional, and country social media channels, coordinating content creation, and ensuring effective dissemination of digital content.
• Media and Public Relations: Collaborating with the REU communications team to address media queries, facilitate journalist visits, and execute the DART Communication Strategy. Maintaining an up-to-date media contact database and providing weekly coverage reports.
• Content Development and Branding: Developing and distributing news releases, web stories, and media advisories that align with DART’s objectives. Showcasing success stories and promoting best practices in digital agriculture.
• Event Support and Outreach: Supporting the organization of events that enhance visibility and stakeholder engagement. Assisting during media interactions to ensure consistent messaging.
• Coordination, Monitoring, and Compliance: Ensuring all communications adhere to FAO guidelines and assessing media coverage and public perception of FAO’s role in digital agriculture.
• Additional Duties: Adapting communication strategies based on feedback and ensuring donor visibility requirements are met consistently across all outputs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (MA) in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. A minimum of 5 years of national or international experience in developing integrated communication strategies, managing media relations, and producing compelling content is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and Albanian, and must be nationals of Albania or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (MA) in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of communication principles and practices, particularly in the context of international development and agriculture.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, either nationally or internationally. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing and implementing integrated communication strategies, managing media and public relations, and engaging key stakeholders. Experience working with international development agencies, particularly within the UN system, is considered an asset. Familiarity with agriculture and economic development dynamics in Albania is essential for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Albanian is mandatory for this position. Candidates must demonstrate excellent written and spoken communication skills in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a National Personal Service Agreement (PSA.NAT) contract for an initial duration of 138 days, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. A mandatory break from duty of at least 30 consecutive days is required within any twelve-month period. The role is specifically open to individuals holding Albanian citizenship or residents with a regular work permit.