Communication Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the
FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems,
for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all
and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countriesand the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO India is implementing the Pandemic Fund-supported project titled “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.”

The project aims to reduce the health, social, and economic impacts of pandemics by strengthening India’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks. It focuses on enhancing human resource development across the animal health, poultry, and fisheries sectors, while building national capacities for systematic surveillance of zoonotic diseases. Key areas of support include capacity development in: Zoonotic diseases surveillance and management, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Antimicrobial Use (AMU), Epidemiology and outbreak investigation, Laboratory management systems and diagnostics, Disease forewarning and forecasting models.

The project directly contributes to the Pandemic Fund’s priority areas by strengthening: 1. Collaborative Surveillance and Early Warning Systems 2. Laboratory Systems and 3. Workforce Development.

Through these interventions, the project seeks to enhance India's preparedness and resilience against emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats, thereby contributing to national and global health security.

This position will be based in New Delhi FAO India, office.

Reporting Lines

Under the Overall supervision of the FAO Representative in India, Assistant FAO Representatives, technical guidance from RAP and day to day guidance of the Animal health and Emergency programme Coordinator and country Communication Head, will undertake the following duties.

Technical Focus

The assignment will focus on development of print, digital and visual communication.

Tasks and responsibilities:

In close collaboration with the Regional Office of Asia and the pacific (RAP) and appropriate Communication focal points in RAP and FAO India country office, the incumbent will:

• Develop and maintain communication materials for FAO projects, ensuring brand consistency and visibility.
• Design and produce visibility materials for the Pandemic Fund and other One Health projects, including digital and print content.
• Support content development by drafting, editing, and reviewing reports, case studies, op-eds and policy papers.
• Coordinate with government counterparts and the World bank and ADB in the development of communication products, visibility materials, knowledge products, and advocacy events.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing among project states and stakeholders through government portals, events, and multimedia materials.
• Coordinate with FAO RAP/HQ for clearance of all communication products including videos and in getting Publishing Workflow System (PWS) and Office of Corporate Communication (OCC) clearances.
• Ensure all communication outputs comply with FAO’s corporate policies, guidelines, and FAOSTYLE standards.
• Manage the approval process for communication products, including logo and copyright coordination.
• Develop and promote project-specific updates on FAO India’s website and social media platforms.
• Collaborate on video production, motion graphics, and design coordination with external agencies as needed.
• Support project communication, knowledge management, and documentation of case studies, success stories, and field-level learning emerging from project implementation.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders for organization of workshops and training programmes, including drafting and sending invitations, managing communications, and conducting timely follow-ups to ensure effective participation and coordination.
• Support the FAO India communication team in undertaking communication tasks, organizing events, and stakeholder engagement, as and when required.
• Undertaking tasks assigned by FAOR/AFAOR/Project Manager/Communications Head.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
• FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
• FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
• Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
• FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
• FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
• FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
• Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Social Science, Journalism, communications, public relations or related fields.
• At least five years of relevant experience in interdisciplinary research and in developing media and communication material, especially relevant for web publishing, information management and hypermedia applications in relevant development sector with responsibilities as described above.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of India

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in preparing press releases, op-eds, news articles, interviews and advocacy messages for relevant media houses and outlets, including publishing, newspaper, online news, radio and television mediums.
• Excellent communication, reporting and presentation skills in English (both written and spoken).
• Experience in Web content management, Photoshop software and tools related to web and desktop publishing.
• Experience with photography and photo editing; and knowledge of photo editing software is an advantage.
• Experience and skill in managing social media accounts, will be an asset.
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal direct supervision and to coordinate and supervise the communication and information outputs of the State Project Offices.
• Ability to produce high quality reports and publications.
• Ability to handle stress and meet deadlines.
• Experience of working with UN agencies and familiarity with UN rules and regulations is an asset.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.