Communications 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 supports the Government of Jamaica through its FAO Jamaica Country Office (FAOJM) in advancing climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, with a particular focus on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable rural communities and smallholder farmers to climate change and climate-related shocks.

Following the approval of the Funding Proposal (FP299) by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO together with Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) will implement the project “ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing climate change resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica” in response to a request from the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change (MWECC), acting as National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF. Implementation will be carried out in partnership with national institutions, and in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and applicable donor requirements.

The project is organized around four interrelated components:
1. Building capacity in climate-resilient agricultural production and post-harvest systems,
2. Accelerating climate adaptation of vulnerable smallholder farmers,
3. strengthening climate information services and early warning systems for agriculture, and
4. mobilizing finance, policy and business support for agricultural resilience.

Reporting Lines

The Communications Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Technical Officer designated as Project Manager, and under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Jamaica, with day-to-day supervision and technical guidance from the FAO Jamaica communications focal point, and in close collaboration with the other members of the project team, the staff in FAO SLC, FAO RLC and FAO HQ (OCC) (as applicable).

Technical Focus

The Communications Specialist will support the implementation of the ADAPT Jamaica project by leading the design, implementation, review and updating of the project’s outreach and communication strategy. The role focuses on enhancing the visibility of project activities, results and lessons learned through the creation of high-quality communication products, including digital and print materials, social media content, press materials and multimedia outputs. The Specialist will ensure that all communication activities align with FAO and Green Climate Fund (GCF) standards, promote climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, and effectively disseminate project results to beneficiaries, partners, donors, and national, regional and international audiences.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:

• Design, implement, review, and update the outreach and communication strategy for the ADAPT Jamaica Project, as required.
• Conduct stakeholder analysis and develop key messages and targeted outreach products in line with the overall objectives of the project.
• Create and edit public communication content for various audiences, including donors and partners, ensuring adaptation to different audiences and institutional needs.
• Draft web notes, press articles, posts for social media, and bulletins on project events and milestones.
• Document, write and ensure the periodic dissemination of strategic project information such as success stories, case studies, and outreach materials.
• Design communication tools with emphasis on digital platforms (ICTs) to share stories, actions, and project progress.
• Coordinate communication processes with the Project Coordinator and relevant stakeholders to ensure communication initiatives not only disseminate information about project activities but also contribute to knowledge sharing and promote behavioral changes that enhance climate resilience in Jamaica’s agriculture sector.
• Supervise the production of outreach materials (written, graphic, audiovisual), ensuring quality and alignment with FAO standards.
• Support the organization and media coverage of national and regional project events and relevant connected fora of partners.
• Maintain a database of all communication products generated.
• Strengthen the capacity of communication focal points and provide support to the project team for implementation at local level.
• Facilitate the sharing of results with beneficiaries and civil society organizations using accessible and inclusive materials.
• Provide communication-related reports upon request from the Project Coordinator.
• Develop a final multimedia package (videos, web stories, infographics) summarizing project results at closure.
• Assist the FAO Jamaica Office in coordinating events and communication products related to the ADAPT Jamaica Project and related initiatives.
• Attend meetings and coordination activities with government counterparts, implementing partners and project stakeholders, as required.
• Ensure the visibility of FAO’s role in the project across all communication materials developed for the project.
• Monitor the outcomes of media outreach, providing reports on media appearances pertaining to project results or activities.
• Manage social media content in line with FAO guidelines and coordinate with OCC and Regional Communication Officers (RCO) for clearance.
• For videos intended for use on social media channels, liaise with RCO and OCC to review scripts, formats and final clearances.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

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
• University degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in communication, generating content in different formats for different audiences and in scientific, technical or environmental dissemination.
• Working knowledge of English (spoken and written)
• National of Jamaica

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience and equipment proficiency in video, photography, and audio
• Experience in using Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel
• Proficiency in using graphic design tools such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
• Proficiency in using different audio, video, and photography formats

Desirable qualifications and skills

• Experience in communication for development, and in the coordination and implementation of projects with international cooperation.
• Experience working in the United Nations System and/or other international initiatives.
• Experience in agriculture, climate resilience, environmental communication, or rural development projects would be an asset.

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.