VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

FAO is a member of the United Nations and does not charge any fees or require personal banking details at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training or any other fees).

National Communications Officer
Personal Services Agreement Contract
Job Grade: SB3
Six months (with possibility of renewal)
Duty Station: Harare

Duties and Responsibilities
Working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Zimbabwe (FAOR), and the direct supervision of the Subregional Communications Officer, the incumbent shall, in regular consultation and coordination with the Regional Communications Officer deliver the FAO Zimbabwe communication strategy, ensuring coherence with FAO's corporate communication policy and operational guidelines developed by the Office of Corporate Communications. The major tasks will include:

 - Research and draft media and advocacy materials;

 - Create/prepare documents for publications in journals, position papers, opinion articles, speeches and talking points;

 - Collect, synthesize and package information; including production, editing of human-interest stories, press releases, web stories and lead in the production of communication products, including a quarterly newsletter;

 - Edit texts of a specialized or technical nature in order to ensure accuracy, clarity, cohesion and conformity with FAO house-style English, policy and practice;

 - In collaboration with The Palladium and Coffey, lead the communication activities of the Livelihood Food Security Programme – Agricultural Productivity and Nutrition Component (LFSP - APN);

 - Develop and coordinate production of multimedia products (video and radio) in liaison with the Office of Corporate Communication;

 - Cultivate relations with the media, organise and facilitate media coverage for events, guide media engagement for the country programme team, project staff and stakeholders to achieve country programme objectives;

 - Represent FAO in the UN Communication Group and ensuring that FAO areas of programmatic focus are reflected;

 - Liaise with several communication service providers for production of material including; visibility materials, publications, photography, audio-visual production, editors, etc.;

 - Monitor and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses;

  - Lead Country communications campaigns, especially for World Food Day, project and product launches;

  - Develop a social media strategy for FAO Zimbabwe and manage the Office's social media presence in conformity with the corporate guidelines;

  - Provide advice to managers and senior officers on the strategic use of social media to strengthen FAOs Agriculture and Food Security leadership and advocacy role;

 - Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies and Requirements:
 - University degree in journalism, communications or related field;
 - A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Public Information/ Communication, in the area of agriculture or related field;

 - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for various audiences. Knowledge of another UN official language will be an asset;
 - Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively;
 - Experience in drafting/editing a variety of humanitarian and development public information products;
 - Ability to work efficiently in a team while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Closing date for applications is Friday 3 June 2016. Applications received after the closing date will be disregarded.

FAO is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are encouraged to apply.
Expressions of interest and CVs clearly marked "National Communications Officer" should be submitted to:

The FAO Recruitment Office
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Block 1 Tendeseka Office Park
Cnr Samora Machel Avenue/Renfrew Rd
Eastlea
P O Box 3730
Harare
Zimbabwe
Or by email to: SFS-ZW-Recruitment@fao.org