Project Communication Specialist

job Description

Organizational Setting:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been represented in Zimbabwe since 1984, with its office located in Harare. This office houses both the Country Office (FAOZW) and the Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SFS), which serves as a technical hub established in 2006.

The primary function of the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is to identify, plan, and implement priority activities in alignment with the needs of the Government of Zimbabwe, as outlined in the Country Programme Framework. These activities also align with the strategic objectives of the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF).

The Subregional Office for Southern Africa covers 15 member countries within the subregion and adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to agriculture programs based on FAO’s strategic objectives. It plays a key role in identifying and implementing priority actions that address subregional challenges in food security, nutrition, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. The office also works closely with Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs) and numerous development partners within the subregion, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination.

Reporting Lines:
The Project communication specialist reports to the Programme Officer in charge of Partnership who is also in charge of the Technical Coordination Unit for Communication, Advocacy, Partnership, Resource Mobilization, and Monitoring and Evaluation (CAPRM).

Technical Focus:
Support to the implementation of the dedicated project activities mainly for Communication plan and implementation, Content Development including reports, documents, videos, audios, photos, media support and other relevant products; Stakeholder Engagement, Media Relations, Event Communication, Knowledge Management and Sharing, Reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities

In close collaboration with the SFS Communication focal points, the incumbent will:
•Develop and implement communication plans, coordinate communication for key milestones, ensure approvals and acknowledge partners/funders, follow branding guidelines, and participate in FAO global/regional activities.
•Create content aligned with FAO standards, research and provide accurate information, manage social media channels, develop and distribute content (press releases, posts, reports), produce multimedia (photos, videos, infographics), focus on success stories, ensure accessibility and inclusivity, translate content when needed, encourage partner updates, and coordinate content clearance.
•Notify stakeholders about events, engage media for project promotion, manage event communication, and create promotional materials for events.
•Ensure communication outputs meet guidelines, measure impact, monitor media and social media, and report on communication outcomes.
•Promote best communication practices.
•Perform any other related tasks as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Requirements
•Advanced University Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Social Sciences, or a related field.
•At least five years of relevant professional experience in communication, marketing, knowledge management, or related fields.
•English Proficiency (Level C), working knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.

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

Technical Competencies:
•Strong writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling, and professional content.
•Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in communication tools, multimedia production software, and digital platforms.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.