Organizational Setting
The Government of Suriname is undertaking its readiness activities for accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) resources for addressing climate change. In February 2022, the Government of Suriname was awarded the grant SUR-RS-003 “Strengthening of climate change finance planning processes to enable implementation, monitoring and reporting of climate actions in Suriname”, with FAO as the Delivery Partner. The project focuses on strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment (OGM) of the Government of Suriname and other key stakeholders to incorporate climate change actions in national plans and strategies, in particular to close data gaps and strengthening capacities of institutions to be able to access climate finance. This GCF readiness project has a strong component on climate funding from Suriname’s forests (Climate and Forests) and will support Suriname to access relevant climate finance that aligns to its REDD strategy. The project is implemented in close collaboration with the Forestry Service SBB and a range of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
Reporting Lines
The National Knowledge Management Specialist will report to the FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO). The National Knowledge Management Specialist will receive guidance from and work closely with the project’s National Gender and Communication Specialist to ensure the alignment of communication products with project objectives.
Technical Focus
The technical focus of this role is the conceptualization and production of high-quality, practical, and accessible knowledge management products (e.g., videos, posters, brochures) for the GCF-funded project, “Strengthening of climate change finance planning processes to enable implementation, monitoring and reporting of climate actions in Suriname”.
The specialist will support the project's strategic communication plan by translating complex topics, such as climate finance and REDD , into engaging materials. These products must be tailored for diverse stakeholders including women, youth, and rural and Indigenous communities to ensure broad engagement and understanding.
Tasks and responsibilities
In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
• Develop knowledge management or communication products, such as videos, posters, reports, brochures, and scripts, based on the recommendations from the project's communication plan.
• Ensure that communication materials produced are tailored to specific groups (women, tribal groups, youth and others) and are available in appropriate languages, including Dutch and potentially other local languages used in Suriname.
• Contribute to increasing awareness and access to knowledge about climate change action and climate finance among stakeholders through the developed products.
• Support the organization and implementation of national outreach and awareness-raising activities by providing the necessary communication materials.
• Work in close collaboration with the National Gender and Communication Specialist to ensure products align with the strategic plan.
• The specialist is required to ensure the visibility of FAO's role in the project across all communication materials they develop.
• The specialist is required to monitor the outcomes of media outreach, providing reports to the country office´s Communicator on media appearances pertaining to project results or activities.
• The specialist shall provide support to the country office when required, in coordination with their supervisors.
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 Communications, Media Production, Graphic Design, Journalism, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience in producing a variety of communication and knowledge management products (e.g., videos, brochures, social media content). A portfolio will be required.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Dutch.
• National of Suriname
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location/area of work is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in developing knowledge products (e.g., videos, graphic design, reports) for diverse audiences, particularly rural and Indigenous communities.
• High-level proficiency in content creation software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, video editing software).
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific or policy information into simple, accessible, and engaging content.
• Excellent teamwork skills and experience working effectively in multi-stakeholder projects.
Selection Criteria
• Knowledge of climate change, climate finance, and/or sustainable natural resource management, preferably within the Surinamese context.
• Familiarity with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) architecture and/or the REDD mechanism is considered a strong asset.
• Prior experience working on projects with international organizations (e.g., UN, development banks) is desirable.