Back Project Communications Assistant

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 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

·    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
·    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)          assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)     position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems   transformation; and 
(v)           ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The position is located in Mandaluyong, Philippines (with field missions to Catanduanes, Northern Samar, and Cagayan).

Reporting Lines

The Project Communications Assistant will report to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

The Project Communications Assistant will provide technical and logistical support in documenting, producing, and disseminating information and communication materials that highlight the project’s results, good practices, and human-interest stories. The role aims to enhance visibility of FAO’s Anticipatory Action initiatives and strengthen coordination with partners and stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

·    Draft and edit communication materials such as news articles, social media posts, human-interest stories, and photo captions.
·    Support the preparation of visibility materials (brochures, posters, infographics, etc.) aligned with FAO and UN branding guidelines.
·    Assist in documenting key project milestones, events, and field activities through photo and video coverage.
·    Contribute to developing content for donor visibility and progress reports.
·    Support coordination with local media and communication focal points from government and UN partners.
·    Track media coverage and online engagement related to the Anticipatory Action initiative.
·    Assist in preparing press releases, talking points, and event briefs.
·    Assist in coordinating with relevant government agencies, local government units, and project partners to ensure smooth implementation of assigned tasks.
·    Conduct field visits and missions to document project activities, including trainings, events and launches, etc.
·    Maintain an organized repository of communication assets (photos, videos, stories).
·    Contribute to the compilation of lessons learned and good practices in communication for anticipatory action and disaster preparedness.
·    Submit an end-of-assignment report including key achievements, lessons learnt and recommendations.
·    Carry out other related duties as required to support the successful delivery of the project’s communication objectives.

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, journalism, development studies, or related field.
·    At least 4 years of relevant experience in communication, documentation, or media work, preferably within development, humanitarian, or UN projects.
·    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English 
·    A national of the Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

·    Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams
·    Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog
·    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
·    Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills in English and Filipino.
·    Proficiency in photography, videography, and basic graphic design considered an advantage.
·    Familiarity with FAO or UN communication standards and visibility guidelines is desirable.
·    Willingness to travel to project sites as required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION