National Communications and Digital Content 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.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Project brief outline

Within the framework of the country’s effort to support Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) as part of the larger project consortium led by FAO, the Project GCP/GLO/1069/GER-F\: “Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment to achieve the Nationally Determined Contributions” (FACE-NDC) is intended to be implemented from 2023-2027. The objective of the project is to develop a climate education (CE) program for all members of the Zambian society. The project will map institutions and stakeholders, identify country specificities and requirements of vulnerable groups to engage in CE. It will develop and accredit CE curricula for primary and secondary schools, develop supporting materials and train educators to integrate the CE program into existing programs. Specialized courses for university students and professionals will be developed. The capacity of local academic and digital infrastructure will be built for effective implementation. Informal education program will be developed and the capacity of local stakeholders for implementation will be strengthened. It will also be ensured that the results, tools and resources of the project can be “exported”, target groups in Zambia and the region are informed about the project activities and outputs via open communication channels and open-access information platform.

The support is based on the guidelines as provided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF). The current Zambia CPF has five priority areas\:

(1) Increased and Gender Responsive Productivity and Production, and enhanced Research and Development (Crops, Livestock, Capture Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Forestry); (2) Inclusive Agri-business Development, Marketing and Trading; (3) Inclusive Green Growth and Environmental Sustainability; (4) Nutrition and Food Systems enhancement, and Social Protection; (5) Inclusive and Gender Responsive Policy Development and Implementation.
The incumbent’s tasks will mainly contribute to the third priority.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAOR, the consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, leading the PMU, and in collaboration with relevant FAO Zambia personnel, UNESCO and UNITAR Technical Teams.

Technical Focus

• Communications
• Digital innovations
• Behavioral change
• Awareness rising
• Youth engagement
• Capacity building
• Sustainable transitions
• Climate change, biodiversity and environment

Tasks and responsibilities

• In consultation with the project Consortium members, lead the activities for project branding and web development and maintenance (www.facendc.org).
• In close collaboration with OCC branches and focal points, the incumbent will\:
• Identify appropriate digital technology to collect, store, analyze and disseminate climate action information to the intended audience.
• Lead the formulation of a detailed communication strategy, which also includes a knowledge management component.
• Facilitate the linkages with existing information systems (such as ZIAMIS) to improve information and data access and exchange.
• In close collaboration with the National BeSci Consultant, support the contracted on-profit media producer (e.g. university) in developing the video content to support informal and peer-to-peer information exchange and tailored behavioural “nudges”.
• In collaboration with the National BeSci Consultant, develop campaign materials, brochures, posters and other resources with key messages, nudges and guidance for climate change mitigation action.
• In collaboration with the National BeSci Consultant, pre-test communication campaigns in selected project pilot areas and collect behavioral data responses.
• In collaboration with the National BeSci Consultant, support public campaigns on climate action, targeting diverse groups, including marginalized, and physically challenged individuals through tailored multimodal delivery channels (TV, radio, newspapers, mobile phones, public announcements, brochures).
• Support UNITAR in undertake training of journalists and multimedia houses on climate change communications and in particular optimizing messaging on project identified action and impact areas.
• In close collaboration with the National BeSci Consultant, support the development of critical advocacy strategies and messaging.
• Mentor youth, teachers, youth leaders, society organizations to undertake action for climate change mitigation through advocacy campaigns.
• Support UNITAR in identifying role model climate champions/ambassadors and other individuals (especially youth, leaders, teachers, women-chiefs, women climate activists and women professionals).
Perform other related duties as required.
• Liaison with the Office of Communication (OCC) will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:
FAOSTYLE (English\: https\://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf; French\: https\://www.fao.org/3/AC339FR/ac339fr.pdf; Spanish\: https\://www.fao.org/3/ac339s/ac339s.pdf; Arabic\: https\://www.fao.org/3/ac339a/ac339a.pdf; Chinese\: https\://www.fao.org/3/ac339c/ac339c.pdf);
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm;
FAO Names Of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en;
Story guidelines http\://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/UPDATED-Digital-Storytelling-Guide-EN-FINAL.pdf;
Story template http\://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/FAO-Stories-Template-UPDATED.pdf;
UN map standards (available to staff);
FAO Brand and policy book (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

• Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital innovations, or related field.
• At least 7 years proven experience in applied communications within Zambia; preferably within the sectors of education, environment, climate change or agriculture.
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Zambia

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 or area of work.
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset; and familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.
• With strong analytical and report writing skills; experience in undertaking field surveys, including interviews/consultation with multiple stakeholders and with government counterparts. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and focus on results.
• Very good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment
• Extent and relevance of programming experience and knowledge of issues and concepts relating to climate change in general, in a Zambian socio-political context.
• Proven exposure to regional or international organizations.
• Extent and relevance of experience in developing a communications strategy, with particular emphasis on large scale public communications campaigns on challenging topics.
• Proven ability to organize large events for multiple stakeholder groups.
• Good knowledge of community level communications channels such as local radio and brochures in local languages.
• Knowledge of videography, TV production, social media usage and other digital tools.
• Experience with behaviour change sciences will be an added advantage.
• Excellent report writing skills in English.
• Excellent team player.
• Good communication skills, including during interaction with partners and through e-mail and zoom.
• Proactive attitude with ability to synthesize complex themes in a simple manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-cultural and geographically dispersed teams, including through remote work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION