The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
FAO Liberia is implementing a joint program on Community Forestry Management in two of Liberia’s priority landscapes. With funding from the Embassy of Sweden, and under an UN-to-UN arrangement with UNDP, through the Multi Partner Trust Fund (MPTF). FAO will implement the program working with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and other relevant government institutions, international and national non-governmental organizations, as well as development institutions working towards sustainable natural resource management, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation.
The UN Joint Project, entitled “Community-Based Forestry and Protected Area Management: Boosting Biodiversity Conservation and Improving Livelihoods of Forest-Fringe/Forest-Dependent Communities and Groups in Liberia” seeks to strengthen management of community forests and protected areas in Liberia through improved governance of community forest management bodies, capacity building of forest regulatory institutions, empowerment of national CSOs/NGOs and Forest and Farm Producer Organizations, integrated natural resources management and the promotion of sustainable livelihood incentives for forest fringe communities.
The Joint Programme, building on the experiences of each organization, will work across the following four components:
Component 1: Enabling policy, governance framework and institutional capacity for CFM
Component 2: Promote effective community-based management of PAs and INRM in the target landscapes
Component 3: Create and strengthen resilient, low-emission land management, equitable, non-timber forest product smallholder value chains through sustainable business development of forest and farm producers, and their organizations (e.g., cooperatives)
Component 4: Knowledge management, communication and awareness, gender mainstreaming, and monitoring & evaluation
Under Outcome 4.1, the project will facilitate the establishment and strengthening of a knowledge management system to support gender-balanced community forest management and co-management of PAs by communities. This will include the generation and dissemination of communication products, resources, and contents of the project. As such, the above outcome will be achieved through three (3) outputs, with each having different focus. Output 4.1.1 will facilitate the generation of products based on lesson-learned and best practices, using online repository and community-friendly platforms. These resource materials will be shared and maintained through collaboration with stakeholders. A second Output (4.1.2) will support the dissemination of knowledge content and material through various user-friendly, multimedia outlets. Simultaneously, monitoring, evaluation and learning tools that are gender-mainstreamed and participatory will be used, under Output 4.1.3, to support the development and dissemination of knowledge management products for all outputs.
Given the target outputs of component 4, and Activity 4.1.2.1 which will Dissemination of project results through a communication plan and related mix of user-friendly multi-media outputs and contents produced (social media, advocacy material, video documentary etc); this consultancy seeks a Communication Specialist to develop Communication and Visibility Plan, and content for dissemination. This will include the mapping of the project various stakeholders and their information needs, and the appropriate types/forms for disseminating information.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Liberia and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, and in full collaboration with the CbFM Project team, the Specialist will undertake the tasks outlined below, and backstop the Office’s Fulltime Communications staff
Technical Focus
Develop a communication and Visibility Plan, undertake training and ensure content dissemination.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Develop a detailed Strategy for undertaking the consultancy featuring methodology, list of all activities and timeline for carrying them out, resources needed, and expected results.
Conduct Stakeholders mapping and analysis including information needs for each target group of stakeholders including the local farmers, private sector, local and national government, and development partners and intergovernmental agencies.
Develop a list of communication activities, appropriate tools and channels for dissemination, and indicative schedule.
Develop a communication plan with a focus on advocacy activities with relevant messages and information for each target group of stakeholders.
Present draft communication and visibility Strategy and plan for validation and incorporate feedback into final report.
Ensure that communication strategies, plans, and activities are synced with those of FAO Liberia’s overall programme
Train communication staff on technical areas including videography and other tools critical for effective development communications
Prepare and submit final report inclusive of methodology, communication activities, tools, and channels, required resources, schedule and recommendations, etc.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree in Communications related field, preferably with a specialization in Multimedia, Journalism, Development Communications, Media and International Development/or previous consulting experience on advocacy and mass communication contents development.
At least 5 years of professional experience in the Communication field, particularly in developing communication and visibility strategy and plan, conducting stakeholders mapping and analysis, developing communication contents and messages,
Working knowledge of English.
National of Liberia or a resident in the country with a valid work permit.
Technical/Functional Skills
Experience designing website, newsletter, and working with different social media platforms including twitter, Facebook, among others.
Understand gender and community engagement approaches.
Proven ability to build good relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and local communities, and conduct fieldwork.
Previous experience working on international donor projects is highly preferred.
Proven ability in drafting clearly and precisely in English.
Work experience in Liberia.
Previous experience working on international donor projects is highly preferred.
Working knowledge of MS office and relevant IT tools and software.
Excellent communication, networking, written and presentation skills.
Familiar with United Nations System and/or FAO’s programming mechanisms.
