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 main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist government 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.
The Public-Social-Private Partnerships for Ecologically-Sound Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood (PEARL) project," in Northern Tonle Sap Basin (NTSB) aims to enhance the climate change resilience of smallholder farmers and local communities in the NTSB by increasing their access to growing premium market segments while using their improved market access to incentivize their transition to climate-resilient practices, mainly through effective public-social-private partnerships.
The National Communications Specialist reports directly to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) through the Senior Project Officer, and the technical oversight of lead technical officer in the FAO regional office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP). Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Cambodia, and in close collaboration with international consultants and national specialists, governmental counterparts, and other technical specialists, the incumbent will perform the tasks listed below.
Lead and support the production of communication items including drafting reports, success stories, impacts, development of communication strategy and action plan, and promote advocacy material to reach out to the masses in Cambodia while communicating and coordinating interventions with other FAO projects and technical units.
Tasks and responsibilities:
The Communications Specialist will work for the PEARL project and assists with preparation of communication, reporting and learning material. Moreover, the incumbent will be expected to contribute the country office’s projects and initiatives:
Assist with the development and implementation of the project’s overall communication and visibility strategy;
Oversee and maintain close, regular and timely coordination between FAO and other stakeholders;
Engage with technical leads of the PEARL project to develop ways to implement joint information campaigns;
Provide expert advice on strategic communication, written communication, and best practices to internal and external partners;
Assist in the capacity-building initiatives to raise the level of efficiency of relevant Government institutions/line departments and the project’s provincial communication focal points;
Work with the project staff responsible for the various project outputs to communicate information about the project and its accomplishments to relevant stakeholders and the Cambodian general public;
Work with the relevant project staff, government institutions, and the resource partner, to produce communication materials and ensure those materials are distributed to the communities, target beneficiaries, government authorities, and other stakeholders so that they are aware and understand the project, its major results and lessons learned;
Under the guidance of the CTA, identify subjects and project results that are appropriate for advocacy work, and follow-up through the appropriate means of communication;
Be responsible for ensuring visibility of the project on FAO websites and online platforms, including the FAO Cambodia website, through contributions of up-to-date project information and results.
Work with the relevant project(s) staff and government line departments to identify and publicize good practices and lessons learned concerning project activities;
Participate in the Technical Working groups (TWGs) and support line departments in the facilitation of workshops and meetings as required;
Work closely with the project gender mainstreaming team to assist the government and relevant stakeholders to promote gender equality and raise awareness of indigenous people and youth and child labour issues through suitable channels and fora;
Support project staff and the relevant government institutions in monitoring and evaluation activities including the establishment of baselines, progress reporting and work planning in the context of Communication;
Ensure the project’s knowledge products are preserved, especially those that are not time-sensitive. Arrangements are to be made with the government-responsible department(s) and with the FAO Representation in Cambodia to identify mechanisms for knowledge storage and dissemination.
Liaise 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.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements:
Advance degree in communications, media relations, social studies or other relevant fields
At least five years of relevant experience in communications and publication
Working knowledge of English and Khmer
National of Cambodia
Technical/Functional Skills:
Systemic and analytical capacity on issues related to corporate communication and the communication for development approaches, methodologies and an understanding of the communication concept especially in the context of food security and nutrition, agri-food system transformation; • Extent and relevance of experience in communication services for prominent organizations, including media relations, online communication and social networks;
Experience with communication and reporting requirements of an international organization such as UN or other international entities;
Demonstrated communication (spoken, written, public speaking and presentational) skills, including the ability to convey messages concisely.
Extent and relevance of experience in the production of complex technical content for external audiences, especially in areas relevant to FAO’s mandate;
Proficient in relevant computer applications such as word processing tools, spreadsheets and desktop publishing software (MS Office Word, Excel etc.);
Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure and deliver assignments on time; and • Leading, engaging, empowering and an excellent team player.
