Knowledge Management and Communications Specialist

Port of Spain

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Port of Spain
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Education, Learning and Training
  • Closing Date: 2025-11-10

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT\:

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

  • FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
  • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
  • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
  • FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination  
  • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
  • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.


Organizational Setting

The main objective of FAO country offices, led by an FAO Representative, is to help governments formulate policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and use their environmental/natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The position is located in the FAO Representation based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.


Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname country office, and the technical supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programmes), in close coordination with the Regional Communication Officer of RLC, and other technical project leads.


Technical Focus

Should encompass a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, science communication, with a strong emphasis on developing stakeholder engagement, communication, and knowledge products promoting climate adaptation technologies and sustainable practices. Up to date on the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the successful achievement of the Programme’s goals.


Tasks and responsibilities

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

• Review and update national communication plans for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname in line with the Sub-Regional Strategic Programme for the Caribbean and FAO’s Corporate Communication Strategy.
• Support public communications activities of FAO Representation for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname\: drafting/planning talking points, speeches, photo and video coverage, elaborating press releases and managing its publication in media through press contacts database, management of interviews, elaboration human interest stories and other communication products.
• Maintain an updated and consolidated list of media contacts for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.
• Support the management of FAO subregional social media accounts, provide relevant content for FAO regional and global (if required) webpage.
• Ensure that communication products follow the guidelines of the Regional Office and of the FAO Headquarters in Rome and include key messages FAO promotes globally.
• Monitor FAO’s appearances in the media and report them weekly to the Regional Office and periodically to supervisors.
• Disseminate FAO global and regional communication content to national media adapting the pieces to include national Country information when required. This includes dissemination of FAO flagship publications information and campaigns, as well as foster pro bono alliances with government and private actors to promote World Food Day.
• Act as focal point for FAO publications being prepared in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, in close collaboration with the Officer responsible for publications in the RLC Office.
• Support the FAO technical team with the development of a stakeholder engagement and communication plan.
• Support the office staff assisting in stakeholder engagement activities,
• Support the FAO technical team in conducting stakeholder identification and engagement exercises.
• Develop knowledge products for adaptation technologies.
• Ensure compliance with FAO and Green Climate Fund (GCF) policies, including the Revised Environmental and Social Policy, Gender Policy, Indigenous Peoples Policy, and Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (PSEA) standards.
• Develop training modules
• Facilitate training workshops with key stakeholders.
• Develop workshop report, inclusive of gender disaggregated data and pre- and post-workshop evaluation surveys.
• Assist the FAO technical Unit logistics in the coordination of virtual/hybrid stakeholder consultation with government partners and stakeholders.
• Prepare Consultation reports outlining stakeholder decisions on the selection process for proof of concept production units and climate resilient production units. Make recommendations on selection criteria including women-led and youth-led farms.
• Support the Project Team in the implementation of the stakeholder engagement framework and communication plan.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of project launch events, engagement/communication plans, and training workshops, ensuring gender inclusivity and equal participation.
• Develop knowledge products for adaptation technologies, and investment opportunities.
• Undertake any related activities assigned that will contribute to the success of Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname FAO offices related to communications and knowledge management.
• Maintain permanent contact with the project communicators in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.
• Supervise and coordinate the communication strategy implemented by the project communicator(s) and ensure it complies with the requirements.


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

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communications, information and communications technology, journalism, communications science, information management or related field; Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in awareness raising, stakeholder engagement support, and information dissemination out of which at least two should be related to climate change, environmental management or agriculture.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English.


FAO Core Competencies

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


Technical/Functional Skills

• Basic knowledge in photograph and video production.
• Experience interacting with government counterparts and community-based organizations is mandatory, specifically in an environmental context
• Experience in working in donor funded projects such as Green Climate Fund (GCF) or Global Environment Facility (GEF)
• Experience working in multilateral organizations would be an asset.
• Work experience related to media and social media would be an asset.
• Limited knowledge of Spanish and Dutch would be an asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
  • Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
  • For more information, visit the FAO employment website
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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