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- 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
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat
hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to
lead active, healthy lives.
The FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan supports the Government of Kazakhstan in advancing
national priorities related to food security, agriculture, and rural development priorities in close collaboration with the Government of
Kazakhstan and other national stakeholders. The FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) is one of the main instruments
of this cooperation, strengthening national capacities and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
Reporting Lines
The Communications Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Kazakhstan and in close collaboration and guidance of the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership team in the country office and the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, with technical guidance from the lead technical officer and the regional communications leads.
Technical Focus
In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the Communications Specialist will support the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) by leading the design, implementation, review and updating of the project’s outreach and communication strategy. The role focuses on enhancing the visibility of project activities, results and lessons learned through the creation of high-quality communication products, including digital and print materials, social media content, press materials and multimedia outputs. The Specialist will ensure that all communication activities align with FAO standards, promote climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, and effectively disseminate project results to beneficiaries, partners, donors, and national, regional and international audiences.
Tasks and responsibilities
In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:
• General communication
• Jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, develop and implement the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) Communication and Visibility Strategy and Action Plan with clear targets, priority channels, and timelines to ensure coherent Programme level and project level visibility; ensure effective and timely development and execution of communication and visibility plans for each FKPP‑funded project.
• Provide guidance for visibility activities of FKPP projects (UTF/KAZ/006/KAZ, UTF/KAZ/010/KAZ, UTF/KAZ/011/KAZ, UTF/KAZ/012/KAZ). In this regard, Provide guidance and support to the FAO Country Office, FKPP project teams, and national partners in implementing project‑specific visibility activities and developing project‑level communication materials, as required.
• Ensure alignment of project‑specific communication outputs with FKPP‑level messaging, branding, and visibility standards.
• Coordinate and support the development of printed communication and advocacy materials on FKPP as a whole, including brochures, factsheets, newsletters, and similar products, in line with the project document and emerging needs, as well as corporate requirements;
• Coordinate and support the production of promotional and thematic videos for FKPP including of development all required ToRs, in line with FAO guidelines and standards.
• Coordinate and support the development of visibility and promotional materials such as banners, caps, T‑shirts, posters, bags, notebooks, and similar items, including development of all required ToRs.
• Update FAO web page related to the FKPP.
• Provide advisory support to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan on improving the Ministry’s FKPP‑related web page.
• Ensure timely dissemination of project information to relevant media outlets in Kazakhstan through press releases, press briefings, and press conferences.
• Organize press conferences, media coverage of field missions, interviews, podcasts, and other media engagement opportunities.
• Monitor and document media coverage and published information on a weekly basis.
• Monitor the implementation of visibility and communication activities related to FKPP and FKPP‑funded projects; review workplans and progress reports for clarity and consistency.
• Facilitate cooperation between FKPP and national institutions, universities, NGOs, and regional partners to enhance visibility and outreach.
• Support communication and visibility activities with government partners, as needed.
• Ensure that FKPP visibility materials reflect national ownership, government contributions, and partnership results.
• Provide guidance and support for FAO communication activities in Kazakhstan, including oversight of the publication process of FAO reports in Kazakhstan.
• Support the preparation of speeches and talking points for FAO Representative and for the FAO Programme Officer/Team Leader in Kazakhstan.
• Support the promotion of partnerships between FAO in Kazakhstan and relevant stakeholders, including government institutions and NGOs;
Perform any other related duties as required.
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, public relations, international relations, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience in communications, project coordination, media relations, or visibility of development programmes.
• Working knowledge of English and Russian, fluency in Kazakh.
• Citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Selection Criteria:
• Demonstrated experience in managing communication and visibility for multi‑project programmes (preferably in agriculture, rural development, environment, or climate change).
• Strong skills in communication planning, content development, media relations, and digital communications.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- 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 additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
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
• 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/.These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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
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