Communications Officer | NOA | Manila, Philippines (Filipino nationals only)

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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.  We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. 

The World Food Programme’s engagement in the Philippines is constantly evolving. Initially commencing operations in the 1960s, WFP officially re-established its presence in 2006 to support the peace process in Mindanao, to provide life-saving food assistance in emergencies and to develop programmes that seek to improve nutrition and the overall quality of life of vulnerable people.  

Since 1 July 2018, WFP has been implementing a five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP 2018-2023) to support the Government of the Philippines to address food insecurity, reduce malnutrition and build the resilience of vulnerable populations.  In its strategic plan, WFP identified four outcomes and five main activities:

•    Strategic outcome 1: Crisis-affected people in the Philippines are able to meet their food and nutrition needs during and immediately after an emergency.
•    Strategic outcome 2: Women, boys and girls in provinces prioritized by the Government have adequate and healthy diets to reduce malnutrition by 2022 in line with government targets.
•    Strategic outcome 3: Vulnerable communities in Mindanao have improved food security and nutrition by 2022 in line with government targets.
•    Strategic outcome 4: National and local government agencies have enhanced capabilities to reduce vulnerability to shocks by 2022.

VA DETAILS

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Communications Officer will perform his/her duties under the direct supervision of the Head of Communications, Partnerships, and Reports, with functional supervision of the Regional Communications Officer to ensure that the CO Communications activities serve WFP needs in the country of assignment, taking into consideration the regional communications plan and WFP’s corporate communications goal. 

JOB PURPOSE

The Communications Officer will develop and implement a communication plan designed to enhance the visibility and reputation of WFP Philippines as the organization that saves lives in emergencies and uses food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive nor exhaustive)

Within the assigned unit and delegated authority, the Communications Officer  will be responsible for the following duties:   

• Develop a communications strategy that is aligned with WFP global and regional strategies and the 018-2023 Country Strategic Plan
• Perform specialized communications processes and activities, including but not limited to writing and editing of key communications documents such as news releases, advisories, statements, holding lines, news editorials, video scripts and contents for social media 
• Suggest ideas and provide guidance in the design and production of materials for digital storytelling including but not limited to videos, infographics and audiogram 
• Manage social media accounts and monitor performance of posts, looking out for comments and discussion that could bring reputational risk to WFP 
• In coordination with the Head of Communications, Partnership and Reports Unit, maintain and foster relations with communications officers of donor agencies 
• Provide communications support to donor visits and other donor events including but not limited to arrangement of sites, preparation of briefing materials and organize media coverage when relevant
• In coordination with the Head of Programme and heads of area offices, maintain and foster relations with communications officers of cooperating partners to ensure WFP field visibility branding guidelines implemented in project and/or distribution sites 
• Maintain and foster mainstream media relations by regularly updating the contact list of journalists and media outlets and periodically briefing them on WFP operations, highlighting milestones and accomplishments 
• Support the Country Director by preparing talking points and briefing notes to ensure adequate and timely responses to media and other further external queries 
• Manage the storage and distribution of audio/visual materials in accordance with relevant policies including but not limited to sharing of footage and photos with sister UN agencies, media organizations and cooperating partners 
• Serve as an information focal point and coordinate media coverage of events to optimize publicity of WFP’s activities.
• Provide technical guidance in beneficiaries communications including but not limited to identifying sensitisation activities, drafting of messages and design of information materials where relevant
• Coordinate with the Regional Bureau in updating contents of the country page in a timely manner 
• Monitor traditional and social media, reporting relevant information to senior staff to inform the development and/or evaluation of communications activities and strategies.
• Respond to specialized queries and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing a timely, aligned, and coherent service.
• Develop and coordinate emergency visibility following corporate standards
• Represent WFP at the UN Country Communications Group in the Philippines
• Perform any other related duties as required.
   

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Advanced University degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Development Economics, Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, or other relevant fields, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
• Experience:
  • At least 5 years of professional experience (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years of relevant experience (with a Bachelor’s degree) in managing the implementation of communications plans and relationships with various stakeholders including but not limited to donor agencies, government partners, advocacy and faith-based organizations and other stakeholders
  • 5 years or more of professional experience in communications and/or donor relations/reporting, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development.
  • Experience in managing and building the capacity of staff with related areas of expertise. Ability to lead, coach and motivate junior and/or less experienced staff members.
• Knowledge and Skills:
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to articulate insights to stakeholders, persuade, influence, and adapt communication style to different situations and individuals. 
  • Knowledge of common business principles and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP-specific processes and systems. Experience in the UN is desirable
  • Proficiency in the use of Adobe software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and InDesign), Canva, Wochit, I-video, and other video and graphics editing programs
• Language: Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Filipino.  Fluency in any other Philippine languages desired. 

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

•    Has gained experience in utilizing specialist communications techniques to enhance functional outputs
•    Has provided direction and instruction to more junior staff members within their area of expertise
 

REMUNERATION PACKAGE

• Approximate monthly based salary:  PHP 99,000++ Min to PHP 132,000++ Max
• Medical coverage that can be extended to eligible dependents

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

The deadline for applications is on Sunday, 29 May 2022, Sunday at 11:59 pm (Manila time). Qualified candidates are required to complete an online candidate profile on UN WFP Careers Website (https://www.wfp.org/careers). Only applications received on this website are considered valid and will be processed and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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All employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.