Communications Assistant

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Uganda (FRUGA) is currently implementing a project titled Forest Management and Sustainable Charcoal Value Chain in Uganda. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and the District Local Governments (DLGs) in districts of northern, central, West Nile and mid-west regions of Uganda, where the project is implemented. This collaboration aims to address negative environmental, social and economic impacts of charcoal production by promoting sustainable charcoal production practices, such as establishment of woodlots and use of more efficient charcoal production kilns, while at the same time promoting cleaner energy alternatives. The project will also support restoration of degraded private lands and enhance institutional and policy framework to streamline charcoal value chain

Reporting lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative, the Communications Assistant will report to the Project Coordinator and the Communications Officer (2nd level supervisor).

Technical Focus

The Communications assistant will mainly support internal and stakeholder communication to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of the project and overall work of FAO by preforming the following tasks and responsibilities:

Tasks and responsibilities

• Coordinate preparation and implementation of communication campaigns and activities in relation with the Forest Management and Sustainable Charcoal Value Chain project communication strategy;
• Collaborate in identification, preparation and dissemination of written or visual content and materials in relation to project activities, including success stories, documents, brochures, news articles, press releases, talking points, briefing notes, key messages, newsletters, opinion pieces and other communication outputs, ensuring consistency, accuracy and meeting the needs of target audiences.
• Draft content in connection with the project and the FAO Representation in Uganda, ensuring that text is accessible, dignified, informative and interesting and paying attention to accuracy, tone and house style and in line with FAO style, corporate branding, European Union and other relevant guidelines;
• Take part in planning and coordination of media outreach for upcoming events of the project and the FAO Representation in Uganda.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of communication efforts through regular reports, update and maintenance of relevant databases (photo, video, news archives, media, etc.).
• Support strengthening of FAO media relations and visibility by maintaining effective working relationships with journalists, including national and international media
• Promote a corporate image of FAO as an open / accessible, multidisciplinary institution with rapid response and action. This includes supporting technical staff and the FAO Representative in the preparation of presentations, interviews, programmes and FAO documents especially as they relate to the FAO/SPGS III project.
• Contribute to content development for website and social media for FAO Representation in Uganda, ensuring regular inclusion of project updates
• Participate in meetings and/or trainings scheduled and conducted by FAO and/or donors that support communication in the Organization.
• Support the Communications Officer as and when requested.
• Perform any other duties as assigned
All social media assets should be produced must comply with FAO standards, including:
Social Media Branding guidelines: https://www.fao.org/3/cb5044en/cb5044en.pdf
FAOSTYLE (English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf;
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm;
FAO names of countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en;
UN map standards (available to staff);
FAO Brand and policy book (available to staff)
For videos intended for social media, liaise with OCCI to clear the scripts prior to editing. The social media videos should follow the branding guidelines outlined here: https://www.fao.org/3/cb5044en/cb5044en.pdf
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, or equivalent;
• At least five years of relevant experience in corporate communications, public relations;
• At least 3 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.
• A National of Uganda.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent communication, networking, written and presentation skills
• Experience managing website, newsletter, and working with different social media platforms including twitter, Facebook, among others.
• Proven ability to build good relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and local communities, and conduct fieldwork.
• Proven ability in drafting clearly and precisely in English
• Proven ability to work independently under minimum supervision
• Demonstrated capacity to anticipate workload, to make judgement and take initiative to carry out strategic activities
• Understand gender and community engagement approaches.
• Working knowledge of MS office and relevant IT tools and software such as Adobe cloud suite
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Excel and internet research skills are desirable
• Previous experience working on international donor projects is highly preferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION