Communications Specialist

Organizational Setting

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. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. The current CPF for the period of 2022 - 2025 has four priority areas: (1) One Health (OH); (2) Climate change response, environment and natural resources management; (3) Food safety, sustainable production and consumption, and equitable livelihoods for all; and (4) Governance, Gender and PWDs.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  
The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Hanoi, Viet Nam

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Viet Nam, and in close collaboration with OCC branches and focal points

Technical Focus

The Communication Specialist will work closely with FAO Viet Nam to ensure that relevant communication, visibility and branding materials (such as project article and posts, newsletter, success stories, briefing notes, videos, project portfolio, etc.) are developed and disseminated to donors and target groups through relevant media and network channels, and make sure it aligned with the related strategy, guidelines and requirements of both donors and FAO.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the FAO Representative, in close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

1.    Project communication and visibility  
•     Develop articles, social media posts and other communication materials (posters, event backdrops, leaflets, etc.,) to the expected quality standard and on regular basis to promote the projects’ visibility, make sure they comply with both donors’ and FAO’s Communication guidelines and strategies; 
•     Coordinate the production of success stories, case studies, human interest stories and other visual products (videos, infographics etc.,) per the approved communication and visibility plan;
•     Support the design of project’s presentations, periodical reports and technical reports/brief as required
•     Coordinate the media interviews with FAOR and project team on project’s interventions and impacts and consolidate media reports;
•     Maintain the project photo bank and video library and make sure they are updated and accessible internally;

2.     Country office Communications and Advocacy
•     Support the development and implementation of the FAO Viet Nam Communication Strategy in line with FAO’s Strategic Framework and corporate priorities.
•     Prepare and disseminate press releases, opinion pieces, speeches, and talking points for the FAOR and other senior staff.
•     Support the preparation and execution of communication plans for major events and campaigns (World Food Day, World Food Forum, Antimicrobial Resistance Week, International Years, Seeds-to-Foods Exhibition, etc.).
•     Coordinate design and production of visibility materials (banners, brochures, merchandise, reports) ensuring compliance with FAO branding guidelines.

3.    Media Relations and Partnerships
•     Maintain and expand the media contact list; build and sustain relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers.
•     Coordinate media engagement during events and missions, including interviews, press briefings, and field visits.
•     Monitor and analyse media coverage of FAO Viet Nam’s work and provide reports with insights and recommendations.
•     Proactively pitch stories and ensure FAO Viet Nam’s visibility in national and international media.

4.    Digital Communications and Social Media
•     Support the management of FAO Viet Nam’s website and social media platforms (Facebook, X, etc.), ensuring timely and engaging content updates.
•     Develop a social media content calendar aligned with global and national campaigns and awareness days.
•     Assist in adaptation of global and regional communication products into Vietnamese for maximum reach and impact.
•     Monitor engagement, track analytics, and propose improvements to enhance digital visibility.
•     Ensure compliance with FAO’s global standards, key messages, and clearance processes.

5.    Knowledge and Information Management
•     Support the preparation and dissemination of the FAO Viet Nam newsletter and other knowledge products.
•     Coordinate with other UN agencies, government partners, and civil society for joint communication initiatives.
•     Provide inputs for regional and global FAO communication platforms and reports.
•     Provide regular briefings to FAOR on communication trends, public discourse, and reputational issues.

6.    Other Duties
•     Provide interpretation and translation services when needed.
•     Undertake any other communications-related tasks as assigned.

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, marketing, public relations or other related fields
•     At least 7 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations and working with media
•     Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese
•     National of Viet Nam or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Understanding of FAOSTYLE English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf 
•     Work experience in journalism or public relation areas;
•     Work experience with UN system, FAO in particular is an advantage;
•     Knowledge of video production and social media content development;
•     Relevance experience in supporting organizing high-level events, conferences and webinars.
•     Proven experience and networking skills with wide range of media agencies either as a journalist or specialist in public relations 
•     Excellent command of English including proven writing and reporting skills

Selection Criteria

•     Based on minimum requirements, FAO core competencies, and Technical/Functional skills