FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Professional Vacancy Announcement No: AGP-401-09-PRJ
Deadline For Application: 13 July 2009
Position Title Information Officer
Duty Station Quetta, Pakistan
Grade Level P-3
Duration Fixed term: 1 year with possibility of extension
Organizational Unit Crop and Grass Land Service (AGPC) Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP) Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department (AG)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Pakistan, the direct supervision of International Project Manager and with technical guidance from the Public Relations and Promotions Branch (KCIR) and Media Relations Branch (KCIM), the incumbent will design and implement the project’s communication strategy. In particular, will:

  • Assess the key information needs of the main stakeholder groups, identify content as well as the most appropriate medium and frequency for dissemination.
  • In collaboration with the national expert and IT staff, design the project Website and be responsible for timely, regular and easily accessible information such as quarterly newsletters, radio programmes and bulletin boards, which include up-to-date monitoring & evaluation (M&E) information and lessons learned.
  • Be responsible for the preparation, printing and dissemination of documents, including liaising with authors, printers and graphic designers.
  • Participate in the organisation of seminars, workshops and other meetings on priority project issues for stakeholders.
  • Be responsible for ensuring dissemination of communication on project information to a broad audience, including six “good practice” reports highlighting positive aspects and approaches of the project suited to replication.
  • Participate in designing a workplan and ensure that public relations outputs are prepared accordingly.
  • Ensure that the required periodic reports (for the National Steering Committee, USAID and FAO) are prepared expeditiously and in accordance with standard reporting formats and are consistent in quality and accuracy.
  • Maintain information on progress made, problems encountered, impact and lessons learned in an appropriate location for easy access by users.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:

  • University Degree in Communication, Information Management, Media, Journalism or a field related to the work of FAO
  • Three years of relevant experience in the development and implementation of a communication strategy in a developing world context, preferably with experience in reporting on UN programmes and projects
  • Working knowledge of English

SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:

  • Relevance and level of academic qualifications
  • Extent of experience in the development and implementation of communication strategies in a developing world context, preferably with experience in reporting on UN programs and projects
  • Extent of experience in media relations, publication of success stories, production of advocacy material etc.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact with technical specialists and develop suitable publications such as success stories, case studies, lessons learned, extension leaflets, training material etc.
  • Extent of both oral and written communication skills in English at a level consistent with international media standards
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and ability to plan, organize and supervise work of others

Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
* The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to:

V.A AGP-401-09-PRJ
Vacancy Manager, Plant Production and Protection Division
FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome ITALY
Fax No: +39 06 570 5 6347
E-mail: VA-GCP-PAK-113@fao.org

This vacancy is open to male and female candidates. Applications from qualified women candidates and applications from qualified candidates from non/under-represented member states are encouraged. Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and may be assigned to any activities or office of the organization.

  FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

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