Strategic Communications Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• 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

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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. 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.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
•     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Islamabad. The position is at SBIV-SC9 level.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent shall work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, direct supervision of FAOR and in close collaboration with FAO programme and project staff, and in regular consultation and coordination with the Regional Communication Officer (FAORAP).

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide strategic leadership in the development, oversight, and execution of high-impact communication and advocacy strategies around food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture to ensure donor recognition and enhance the visibility, credibility, and policy influence of FAO’s work in Pakistan. This includes media engagement, content development, social media, ensuring alignment with FAO’s global standards.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:

Lead Strategic Communication Planning and Advisory
•    Provide senior level strategic leadership and support in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the FAO Pakistan communications and advocacy strategy, ensuring coherence with FAO corporate communication priorities, SDG messaging, and country programme objectives.
•    Serve as a communications advisor to senior management on reputational risk management, public engagement strategies, stakeholder engagement and brand positioning in complex or sensitive communication contexts.

Oversee and Guide Communications at National and Subnational Levels
•    Exercise strategic oversight and quality assurance of all communications initiatives across FAO project offices in Pakistan, including field level operations, ensuring coherence, alignment, and innovation across internal and external communications.
•    Provide leadership, mentoring and technical guidance to communications staff in field locations, strengthening institutional  capacity and ensuring alignment with global best practices.

Strategic Engagement and High-Level Partnerships
•    Establish and sustain strong relationships with high-level media representatives, communications leads from government counterparts, development partners, UN agencies, and FAO HQ and regional offices to amplify visibility of FAO’s work in Pakistan.
•    Represent FAO Pakistan in strategic UN Communication Group (UNCG) meetings and other regional or global platforms, contributing to collective advocacy and strategic alignment.

Content Oversight and Messaging Alignment
•    Provide final strategic clearance and messaging guidance on all major communication materials/outputs including success stories, policy briefs, advocacy campaigns, donor visibility material, documentaries, and external media responses.
•    Ensure quality control and alignment with FAO's editorial guidelines and communications tone across all platforms.

Lead Integrated Communication Campaigns
•    Design and implement large-scale national communication and visibility campaigns, including those linked to key international days (e.g., World Food Day), global launches, or flagship programme milestones.
•    Integrate multi-channel approaches (traditional, digital, events, influencer/advocacy engagement) with measurable results frameworks.

Reporting
Produce analytical, high-level communication performance reports and visibility assessments for senior management, donors, and strategic partners, including impact metrics and lessons learned
 

Crisis and Risk Communication
•    Serve as the lead communications advisor/focal point during r emergencies or crisis situations, advising senior management and coordinating crisis communication strategies, developing key messaging, FAQs, and communication protocols in coordination with the FAO crisis management team and relevant UN entities.

Innovative Content and Digital Leadership
•    Spearhead digital communication innovation, including social media analytics, digital storytelling formats, and data visualization to enhance user engagement and information accessibility.
•    Ensure the FAO Pakistan website and digital platforms are regularly updated and effectively used for advocacy and public engagement.

Visibility and Donor Communication
•    Work closely with programme teams to develop tailored visibility and communication plans for donor-funded projects, ensuring compliance with visibility guidelines and amplifying donor contributions through targeted narratives.

Capacity Development and Internal Communication
•    Lead capacity-building initiatives for FAO staff and partners on effective communication skills, storytelling, media engagement, and digital communication.
•    Strengthen internal communications systems, channels, and protocols within the FAO Pakistan country office and field teams.
•    Ensure that all publications and documents to be disseminated via the FAO document repository are timely processed through the corporate Publications Workflow System (PWS), from their planning to production and dissemination.

Digital Leadership & FAO Website Management
•    Provide strategic oversight for FAO Pakistan’s digital presence, ensuring that the FAO Pakistan website and related digital platforms are regularly updated, accurate, and aligned with corporate messaging, advocacy priorities, and donor visibility requirements.

Perform other related duties, as assigned by the supervisor:

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   

•    Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism or Media Studies
•    Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, including demonstrated leadership, advisory, or oversight roles at national or organizational level.Working knowledge of English 
•    National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Strong writing & communications skills. 
•    Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential.
•    Extent of experience in Communications and media relations;
•    Extend of experience in UN or similar settings would be considered an asset;
•    Extent of experience in digital strategy and storytelling
•    Excellent writing, editing, and speaking skills in English and Urdu. 
•    Extent of experience in creating content for various communication products
•    Extent of experience in communication, diffusion strategies and techniques, reporting and documentation, and media
 

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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