Communication Specialist

FAO SDN organization mission TBD

The UN Volunteer will be assigned to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Sudan Country Office and will be part of the Communication Unit under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative. The incumbent will work closely with programme and project teams, technical specialists, the Regional Communication Office, and the Office of Corporate Communication (OCC) to enhance the visibility of FAO’s interventions and achievements in Sudan. The assignment supports FAO Sudan’s Country Programming Framework (CPF) and contributes to FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–31, which aims to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The Communication Specialist will lead the development and implementation of communication strategies, media engagement, digital communication, and visibility activities for FAO programmes and projects across Sudan. Key stakeholders include government ministries and institutions, United Nations agencies, development partners, donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, local communities, media organizations, and beneficiaries of FAO-supported projects. The assignment will contribute to increased awareness of FAO’s work, strengthened stakeholder engagement, enhanced donor visibility, and improved public understanding of FAO’s role in supporting food security, livelihoods, resilience, and sustainable agricultural development in Sudan. For more information about FAO, please visit: https://www.fao.org

In close collaboration with OCC branches and focal points, the incumbent will:

Communication Strategy and Content Development
• Design and implement a communication strategy for the Country Office, aligned with the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and FAO regional and global priorities.
• Support the preparation of priority communication materials in line with the communications plan and country office/project needs.
• Develop and produce communication outputs including project factsheets, articles, and social media content.
• Monitor and report on media coverage of FAO Sudan activities.

Communication Products and Visibility
• Develop, produce, and disseminate communication and visibility materials, including drafting and reviewing content in English.
• Oversee the design, printing, and dissemination of communication products.
• Ensure consistency and quality of messaging across all communication outputs.
Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
• Support project and sector teams in ensuring a harmonized communication approach across different thematic areas.
• Provide technical advice and support on sector-specific communication needs.
• Facilitate the regular dissemination of information on project activities, achievements, and lessons learned to stakeholders, including government entities, resource partners, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Media Relations and Events
• Prepare press releases in coordination with the FAO Representative (FAOR) and project managers, ensuring timely dissemination.
• Facilitate media interviews and prepare talking points for FAO spokespersons.
• Design and organize media coverage for events and field activities, including press briefings, conferences, and interviews.
• Establish and maintain relationships with national and international media outlets, and update media contact lists regularly.

Representation and Coordination with UN System
• Participate in inter-agency communication groups (UN Communication Group) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), representing FAO as required.
• Coordinate with Regional Communication Officers (RCO) and OCC media teams on coverage and messaging alignment.

Multimedia and Content Management
• Identify and submit high-quality photos and videos to the FAO corporate database.
• Coordinate with the FAO Regional Office and Headquarters on communication coverage of global events.

Social Media
• Manage FAO Sudan’s social media channels in line with FAO social media guidelines and corporate messaging.
• Develop and adapt digital content aligned with FAO standards, terminology, and key messages.
• Coordinate with RCO and OCC for content review, approvals, and alignment.
• Monitor social media performance, trends, risks, and compliance with FAO policies.
• Support campaigns and global observances (e.g. World Food Day, International Years, Four Betters).
• Adapt content into Arabic to maximize outreach and engagement.

FAO Standards and Guidelines
• Ensure full compliance with FAO communication policies, standards, and clearance processes.
• Maintain coordination with the Office of Corporate Communications (OCC) for approvals and alignment.
• Ensure all materials comply with relevant FAO frameworks and guidance, including:
o FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31
o FAO Social Media Policy and Guidelines
o Social Media Branding Guidelines
o FAOSTYLE
o FAO Terminology and Country Naming Conventions
o Story and branding guidelines (including logo use and UN map standards)

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section