Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist will support the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme by leading the design, implementation, review and updating of the project’s outreach and communication strategy. The role focuses on enhancing the visibility of project activities, results and lessons learned through the creation of high-quality communication products, including digital and print materials, social media content, press materials and multimedia outputs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) Communication and Visibility Strategy and Action Plan with clear targets, priority channels, and timelines.
• Provide guidance for visibility activities of FKPP projects and support FAO Country Office, FKPP project teams, and national partners in implementing project-specific visibility activities and developing communication materials.
• Ensure alignment of project-specific communication outputs with FKPP-level messaging, branding, and visibility standards.
• Coordinate and support the development of printed communication and advocacy materials such as brochures, factsheets, newsletters, and similar products.
• Coordinate and support the production of promotional and thematic videos for FKPP including development of all required ToRs.
• Coordinate and support the development of visibility and promotional materials such as banners, caps, T-shirts, posters, bags, notebooks, and similar items.
• Update FAO web page related to the FKPP and provide advisory support to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan on improving their FKPP-related web page.
• Ensure timely dissemination of project information to relevant media outlets in Kazakhstan through press releases, briefings, and conferences.
• Organize press conferences, media coverage of field missions, interviews, podcasts, and other media engagement opportunities.
• Monitor and document media coverage and published information on a weekly basis.
• Monitor the implementation of visibility and communication activities related to FKPP and FKPP-funded projects; review workplans and progress reports for clarity and consistency.
• Facilitate cooperation between FKPP and national institutions, universities, NGOs, and regional partners to enhance visibility and outreach.
• Support communication and visibility activities with government partners as needed.
• Ensure FKPP visibility materials reflect national ownership, government contributions, and partnership results.
• Provide guidance and support for FAO communication activities in Kazakhstan, including oversight of the publication process of FAO reports.
• Support the preparation of speeches and talking points for FAO Representative and Programme Officer/Team Leader in Kazakhstan.
• Support the promotion of partnerships between FAO in Kazakhstan and relevant stakeholders, including government institutions and NGOs.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Requirements

• University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience in communications, project coordination, media relations, or visibility of development programmes.
• Working knowledge of English and Russian, fluency in Kazakh.
• Citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• Demonstrated experience in managing communication and visibility for multi-project programmes (preferably in agriculture, rural development, environment, or climate change).
• Strong skills in communication planning, content development, media relations, and digital communications.

Skills

• Communication Planning
• Content Development
• Media Relations
• Digital Communications
• Project Coordination
• Visibility Management
• Communication Strategy
• Public Relations
• Journalism
• Multimedia Production
• Social Media Content Creation
• Outreach Strategies

Languages

English, Russian, Kazakh