National Communication Specialist

The National Communication Specialist will support communications, visibility, and knowledge management for the EU-funded STODAS project in the Pacific sub-region. The role involves media relations, digital and social media content production, design and branding, publication processes, and community and stakeholder outreach.

Responsibilities

• Review and update the STODAS Communication and Visibility (C&V) Plan to reflect donor requirements and project milestones.
• Support the production of "Food Hero" video stories featuring project beneficiaries, including identifying stories, coordinating with technical teams, gathering background information, and assisting with filming and production arrangements.
• Prepare and adapt communication and visibility materials, including banners, brochures, posters, and other promotional products, in accordance with donor requirements and FAO branding standards.
• Assist in the preparation and processing of policy briefs, publications, and knowledge products through the FAO Publication Workflow System (PWS).
• Draft opinion editorials, human-interest stories, media releases, and other communication products highlighting project achievements and beneficiary impacts for review and clearance.
• Prepare communication content based on technical programme outputs and project reports for dissemination to national, provincial, and community audiences.
• Support communication through appropriate local media channels, including community radio and local-language platforms, to reach rural communities.
• Monitor local and regional media for relevant agrifood system developments and identify opportunities to promote project achievements through appropriate communication channels.
• Prepare and schedule social media content to raise awareness of FAO's work in the Pacific.
• Coordinate with FAOSAP, RAP, HQ communication colleagues, and technical teams to support communication activities linked to international observances and global campaigns.
• Assist with communication arrangements for project events, media engagements, and national activities, including preparing communication materials and logistical support where required.
• Maintain liaison with OCC to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• Ensure all communication materials follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards.

Requirements

• University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, media studies, international development or a related discipline from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in communications, public information, journalism, media production or a related field, with demonstrated experience in development communications or international organisation communications.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Samoa or resident of the country with a valid work permit.
• Knowledge of Samoan or another Pacific language is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in communications for EU-funded projects or international development programmes, including familiarity with EU Communication and Visibility (C&V) guidelines.
• Proven skills in multimedia content production, including video storytelling, photography, graphic design and template development for print and digital materials.
• Experience working with Pacific media, community radio or local language content production; established relationships with Pacific regional and national press are an asset.
• Familiarity with FAO publication and clearance processes (PWS), social media management tools, and FAO or UN branding standards is an asset.

Skills

• Development Communication
• International Organisation Communications
• EU Communication and Visibility Guidelines
• Multimedia Production
• Visual Storytelling
• Photography
• Graphic Design
• Template Development
• Digital Materials Production
• Media Relations
• Social Media Management
• Publication Processes
• Knowledge Management
• Community Outreach
• Stakeholder Engagement
• FAO Branding Standards
• FAO Publication Clearance

Languages

English