Organizational Setting

FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, the National Communications Specialist works in close coordination with the FAO Azerbaijan project teams, the UN Communications Group, relevant communication colleagues at FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU), among others.

Technical Focus

The technical focus is strategic communications, media relations, digital content, brand compliance and results reporting.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Prepare and implement a comprehensive Communications & Visibility Plan with target audiences, key messages, channels, products, timelines and KPIs.
•     Collate information and develop appropriate digital assets, in line with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards and guidelines, and day-to-day management of country social media channels on X and Facebook (X: @FAOAzerbaijan, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faoazerbaijan/  ) as per the FAO social media guidelines and in support of country/regional/global strategies, liaising and coordinating with the relevant technical officers, Regional Communication Leads and OCC, as appropriate, and relevant supervisor for clearance.
•     For videos intended for use on social media channels, liaise with Regional Communication Leads and OCC to review scripts, formats and obtain final clearances.  
•     Adapt into Azerbaijani digital assets to ensure maximum reach and amplification via social channels. 
•     Monitor social media for results, compliance with guidelines, trends and risks, in consultation with Regional Communication Leads and OCC, as appropriate.
•     Produce monthly analytics reports (web, social, media) and quarterly results summaries; use insights to optimize content, timing and formats.
•     Prepare a monthly social media content calendar with innovative and issue-focused content to promote the work of FAO.
•     Support digital marketing, including by identifying, vetting and liaising with digital influencers, in close collaboration with Regional Communication Leads and OCC.
•     Design and produce high-quality communication products (press releases, op-eds, success stories, feature articles, speeches, factsheets, briefs, newsletters, photo essays, videos, infographics, event toolkits) in line with FAO style and branding guidelines.
•     Coordinate with national media; draft and place media advisories; organize press briefings; prepare media kits; monitor coverage and manage a media contact database.
•     Support high-level events and participate in field missions (launches, ceremonies, fairs, workshops, conferences) with speaking points, run-of-show, photography/videography gathering/coordination, live-stream coordination and post-event communications.
•     Undertake missions within Azerbaijan to interview beneficiaries, gather/coordinate photo and video footage to inform human interest stories. Draft and arrange for clearance of the human-interest stories.
•     Ensure brand/visual identity compliance for FAO, donors and partners on all materials and events; advise on co-branding with Government and UN partners.
•     Develop materials from field activities across regions (e.g. Lankaran, Ganja, Shaki, Nakhchivan) suitable for the storytelling approach, highlighting beneficiary impact and lessons learned.
•     Manage and submit digital asset (photo/video/graphics) to Digital Media Hub, ensuring proper captions and metadata; ensure data protection and informed consent protocols.
•     Provide communications quality assurance and capacity building to project teams and implementing partners (templates, training, reviews).
•     Coordinate translation and interpretation (AZ↔EN, where relevant) to ensure accuracy, terminology consistency and cultural appropriateness.
•     Conduct any other tasks as requested by supervisor.
 

Regarding tasks pertaining to communications:
•     Liaison with the Office of Communication (OCC) will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, 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    

•     A University/Bachelor degree in communications, journalism, social sciences, development studies or other related fields is required; 
•     A minimum of 5 years’ experience in communication for development or public relations, with proven ability to demonstrate previously developed materials; 
•     Excellent knowledge of English and Azerbaijani languages is required (written, oral, comprehension);  
•     National of Azerbaijan or a legal resident in the country.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Readiness to travel frequently within the country;
•     Experience working in rural context considered an asset;
•     Proven experience in using social media platforms, tools and tactics for engagement;
•     Experience in developing social media packages and experience with graphic design and video editing is an asset;
•     Strong track record in developing compelling content with the aim to generate empathy and to mobilize action;
•     Previous experience working in different types of media, such as TV, radio, newspapers or social media;
•     Advanced use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), good IT and social media skills (Facebook,
•     twitter, etc.), in particular experience with PR related graphic programs;
•     Experience in working on communication campaigns with multiple stakeholders.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION