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;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The position is located Quezon City, Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist is under the overall supervision and guidance of the FAO Representative in the Philippines, direct supervision of the National Program Coordinator of the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in the Philippines, in close collaboration with the ECTAD Regional Manager in the FAO Regional Office in Bangkok (FAO RAP ECTAD), HQ and RAP Pandemic Fund Coordinators (GCP/PHI/082/PAF), and DTRA Regional Project Coordinator (OSRO/RAS/404/USA).

Technical Focus

Support the implementation of Resilient Philippines Project (GCP/PHI/082/PAF) and other projects on Animal Production and Health, being implemented in the Philippines.

One Health
Animal Health
Zoonotic Diseases
Transboundary Animal Diseases
Workforce Development
Risk Communication
Community Engagement

Tasks and responsibilities

•     In close coordination with BAI and other partner beneficiaries, lead the implementation of activities focusing on strengthening community-centered Pandemic PPR (animal and public health emergencies)
•     Lead the coordination and provide support in the development of the following studies, strategies, and plans:
o    Animal Industry Communications Plan
o    Zoonotic Disease Communications Plan for the Animal Health Sector
o    Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) on Transboundary Animal and Zoonotic Diseases
•     In coordination with BAI and other partner beneficiaries (including public and environment sector), develop and implement trainings focusing on emergency communication capabilities—including infodemic management, social listening, rapid message dissemination
•     In coordination and consultation with stakeholders, develop key and targeted messages and information materials to stakeholders and communities
•     In close coordination with BAI and project team, develop concept notes and conduct of conferences and other activities that will highlight One Health related initiatives in the country
•     In close coordination with Pandemic Fund Communications focal HQ and RAP, country project team, and BAI, lead the development and conduct of Risk Communications Training for animal health workers
•     In close coordination with the Pandemic Fund Communications focal HQ, RAP and PH, support the communications focal in the creation/development of communication and visibility materials on Animal production and health, One Health, Pandemic Resilience, among others
•     Oversee operational and administrative processes to ensure timely delivery of outputs
•     Assist in writing project reports following the requirements and style guide of FAO and the resource partner
•     Perform other duties as required

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    

•     University degree in animal health, public health or a related field
•     At least 5 years of experience in animal health, risk communication, community engagement, etc. For candidates with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or an advanced university degree, at least 3 years of experience in animal health, risk communication, community engagement, etc.
•     Working knowledge of English (C) 
•     A national of the Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•     In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•     Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•     Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•     General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION