Organizational Setting

The Government of Ghana and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Ghana are implementing two projects aiming at strengthening climate resilience and improving livelihoods of rural communities in the Upper East and Savannah regions: Strengthening Resilience of Vulnerable Communities in Northern Ghana Through Climate-Resilient Livelihoods and Integrated Environmental Practices and Increasing Climate Resilient and Improving Farmers Livelihoods in the Upper East Region.

The projects aim to improve food and nutrition security and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable rural farming populations in four selected districts of the Savannah and Upper East regions of Ghana. The overall goal of the projects is to contribute to improved food and nutrition security and resilience of vulnerable households. The projects will also provide technical assistance to the Government of Ghana to promote early warning and early action systems that will empower communities to respond proactively to climatic changes. Both projects place strong emphasis on gender equality and social inclusion in line with FAO’s Policy on Gender Equality 2020–2030 and specific requirements of the donors – the Kingdom of Norway and Canada.

The projects support the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, which promotes transformation through the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life. It also contributes directly to Ghana’s Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), particularly under the pillar on inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.

Reporting Lines

The International Communications Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Ghana and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, in close coordination with all relevant unit in the country office, including Programme, Operations, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, Procurement and Administration, to ensure coordinated workflows and timely delivery of outputs.

In close coordination with FAO’s corporate communication structures – including the Regional Communications Officer – the incumbent will ensure that all communication and information products comply with FAO corporate communications policies, operational guidelines, and clearance processes.

Technical Focus

Strategic Communication, Advocacy and Outreach, Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Development, Digital Communication, Media Relations and Content Development.

Tasks and responsibilities

In collaboration with the project teams, the incumbent will carry out the following specific tasks:
•     Study and apply all relevant FAO communication and publishing guidelines, demonstrating a strong understanding of FAO publishing standards and producing high-quality content with minimal need for revision.
•     Design and implement communication and advocacy strategies tailored to the country context of Ghana, the projects context, and aligned with CPF priorities and FAO’s Strategic Framework.
•     Support the project teams with strategic communication and visibility actions.
•     Produce knowledge-sharing materials, presentations, and campaigns to promote positive behaviour change and demonstrate impact.
•     Monitor service providers engaged to deliver communication outputs for the projects.
•     Develop high-quality content (articles, success stories, multimedia products) that reflect project objectives and results, FAO’s mandate and ensures consistent messaging and branding.
•     Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, influencers, and strategic partners.
•     Contribute to and prepare content for digital platforms and social media channels to enhance projects visibility, FAO’s visibility and audience engagement.
•     Coordinate communication workflows with Programme, Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation, Procurement, and Administration units.
•     Liaise with FAO corporate communication structures, the UN Communication Group, and partners’ communication teams.
•     Ensure that all communication outputs comply with FAO and partners’ guidelines, branding standards, and clearance procedures.
•     Monitor, document, and report on communication activities, visibility achievements, and outreach impact.
•     Perform other related duties as required.

All communication materials must comply with FAO standards and clearance processes, including but not limited to:
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

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communication, social sciences, economics, international relations, international development or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     Minimum 3 years of overall experience in communication and media, preferably in areas related to climate change, food security, agriculture, natural resources, economics, or sustainable development. 
•     Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Experience working with development projects, international organizations, UN agencies, or NGOs.
•     Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and accessible manner.
•     Proven experience in coordination of publishing processes and preparation of reports / articles for dissemination is required (examples of previous work might be requested). 
•     Demonstrated experience in planning, designing, and implementing communication and advocacy campaigns. 
•     Proven experience in production of videos, photos, and other visual content is required (examples of previous work might be requested).
•     Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media management, web content management systems, and analytics tools.
•     Strong computer skills, including proficiency in standard office software and digital collaboration tools.
•     Basic graphic design skills are a strong asset. 
•     Relevant and prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency and other relevant institutions in Ghana is also an asset.