Junior Communication National Consultant

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative and in close coordination with the Regional Communication Specialist, the Junior Communications Consultant shall contribute to strengthen FAO‘s communication strategy and products in Lebanon. His/her support shall ensure an effective  presence in the media of the FAO as a dynamic and renewed organization that works to strengthen food security and to promote agriculture, fisheries, livestock and the sustainable management of natural resources to the benefit of communities and rural people in need.      More specifically the consultant will:    National Communication Design and implement, with the support of the Regional Communication Specialist, a National Communication Plan that dovetails the Regional Communication Strategy and the Regional Plan and that is in line with the Country Programming Framework (CPF); Develop communications products for the FAO activities in Lebanon (stories, leaflets, brochures, presentations, fact sheets, pitch for journalists, posters…) in both Arabic and English/French; Develop and distribute, in coordination with the Regional Communication Specialist, press releases; Build and nurture effective and close partnership with media outlets based in the country and create a pool of reliable media representatives to ensure complete coverage of the activities of the organization;  Organize press conferences, briefings and interviews with technical and project officers; Track media coverage of FAO activities  in Lebanon; Support communications and visibility of events organized by or in collaboration with the Representation (preparation of talking points, speeches, photo coverage, etc). Maintain and update the official website of Representation with the press releases generated by the Representation and/or submitted by the Regional Office; Share on monthly basis information, schedule of meeting and important planned events to be included in the regional website; Organize site visits, official opening ceremonies, interviews, TV and radio broadcast; Support technical staff and  management in the preparation of presentations, interviews, programs and FAO documents;   Regional Communication Regularly participate in monthly coordination meetings with the Regional Office for corporate communication strategic planning; Adapt and disseminate all statements, press releases and/or reports from the HQ/Regional Office through the local network of media contacts, institutions and organizations in Lebanon; Take part in meetings, training and workshops organized by the Regional Office to build the Regional Corporate Network of Communication focal points; Alert and/or warn the Regional Office regarding special internal situations (weather events, elections, protests, strikes, etc.) that can lead to problems that affect the population, more particularly agriculture, crops and harvests; Any other task needed in support of the regional communication and adequate responding to the needs of the Organization.         KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS   Expected Outputs: Communication Plan 2015-2016 developed and validated. FAO 2015/2016 Institutional materials produced, distributed and monitored. Appropriate communication support to training and information materials from FAO projects. Preparation and follow-up of the Communication Plans in projects prioritized by the Field Programme. Information on FAO interventions (status, results, and achievements) shared at national, regional and local level, also with beneficiary communities, partners and donors. Monthly report about representation appearances in local media elaborated and sent to the Regional Office. Project/programme reports required by Development Partners and/or other Stakeholders Press releases about all public communication activities. Manage at least 2 interviews and/or articles and/or reports per month with local media (press, radio or TV) to disseminate the Representation work. Create and/or update the database including press contacts, international institutions and organizations interested in receiving information from the FAO. “Good practices” projects compiled and sent to Regional Office. Quarterly newsletter published on Representation activities.     Qualifications The incumbent must have a degree in communications, public relations or other relevant post-secondary qualification.  Proven experience in communication within the Lebanese media sector for a minimum of 2 years is also required as well as an excellent Oral and written command of English and Arabic and working level in  French, communicative skills, ability to operate under pressure and good interpersonal skills.