FAO Is Hiring a National Communications Specialist: Exciting opportunity – Apply Before 5 March 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of National Communications Specialist based in Baku, Azerbaijan. If you are a strategic communicator passionate about development, agriculture, storytelling, and digital engagement, this opportunity offers a chance to contribute to impactful work that supports food security and sustainable development.

This non-staff opportunity is open for up to 12 months and sits within FAO’s Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan. Applications close on 5 March 2026, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

About the Role

The National Communications Specialist will play a vital role in strengthening FAO’s visibility, brand presence, and storytelling impact in Azerbaijan. Reporting directly to the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, the specialist will work closely with project teams, the UN Communications Group, and colleagues at FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

This role focuses on:

• Strategic communications
• Media relations
• Digital content creation
• Brand compliance
• Results reporting

The selected candidate will ensure that FAO’s work in Azerbaijan is communicated clearly, professionally, and in alignment with global standards and the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Planning

The specialist will prepare and implement a comprehensive Communications & Visibility Plan. This includes defining target audiences, key messages, communication channels, timelines, products, and measurable KPIs. The plan will ensure alignment with national, regional, and global communication strategies.

Social Media and Digital Engagement

Managing FAO Azerbaijan’s social media platforms (X and Facebook) will be a central responsibility. This includes developing monthly social media content calendars, creating innovative and issue-focused digital content, monitoring engagement and compliance, and producing monthly analytics reports with quarterly results summaries. Content must be adapted into Azerbaijani to maximize reach and amplification while ensuring brand consistency.

Content Creation and Storytelling

Strong storytelling skills are essential. The role requires developing high-quality communication products such as press releases, feature articles, success stories, op-eds, speeches, factsheets, newsletters, photo essays, videos, infographics, and event toolkits. The specialist will undertake field missions across regions including Lankaran, Ganja, Shaki, and Nakhchivan to gather beneficiary stories and visual content that highlight impact and lessons learned.

Media Relations

Building and maintaining relationships with national media outlets will be critical. The role includes drafting media advisories, organizing press briefings, preparing media kits, monitoring coverage, and managing a media contact database. These efforts strengthen FAO’s visibility and public engagement in Azerbaijan.

Event and Campaign Support

The specialist will support high-level events such as project launches, workshops, fairs, and conferences. Responsibilities include preparing speaking points, coordinating photography and videography, managing live-streaming, and producing post-event communication materials. Digital influencer engagement may also form part of broader digital marketing efforts.

Brand Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensuring strict adherence to FAO branding, terminology, and style guidelines is a core requirement. The specialist will maintain compliance with FAO’s logo and visual identity standards, advise on co-branding with government and UN partners, coordinate translations between Azerbaijani and English, and provide communications quality assurance and capacity building for project teams and implementing partners.

All materials must follow FAO clearance processes and comply with established standards and policies.

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Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, social sciences, development studies, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in communication for development or public relations, with demonstrated previous work
• Excellent written and spoken English and Azerbaijani
• Azerbaijani nationality or legal residency

FAO will assess candidates against core competencies including results focus, teamwork, communication, relationship building, and knowledge sharing.

Desired Technical Skills

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Experience managing social media campaigns and digital engagement tools
• Graphic design and video editing skills
• Experience working in rural or development contexts
• Ability to create compelling content that generates empathy and mobilizes action
• Experience across multiple media platforms such as TV, radio, print, and social media
• Advanced computer literacy and proficiency with PR-related design programs
• Experience coordinating communication campaigns with multiple stakeholders
• Readiness to travel frequently within Azerbaijan

FAO’s Commitment to Diversity and Integrity

FAO promotes workforce diversity across gender, nationality, culture, and background. Qualified female applicants, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented member countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO upholds the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

FAO is also committed to environmental sustainability, ensuring that its operations align with long-term ecological and strategic objectives.

Important Information for Applicants

FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Academic qualifications must come from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) and aligned with international education classification standards. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Applicants must complete their online profile accurately and attach a letter of motivation. FAO strongly recommends submitting applications well before the closing date.

Appointments are subject to medical clearance, security checks, and any required residency or visa requirements.

Why This Role Matters

Effective communication is central to advancing FAO’s mission of eliminating hunger, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. In Azerbaijan, this role ensures that the voices of rural communities and beneficiaries are heard, their achievements documented, and their stories amplified nationally and internationally.

If you are passionate about strategic storytelling, development communications, and creating meaningful impact, this opportunity offers a chance to work within a respected UN agency and contribute to transformative change.