FAO Is Hiring a Strategic Communications Specialist: Exciting opportunity – Apply Now for 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for an experienced and dynamic Strategic Communications Specialist to join its Country Office in Islamabad, Pakistan. This is a 12-month National Project Personnel (NPP) opportunity designed for senior-level communication professionals who are passionate about food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.

If you are a communications expert ready to shape national narratives, strengthen donor visibility, and influence policy dialogue in Pakistan, this could be your next impactful career move.

About FAO and Its Global Mission

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger and ensure food security for all. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide.

Through it’s Strategic Framework 2022–31, the organization supports the transformation of agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Its vision promotes:

• Better production
• Better nutrition
• A better environment
• A better life — leaving no one behind

FAO Country Offices, including Pakistan, work closely with governments and partners to provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

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Position Overview

Job Title: Strategic Communications Specialist
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
Duration: 12 months
Job Type: Non-staff opportunity (National Project Personnel)
Organizational Unit: FAO Country Office Pakistan

This senior-level role provides strategic leadership in designing and implementing high-impact communication and advocacy strategies. The selected candidate will ensure that it’s work in Pakistan gains visibility, credibility, and recognition among donors, policymakers, media, and the general public.

The position works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and in close coordination with programme teams and regional communication offices.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Communication Leadership

The specialist will design and oversee FAO Pakistan’s communications and advocacy strategy. This includes ensuring alignment with FAO corporate messaging, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and country programme objectives.

The role also involves advising senior management on reputational risk management, stakeholder engagement, and brand positioning — particularly in complex or sensitive communication contexts.

2. National and Subnational Oversight

You will exercise quality assurance across communication initiatives in FAO project offices nationwide. This includes:

• Providing leadership and mentoring to communications staff
• Strengthening institutional capacity
• Ensuring alignment with global best practices

3. High-Level Media and Partnerships

The Strategic Communications Specialist will build and maintain relationships with:

• National and international media representatives
• Government communication leads
• Development partners
• UN agencies
• FAO Headquarters and regional offices

The role also represents FAO Pakistan in UN Communication Group (UNCG) meetings and strategic advocacy platforms.

4. Content and Messaging Control

You will provide final clearance and messaging guidance on major communication outputs such as:

• Success stories
• Policy briefs
• Advocacy campaigns
• Donor visibility materials
• Documentaries
• Media responses

All materials must align with FAO editorial standards, branding guidelines, and global policies.

5. Integrated Campaign Management

The role includes designing and implementing national campaigns linked to:

• World Food Day
• Global programme launches
• Flagship milestones

Campaigns will integrate traditional media, digital platforms, events, influencer engagement, and measurable performance frameworks.

6. Crisis Communication

As lead communications advisor during emergencies, the specialist will:

• Develop crisis messaging
• Coordinate with FAO crisis management teams
• Prepare FAQs and communication protocols
• Ensure coherent responses with UN partners

7. Digital Innovation and Website Leadership

The position spearheads digital storytelling and innovation, including:

• Social media analytics
• Data visualization
• Engaging storytelling formats

You will also provide strategic oversight of FAO Pakistan’s website and digital platforms to ensure accuracy, visibility, and advocacy alignment.

8. Donor Visibility and Reporting

Working closely with programme teams, you will:

• Develop tailored visibility plans for donor-funded projects
• Ensure compliance with donor branding requirements
• Produce high-level communication performance reports
• Deliver impact assessments with lessons learned

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, or Media Studies
• Minimum eight years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications
• Demonstrated leadership or advisory experience at national or organizational level
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Pakistan

Core Competencies

FAO seeks professionals who demonstrate:

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

Technical Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong writing and editing skills in English and Urdu
• Extensive media relations experience
• Experience in digital strategy and storytelling
• Experience in UN or similar international organizations (an asset)
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams

FAO Values and Ethical Standards

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

The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against:

• Sexual exploitation and abuse
• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Abuse of authority

All selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks. FAO is also a non-smoking environment.

Why This Role Matters

Pakistan faces significant challenges related to food security, climate vulnerability, and sustainable agricultural development. Strong communication strategies are critical to:

• Mobilizing donor support
• Influencing policy decisions
• Strengthening public awareness
• Building trust with stakeholders

As Strategic Communications Specialist, you will shape national discourse and elevate FAO’s impact across Pakistan.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the FAO recruitment portal and complete an online profile. Applicants should:

• Ensure their profile includes full employment history
• Attach a letter of motivation
• Submit applications before the closing date

Only applications submitted via the official FAO recruitment system will be considered.

FAO strongly encourages early submission to avoid last-minute issues.

Final Thoughts

This Strategic Communications Specialist role offers a remarkable opportunity for seasoned communication professionals in Pakistan to contribute to national and global development goals. It combines leadership, strategy, digital innovation, crisis management, and policy engagement within one of the world’s most respected UN agencies.

If you have the expertise to craft compelling narratives, guide institutional messaging, and elevate visibility around food security and climate resilience, this 12-month opportunity with FAO Pakistan could be your platform to create lasting impact.