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Communication Specialist

Rome

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Rome
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
  • Closing Date: 2025-02-19

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT\:

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

  • FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
  • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
  • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
  • FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination  
  • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
  • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.


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.

The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) works to ensure that countries and stakeholders respond to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. OCB provides a cross organizational coordination role on issues related to climate change, biodiversity and the environment, and is the focal point to major multilateral environmental agreements including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Office also assists FAO Members in their responses towards the interlinked challenges of food security, climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, including through facilitating access to climate and environmental financing (such as the GEF and the GCF). In addition, OCB hosts the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, as well as FAO's work on environmental safeguards.


Reporting Lines

The Communication Specialist will report to and work under the overall supervision of the Knowledge Management Officer in OCB including the content of communications materials developed to ensure communications material is cleared and complies with FAO corporate standards.


Technical Focus

Technical advice on the planning, design and implementation of communications and outreach for projects, strategies and services in connection with the FAO Strategic Objectives, field programmes and activities implemented by OCB workstreams on climate change, biodiversity and environment.


Tasks and Responsibilities

Experience and demonstrated skills in one or more of the following areas of work\:

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will\:

Writing

• Support and contribute to the preparation, production and dissemination of knowledge materials, often technical and policy-oriented, including reports, press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and speeches.
• Proofread, edit and ensure all written material is proofread and edited, in adherence with FAO guidelines, style and terminology.
• Develop stories of change and impact based on OCB project results and work at field level.
• Showcase the results and achievements of FAO programmes and projects both internally and externally, in the build up to key events and days, reporting through widely disseminated Op-eds, news articles and web stories.
• Coordinate the production, including liaising with graphic designers, and draft the text of knowledge products (brochures, fact sheets, speaking points, social media messaging, case studies, video scripts, etc.).

Web development

• Create new webpages and migrate websites using Sitefinity.
• Maintain relevant websites and webpages and regularly review and report on analytics.

Outreach including social media campaigns

• Support outreach and promotion of key publications and major events by sharing knowledge materials and results through various FAO social media channels.
• Ensure targeted dissemination plans are in place for knowledge materials and news items to ensure they are widely disseminated to identified audiences including the FAO conference, council and other high-level meetings, via relevant channels and media outlets.
• Plan and support extensive and impactful media outreach campaigns related to key days, report launches and major events.
• Compile analytics of social media channels for reporting


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 communications, journalism, sustainable development or social sciences with a focus on agrifood systems, climate change, biodiversity and the environment or a related field.
• At least 1 year (for PSA CAT C), 2 years (for Consultant CAT C), and at least five years (for CAT B) or 10 years (category A) of relevant experience in communications for development, particularly in the agriculture, climate, biodiversity, or environment sector.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.


FAO Core Competencies

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


Technical/Functional skills

• Experience in developing communication and outreach campaigns and establishing partnerships and networks for improved communications.
• Strong media outreach skills, including handling media inquiries, and managing social media campaigns.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, as well as gender-sensitive and cross-cultural competency.
• Ability to operate effectively as part of a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Work experience at field/project level, with the United Nations, non-governmental organizations or similar.
• Research and analytical skills, and the ability to present and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability in media outreach and the identification of appropriate media outlets and channels.
• Practical knowledge and proven experience working with relevant ICT software.
• Experience in using a behavioural science approach in communications would be an asset.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of French is an asset


Selection Criteria

• Experience working on issues related to gender, youth, education and/or capacity building would be an asset.
• Proven experience and strong skills in one or more of the key areas of work listed above
• Knowledge of digital communication tools and platforms
• Education and experience, an advanced university degree is an advantage.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization.
• Familiarity with FAO’s communication protocols, goals, and operating procedures is highly advantageous.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
  • Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
  • For more information, visit the FAO employment website
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.