Technical specialists in communication and documentation (Multiple profiles)

Vittoria | Colonna | Rome

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Vittoria | Colonna | Rome
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Statistics
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Documentation and Information Management
  • Closing Date: 2025-12-04

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 General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. Its main objective is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
The GFCM formulates and recommends appropriate measures and ensures these recommendations are implemented; coordinates efforts by countries to effectively manage fisheries and aquaculture; monitors the status of fishery resources and carries out scientific work to support advice and decision-making; coordinates and benefits from the support of projects and programmes at the regional and subregional levels to enhance scientific cooperation and capacity building among its membership.
To fulfil its mandate, the GFCM collaborates, gathers and shares information with a wide network of institutions and partners. In this context and as its activities bring new projects and fields of work, new products and events need to be properly prepared and promoted. For its ambitious strategies to succeed, the GFCM needs to communicate effectively about its work and its impact to key audiences. Good communication can contribute to obtaining support and participation and securing cooperation between all stakeholders involved.
The posts are either home-based or located at GFCM headquarters (Via Vittoria Colonna 1, 00193 – Rome, Italy).


Reporting lines

The specialists report to the relevant GFCM officers and to the GFCM Executive Secretary and closely collaborate with relevant GFCM Secretariat staff.


Technical focus

Support communication and outreach to enhance the visibility and efficiency of the GFCM’s work and generate impact through stakeholder engagement.

The purpose of this call is to attract talents to populate rosters for the following profiles\:
• Communication specialist
• Website and design specialist
• Multimedia specialist
• Documentation specialist


Tasks and responsibilities

The Communication specialist will be dedicated to the promotion of the GFCM’s mission and activities. The key functions of the incumbent will be to\:
• Develop communication campaigns, engaging with GFCM membership, partners and donors, including at international fora and events;
• Draft engaging contents (including press releases, storyboards and social media posts), while navigating political sensitivities;
• Identify human interest stories, success stories, facts and figures and media contacts;
• Engage with partners to ensure optimal coverage of GFCM initiatives;
• Manage press and media inquiries;
• Build, grow and manage the GFCM social media community;
• Create and maintain knowledge repositories and facilitate knowledge sharing; and
• Support the compilation and analysis of key performance indicators.


The Website and design specialist will be responsible for producing designs and supporting the update and development of the GFCM website. The key functions of the incumbent will be to\:
• Update and create contents for the GFCM website, using the content management tools made available by the Organization;
• Increase web traffic and search engine rankings, providing expert advice on web development;
• Develop functional and clear designs, layouts and visual identities and ensure that the layout fits the intended audience; and
• Submit various design proposals for the supervisor’s final approval and perform the appropriate rounds of corrections following the GFCM communication and divisional quality checks.


The Multimedia specialist will be responsible for producing photo and video materials to enhance the visibility of the GFCM. The key functions of the incumbent will be to\:
• Ensure photo/video coverage of GFCM initiatives, producing quality photos, videos, and related products;
• Prepare, film and edit videos for multimedia and social media platforms;
• Develop and apply a consistent taxonomy for all photographs and videos and ensure all products include captions and metadata, uploading them in relevant databases; and
• Source, identify and acquire third party and paid audio and visual stocks for use in GFCM media production.
• All footage and/or photos produced during an FAO-funded mission remain the exclusive property of FAO. Graphics, music and sound effects should be copyright free.
• The officer-in-charge of video production should liaise and coordinate with OCC at the appropriate stages. The video product(s) must be cleared technically and by OCC before published.


The Documentation specialist will assist the GFCM Secretariat in the preparation of technical and statutory documents. The key functions of the incumbent will be to\:
• Support the preparation, editing, layout and finalization of GFCM communication products, documents and reports and ensure their online release and dissemination;
• Monitor the editorial calendar, perform editing and layout of documents and reports;
• Collaborate in the compilation, harmonization and update of the GFCM Compendium of decisions;
• Assist in processing through edpr the translation of documents by FAO translation services, ensure the follow-up of translation jobs as well as the verification and dissemination of translated documents;
• Ensure that all materials are produced in line with FAO style and in-house style, corporate branding, logo and other relevant guidelines, paying close attention to detail, ensuring consistency and continuity of style and contents; and
• Contribute to the maintenance of relevant GFCM databases.


FAO standards and guidelines

• Perform the above tasks in compliance with relevant organizational technical, security, data and quality standards and procedures, in liaison with relevant FAO departments and services.
• 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 2022–2031\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
FAO 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
FAO Guidelines on logo use in video products\: http\://www.fao.org/communications/policy/social-media/youtube/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

• For Consultants\: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. For PSA.SBS\: University degree or specific technical specialization. Specializations\: communication, graphic design, journalism, photography and videography, languages studies, linguistics, translation, website management, international affairs or related subject. Consultants with bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• 1 year of relevant experience in communication, graphic design, journalism, photo and videomaking, editing, translation and document management, website management, preferably at the international level.
• For Consultants\: working knowledge (Level C) of English, French or Spanish.
• For PSAs\: working knowledge (Level C) of English or of another official FAO language.


FAO Core Competencies

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


Technical/Functional Skills

All

• Excellent computer skills (MS Office essential).
• Experience working in sensitive and fast-moving contexts
• Sophisticated understanding of printed and multimedia content and their dissemination


Communication specialist

• Experience in communications and/or knowledge management
• Excellent writing skills and capacity for storytelling
• Desirable knowledge of social media platforms and their algorithms
• Desirable knowledge of design and web softwares
• Desirable experience in media relations or writing for media in English.


Design and website specialist

• At least five years of proven experience in using industry-standard professional design software and production tools, ensuring output meet international standards.
• Knowledge of current digital trends.
• Excellent skills in HTML, CMS and design software.
• Capacity to comply with FAO technical guidelines.


Multimedia specialist

• At least five years of proven experience in using industry-standard professional video and photo software and production tools, ensuring workflow, images and video output meet international media standards.
• Very good knowledge and experience in developing high-quality communication/multimedia materials.
• Capacity to comply with FAO OCC technical guidelines.


Documentation specialist

• Knowledge of editorial and publishing processes (knowledge of FAO standards, guidelines and processes will be an asset).
• Knowledge of layout, editing, formatting tools and style manuals.
• Excellent language and drafting skills.
• Proven experience in editing, translation and document management.
• Experience in multilingual processing of documents.


Selection criteria

All

• Level of experience in working with international organizations, possibly in the Mediterranean and/or Black Sea.
• Excellent command of English. Knowledge of another GFCM official language will be an asset.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines and ensure quality outputs.
• Proven capacity to quickly acquire new skills and adapt to changing priorities.
• Thoroughness, reliability, attention to details, sense of diplomacy and tact.
• Prior experience covering fisheries, aquaculture and/or environmental topics.


Communication specialist

• Ability to define and coordinate the implementation of communication and/or knowledge management strategies.
• Ability to structure and draft information in clear and engaging narratives for multiple platforms
• Ability to engage with multiple partners.
• Ability to develop high-quality communication and/or knowledge management materials.
• Level of experience in communication, media relations, multimedia creation or social media.


Design and website specialist

• Level of experience in website services.
• Level of experience in developing high-quality designs for a variety of audiences.
• Level of experience in developing creative solutions in a variety of campaigns, across a broad range of products and media including print, video/broadcast, interactive, web and social networking.


Multimedia specialist

• Level of experience in audiovisual services for prominent organizations.
• Level of experience in developing high-quality communication/multimedia materials for a variety of audiences.
• Level of experience in developing creative solutions in a variety of campaigns, across a broad range of products and media.


Documentation specialist

• Level of knowledge of FAO editorial processes and standards, including peer review, house styles, corporate guidelines and layout tools.
• Extent and relevance of experience in editing, translation and management of documentation and editorial processes.
• Level of knowledge of translation processes and tools, including within FAO.
• Ability to manage multiple documents, processes and timelines.

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.
Fellow badge

This feature is included in the Impactpool Fellowship.

Become a Fellow and get a summary of the job description to quickly understand the role and the requirements