Outreach Specialist

Multiple locations

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
  • Closing Date: 2026-01-04

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 Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics (CSI) is responsible for all IT activities within the Organization. CSI performs on behalf of the
Organization the following critical roles\: defining FAO IT policies and providing strategic advice on IT architecture and standards,
governance, policy and operational matters while monitoring organizational compliance; defining the mechanisms for managing
FAO's information and data; protecting FAO's information assets and ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability; ensuring
provision of IT services that are core for the Organization's global operations and supporting the information and business
processes\: coordinating organization-wide IT activities to reduce duplication and fragmentation and to increase integration of
information data, systems and platforms, mobilizing IT resources from across the Organization.

The Digital for Impact (D4I) stream integrates cutting-edge information technology with agrifood systems data and knowledge management, analysis, and application, to develop fit-for-purpose digital solutions and digital public goods (DPGs), along with its leadership in DPG community to fight poverty and hunger through better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and better life.

Reporting Lines

Depending on the role assigned, the incumbent will report to the Information Technology Officer, stream/unit Lead or Project Lead.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will develop and implement digital outreach and communication campaigns and support the production of relevant materials, including reports, articles, technical guides, social media posts and videos, to raise the visibility of CSI’s work and its contribution to FAO’s development objectives.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Collaborate with CSI colleagues and other technical divisions to prepare and disseminate written and visual outreach materials, including reports, brochures, articles, guides and videos, concerning FAO’s digital tools and solutions
• Identify D4I good use cases and success stories and liaise with focal points to raise visibility on the impact of CSI’s work
• Contribute to the development of speeches and strategic messages on the importance digital tools and solutions to the advancement of FAO’s work and, more broadly, agrifood systems digital transformation
• Contribute to the layout and design of technical reports, outreach and communications products, and liaise with editors and graphic designers to prepare materials in accordance with the desired visual identity of CSI
• Perform the above tasks while navigating political sensitivities and ensuring that all materials are produced in line with FAO style corporate branding, logo and other relevant guidelines.
o All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\: FAO
o Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
o FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
o Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
o FAOSTYLE\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
o FAO terminology\: http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
o FAO Names Of Countries\: https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en
o Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
o Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
• Mainstreaming the DPG-First approach in FAO projects through knowledge sharing.
• Compiling knowledge, information and trends regarding DPG tools, practices, and partners as well as presenting evidence of their positive impact and more.
• Advocating and evangelizing the benefits of digital transformation across agrifood systems through high-level speeches and presentations.
• Other pertinent tasks.

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 in Communication, Social Science, Journalism, Political Science, Information Technology, Agronomy or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• 2 years of relevant working experience in outreach and advocacy.
• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages is an asset.

For PSA\:

• University degree or equivalent technical degree in Communication, Social Science, Journalism, Political Science, Information Technology, Agronomy or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
• 1 year of relevant working experience in outreach and advocacy.
• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages is an asset.


FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent command of English
• Familiarity with various writing styles (technical writing, journalism, storytelling, speech writing, social media formats)
• Familiarity with substantive areas of work related to Information Technology and Digital Public Goods
• Experience in drafting communication materials, including speeches, contributions to reports, papers and yearly reports.
• Experience in supporting outreach activities for UN organizations and/or inter-agency initiatives.

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

• 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.


• 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.
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