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 Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO to provide strategic direction and help drive and coordinate innovation across the work of the Organization, i.e., to consolidate and strengthen FAO’s innovative spirit, including innovation of approaches and cooperation models. OIN supports the Programme Priority Areas, ensuring that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programmes, facilitates cross-collaboration between the various FAO units and aids in forging and reinforcing transformative partnerships.

Reporting Lines

The Innovation Specialist will report to and work under the overall supervision of the Technical Unit Leader of unit 4 (“Futuring Farmer Field Schools”) in OIN, ensuring that all communication materials are cleared and comply with FAO corporate standards.

Technical Focus

Technical advice on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of communications and outreach for the unit, in connection with the FAO Strategic Objectives, and with Farmer Field School programmes and activities implemented by FAO.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the technical unit leader, and in close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the consultant will\:
• Support and contribute to the preparation, production and dissemination of communication and advocacy and technical materials (i.e. communication products for awareness, visibility, brand identity, engagement or other behavioural change components) through expert writing and content generation for a variety of product typologies (e.g. news articles, social media posts, slide decks, invites, fact sheets, resilience assessment reports, user manuals).
• Develop stories of change and impact based on FFS and SHARP project results and work at field level.
• Showcase the results and achievements of FFS and SHARP programmes and projects both internally and externally, in the build up to key events.
• 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.).
• Design and produce graphic content, infographics, and animations to support knowledge dissemination and outreach related to the activities of the Global Farmer Field School Platform and the SHARP resilience assessment.
• Coordinate the publication of knowledge products in coordination with OIN layout unit and OCC.
• Create/ support creation of new webpages and design of the overall Global Farmer Field School website, with support of relevant FAO units, country offices and experts.
• Maintain websites and webpages under the unit responsibility (Global Farmer Field School website, SHARP website, FFS online discussion group) and regularly review and report on analytics when needed.
• Support outreach and promotion of key publications and online and in-person events, such as webinars, events at the Science and Innovation Forum, launches of publications, technical workshops, by sharing knowledge materials and results through various FAO and OIN social media channels .
• Support the organization and facilitation of the 2026 Innovation award for Farmer Field Schools.
• Support with the facilitation and development of content of the various spaces dedicated to the community of practice of FFS (D-group, Linkedin, Youtube and more).
• Support the implementation of the SHARP resilience assessment tool within projects (adaptation, analysis, report writing, result dissemination).

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

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural development, economic policy, or communication for development.
• 1 year of relevant experience in communication, community engagement, training and outreach.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English or French.
• Working knowledge of an additional FAO language is considered a strong asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location of work advantageous.
• Proven ability to use software such as Kobo to develop surveys.
• Proven ability to produce and edit visual content, including graphics and videos, to enhance communication and knowledge dissemination.
• Proven ability to facilitate online events, such as webinar, and use of related softwares (e.g. Menti, Miro)
• 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 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.

Selection Criteria

• Experience working on issues related to capacity development and participatory advisory services 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
• Demonstrated capacity in designing communication and/or engagement strategies
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization.
• Familiarity with the Farmer Field School approach.
• Experience in research and data analysis desirable
• Familiarity with the Farmer Field School approach and the Global Farmer Field School Platform outreach tools.
• Familiarity with FAO’s communication protocols, goals, and operating procedures.
• Familiarity with FAO’s corporate web infrastructure.

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

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