Communication Officer (Writer)

Organizational context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and  advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

Post's organizational accountability

As part of the External Resource Relations and Governance Department (ERG), the Communications Division (COM)  leads implementation of IFAD’s Communication Strategy and acts variously as facilitator, partner and leader with regards to delivery of IFAD’s internal and external communication work. COM has a team of expert staff in media relations, video production, writing, publishing, web and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, photography, brand management, internal communication and events management to meet IFAD’s communication priorities.

The Communication Officer, Writer conceptualizes, writes and edits high-profile communication materials in a wide variety of formats for a diverse range of audiences and communication opportunities, including speeches, the IFAD Annual Report, key institutional documents, stories from the field, thematic fact sheets, brochures and presentations, and web and digital content, including blogs.

Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader, Corporate Content and Regional Outreach, and in line with IFAD’s communication strategy, the Communication Officer, Writer will perform the following duties

Key results expected / Major functional activities

• Conceptualize, write and edit high-profile communication materials in a variety of formats for a diverse range of audiences and communication opportunities.
• Thoroughly research the subject matter to develop a sound understanding of the various issues, including making all efforts to ensure that all data are properly and reliably sourced.
• Write, edit and revise written products in consultation with colleagues from the Communications Division, the Office of the President and Vice-President, and colleagues across IFAD as appropriate, including IFAD staff in the field.
• Draft high-profile communications for senior management, including speeches, blogs, opinion editorials and other external and internal communications of high priority, reflecting the voice and style of the speaker/author.
• Oversee external writers and editors involved in production of IFAD publications, whether print or digital, ensuring high quality and that texts are written in plain language and are accessible and impactful.
• Lead COM’s engagement in the IFAD Annual Report, both editorially and in planning for launch and rollout across platforms.
• Develop key messages on key issues and communication opportunities, converting ideas into clear and compelling writing in plain language.
• Build collaborative relationships inside and outside IFAD to keep up to date with emerging issues and trends and to ensure accurate, engaging and reader-friendly delivery of content.
• Advise technical and operational staff on approaches to writing and producing knowledge and communications projects highlighting IFAD’s work and results, working with other members of the team involved in design and production of content for sharing across platforms.
• Contribute to the planning and realization of high-profile communication products, initiatives and activities, including in cooperation with other agencies.
• Travel to IFAD-supported projects and programmes to gather material for written products when required.
• Perform other duties as required.

Impact of Key results / Key performance indicators

The Communication Officer is a seasoned professional in the field of Communication. The quality of work and external communications performed by the Officer directly impacts on the professionalism of the incumbent and the overall reputation of the Communication Division in terms of both substantive depth and adaptive relevance to emerging issues and changing client needs. S/He follows established procedures but is expected to make recommendations on strategies for engagement and communications products. The Communication Officer is accountable for quality, substantive input and ability to project a competent and trusted image of the Fund to partners within IFAD and outside.

Representation / Work relationships

Representational functions of the Communication Officer are focused on establishing and maintaining relationships, building stronger relationships, identifying and pursuing of opportunities for outreach, engagement, and collaboration, and projecting the image of a credible/reliable partner.  S/He presents policy positions, seeking to inform and build partnerships, within the limitations of guidelines set by the supervisor.

Work relationships are established and maintained with counterparts both inside as well as outside the Fund.   Exchange of information typically requires proactivity to clearly establish the policy, positions or practices of the Fund. S/He functions as a collaborative partner within the Fund to enhance Communication.

Competencies

Organizational

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Personal influence (Level 1)

• Demonstrating Leadership: Personal leadership and attitude to change (Level 1)

• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge and innovates (Level 1)

• Focusing on clients: Focuses on clients (Level 1)

• Problem solving and decision making: Demonstrates sound problem solving and decision making ability (Level 1)

• Managing time, resources and information: Manages own time, information and resources effectively (Level 1)

• Team Work: Contributes effectively to the team (Level 1)

• Communicating and negotiating: Communicates effectively: creates understanding between self and others (Level 1)

• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains effective working relationships (Level 1)

• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively (Level 1)

Technical/Functional

• Technical expertise in Communication with ability to formulate new approaches and relationships with clients, focusing on impact and results.

• Results-oriented decision-making skills, with the ability to translate business strategies and needs into practical solutions.

• Skills in applying concepts and theories to complex issues and actively develop alternatives / proposals for service or methodological changes.

• Ability to conduct policy analysis.

• Diplomatic communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Minimum recruitment qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in international development, international relations, political science or related field or other job related field.

Experience

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience Communication related activities, preferably in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.

Language requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable.

Other information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.
 

IFAD is committed to achieving diversity and is seeking a balanced workforce from its Member States. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.