Communication Officer, Video, COM division

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, brand management, internal communication and events management to meet IFAD’s communication priorities.

The Communications Officer, Video, as part of the Global Outreach node, leads on production and delivery of IFAD’s video content for both external and internal audiences, including television news agencies and broadcast outlets, digital and social media platforms, and events. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Communications Officer, Global Outreach, the Communications Officer, Video, contributes to the development of a media outreach strategy targeted at raising visibility in key member states. The Communications Officer, Video, advises staff across IFAD on best practices and approaches in video storytelling and production. 

Key results expected / Major functional activities

• Lead on production and delivery of IFAD’s video content for both external and internal audiences; oversee and make recommendations for the effective use of IFAD’s video resources at HQ and in the field, including advising on best approaches, storylines, distribution and visibility opportunities.
• Work independently to conceptualize, shoot, script and package television news stories, video news releases, social media content and other impactful video products for distribution to global broadcast media, for screening at internal and external events, and for placement on IFAD's corporate website and social media channels.
• Identify, contract, direct and supervise video crews and consultants in a variety of locations and situations, ensuring appropriate consultation and planning with IFAD country offices; take responsibility for final products produced, including editing scripts and providing feedback on edits.
• When required, travel to IFAD-supported projects to gather footage, conduct interviews and capture stories; work closely with IFAD country offices to identify and negotiate appropriate filming situations, taking responsibility for the accuracy and aesthetic quality of materials gathered.
• When needed, take direct responsibility for shooting and editing video content in the field, making fast decisions about news worthiness, selecting appropriate images, writing background notes and uploading footage onto remote servers for immediate distribution to television media.
• Pitch storylines, key spokespeople and video content to relevant television and broadcast media.
• Build collaborative relationships inside and outside IFAD, including with journalists, television news agencies and key media outlets to keep up to date with emerging issues and trends and to ensure delivery of accurate, engaging and relevant content.
• Contribute to the development of strategies for increasing IFAD's profile and visibility in key donor markets; advise on approaches for distribution, partnerships and platforms.
• Coordinate technical production and workflow of all video products in IFAD’s video editing suite; evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the materials produced.
• Keep abreast of current practices, trends, approaches and technologies; advise staff across IFAD on best practices and approaches in video storytelling and production.
• Oversee and coordinate the production of panels and other sessions for the annual Governing Council meeting.
• MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: Is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the personal use of assigned IFAD resources, including equipment, supplies and, as applicable, staff supervised.

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:

Result-oriented Performer: 

• excellent spoken and written English with proven experience writing journalistic style scripts; 
• good understanding of the global broadcast market with a solid base of contacts;  
• familiarity with current  trends, styles and developments in television    broadcasting, video, social media, Internet and multimedia environments;  
• ability to conceive of, shoot, edit and deliver new and effective video productions for a variety of platforms;  
• ability to exercise independent judgment, to make appropriate visual  choices and to take responsibility for the accuracy of information and  aesthetic quality of video content.

Building relations and networking: 

• proven ability to effectively manage relationships with broadcast media;
• effective communicator with the ability to convey technical video concepts  and recommendations to non-technical staff at all levels;  
• excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective  working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with  sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Working in a team: 

• result-oriented, team contributor applying excellent technical skills and knowledge to communications strategies and approaches.

Planning  and Organizing: 

• proven ability to meet tight deadlines, often under pressure.

Staff development:

• commitment to personal performance and self-development;

Minimum recruitment qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in film studies, journalism, communications, social sciences or related fields. The Advanced University degree may be substituted by a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience, over and above the minimum number of years of experience as stipulated below.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in television news or short-form documentary production, with experience managing video teams at all stages of production.
• Experience producing video content for various types of audiences and platforms, particularly social media.
• Knowledge of development at the international level and experience working for UN agencies, multi-lateral development banks, civil society organizations or foundations is an asset.

Language requirements:

• Excellent spoken and written English with proven experience writing/editing impactful materials for the media is essential.
• Working knowledge of another IFAD official language (Arabic, French, 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.