Communication Specialist (Writer)

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 member nations, 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting

The Office for Corporate Communication (OCC) is responsible for all corporate and internal communication activities of the Organization. It ensures coherence and consistency in FAO’s corporate messaging and communications’ outputs, as well as enables cost-effectiveness in use of communication-related resources across the Organization.

Reporting Lines

The Consultants/PSAs will report directly to the Chief of Media branch. If outside of the OCC, the Consultant/PSA will work under the functional supervision of OCC.

Technical Focus

The Communication/Media relations (for all FAO official languages and Italian).

Tasks and responsibilities

Communication Consultant/PSA will:

• Build and maintain close working relations with media representatives in Rome and globally, and respond to their inquiries;
• Generate interview opportunities for senior FAO officials and supply cleared FAO information as required
• Prepare talking points, media briefs, country political/news background briefs, speeches and other high-level products;
• Research and write news releases and web stories in collaboration with technical officers;
• Advise on and contribute to multi-media projects and events (including television and radio);
• Compose promotional content and targeted communications on FAO’s work for distribution via various social media, including Twitter and Facebook;
• Develop and articulate key messages for external communication and advocacy purposes;
• Represent OCC/FAO at meetings and teleconferences both internally at FAO and with external partners. (only for Consultants)
• Generate interview opportunities for FAO senior officials and supply cleared FAO information as required;
• Devise, develop and coordinate the production of communication products related to FAO’s work and the SDGs;
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in communication or journalism, political science or related subject.
• 1 year (Category C consultant/PSA) or 5 years (Category B consultant/PSA) of relevant experience in communication or journalism;
• For consultants, working knowledge (Level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
• For PSAs, working knowledge (Level C) of one of FAO’s official languages. Level B of another official language is desirable.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of communication services for prominent organizations, particularly at the international level;
• Extent and relevance of experience in developing high-quality communication/multimedia materials for a wide variety of audiences;
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.

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