Communications and Advocacy Officer

 

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles

 

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance

 

 

 

Job Title: Communications and Advocacy Officer

 

Type of Contract: Consultant

 

Division: EME / Emergency Division - Global Food Security Cluster, EMEF

 

Duty Station (City, Country): HQ Rome, Italy

 

Duration: up to 11 months

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

 

The Communications and Advocacy Officer will work within the Global Food Security Cluster (gFSC), which is co-led by WFP and FAO in Rome, Italy, and report to Global Cluster Co-Coordinator (WFP).

He/she will coordinate gFSC communications and advocacy initiatives to ensure these raise the profile and visibility of not only the gFSC at HQ level, but also of field-level Food Security Cluster (FSC) activities more globally.

The incumbent will supervise and deliver a broad range of communications and advocacy material, providing research and analysis and prioritizing effectively. The role will support gFSC management in positioning the gFSC and FSCs within UN, intersectoral and partners’ broader scope of work and objectives.

The Communications & Advocacy Officer will contribute to presenting a standard and consistent overview of gFSC/FSC operations, support effective relationships and collaboration with external partners, and ensure a flow of relevant, quality-controlled  information between gFSC/FSC and stakeholders and the broader public to facilitate timely decision-making at all levels.

The incumbent will also provide specialized communication and advocacy services that support the implementation of the gFSC Strategy with related workplan, by creating content and providing outreach aimed at maintaining and enhancing the gFSC’s visibility and reputation, as well as supporting fundraising activities.

 

 

 

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1.       Coordinate and update a strategy and work plan for gFSC and support field-level FSC communications and advocacy, leading initiatives to enhance visibility and support fundraising.

2.       Collaborate with gFSC management and the global support team to lead assertive communications and advocacy projects that demonstrate the Cluster’s added value to both internal and external audiences.

3.       Prepare and disseminate regular information (advocacy notes, annual reports, situation reports, newsletters, speeches, stories from the field, etc.) to new and potential partners of the gFSC, including on major crises, upcoming events and ongoing programmes, as well as reviewing the design and content of the gFSC website.

4.       Build and maintain effective relationships to liaise with CLAs, donors, other UN agencies, (I)NGOs, and gFSC partners, attending meetings where required.

5.       Train and enhance the capacity of relevant gFSC and FSC staff to produce coherent and quality communications and advocacy.

6.       Draft various correspondence and reports related to gFSC/FSC activities.

7.       Conduct research and coordinate the timely and effective delivery of video/film, photographic, infographic, and other communications and advocacy projects from the field, strategizing for broader visibility and dissemination through gFSC and partner channels.

8.       Raise awareness and support the execution of special events, working closely with colleagues and external partners, including but not limited to donor events, workshops and seminars.

9.       Manage content production of traditional and social media content to enhance coverage and support of gFSC’s activities.

10.     Perform any other tasks as may be necessary towards achieving gFSC goals and objectives.

 

 

 

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

 

Global FSC advocacy and communications strategy updated and followed, with guidance and support provided on strategies for country Clusters.

Effective collaboration and partnerships established internally and externally, with donors, partners, CLAs and other Clusters, to align activities and ensure a coherent approach to communications.

Updated and maintained toolkit of communications products (situation reports, field stories, advocacy notes, etc.), containing templates, how-to guides and examples. Support provided on ad hoc requests as relevant and training delivered as required.

Visibility raised on the work and role of the gFAS among key target audiences (parters, donors, CLAs, general public).

Minimum number of communications products designed and disseminated by country Clusters that are consistent with gFSC messaging and cleared by CLAs

where necessary.

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

 

Education: Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Social Sciences, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.     Experience:   At least 7 years of relevant experience in communications, advocacy and/or donor relations/reporting, with a background and interest in food security and/or humanitarian relief and development.   Knowledge & Skills:   Knowledge of communications/advocacy best practices, techniques and processes, with the ability to analyse and interpret diverse information and draw out the key messages. Strong English written and oral communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate insights to stakeholders, persuade, influence and adapt communication style to different situations and audiences. Knowledge of common business principles and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems. Experience in the UN desirable. Proficiency in the use of Adobe software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and InDesign) desirable.     Languages:

  Excellent written and oral communications skills in English and knowledge of a second UN working language (preferably French).

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions

 

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

 

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.

 

http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

 

Deadline for applications: 08 December 2021

 

Ref.: VA No. 154035

 

 

 

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply

 

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status

 

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil

Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations

system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.