Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division is a core technical division of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, established to promote responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems. The division operates from FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and collaborates with member countries and partners to enhance production, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life. The division's mission includes the global development of fisheries and aquaculture, focusing on the implementation of its strategic approach known as Blue Transformation, which aims to create sustainable and resilient aquatic food systems. FAO's work is supported by a diverse team of experts and consultants who contribute their specialized knowledge to achieve the organization's strategic objectives across various technical areas. The division also engages with regional fishery bodies and implements normative instruments to support member countries in their efforts to manage aquatic resources sustainably.

Job Overview:
The Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of projects related to ocean governance and the BBNJ Agreement within the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division. This position requires an experienced professional who can effectively manage knowledge and communication activities, ensuring that relevant information is disseminated to stakeholders at national, regional, and global levels. The specialist will be responsible for designing and executing outreach strategies, mapping stakeholders involved in BBNJ implementation, and facilitating events and training sessions aimed at capacity development. The role also involves collaborating with various partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions, to promote knowledge sharing and best practices in marine resource management. The specialist will work closely with the project team and communications coordinators to ensure that all materials adhere to FAO standards and guidelines, thereby enhancing the visibility and impact of the projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist include:

• Supporting the implementation of knowledge management, outreach, and communication-related activities for FAO BBNJ projects, including their design, processing, and dissemination.
• Mapping stakeholders relevant to national, regional, and global BBNJ implementation activities to ensure effective engagement and collaboration.
• Contributing to the organization, delivery, and follow-up of events, training, and capacity development activities, as well as consultative workshops with various stakeholders.
• Liaising with knowledge management and communications providers during the preparation of communication materials to ensure quality and compliance with FAO standards.
• Supporting the identification and design of knowledge and communications products that effectively convey project objectives and outcomes.
• Collecting, identifying, documenting, and disseminating national and regional good practices and case studies to promote learning and knowledge sharing.
• Supporting project monitoring and reporting to track progress and outcomes.
• Facilitating coordination, collaboration, and information exchange across project partners and institutions involved in BBNJ implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in marine science, environmental studies, political science, international development, journalism, information science, knowledge management, communications, or a related field. For those with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant experience for category A, five years for category B, or one year for category C, specifically in knowledge management or communications within the environmental or marine resource management fields. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and familiarity with additional FAO official languages is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to marine science, environmental studies, political science, international development, journalism, information science, knowledge management, or communications. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of marine resource management and effective communication strategies.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist position varies by category. Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience for category A, five years for category B, or one year for category C. This experience should be specifically in knowledge management or communications within the environmental or marine resource management sectors. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong track record of managing communication initiatives and knowledge sharing activities, as well as experience working in diverse locations or areas of work.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is required for this position. Additionally, limited knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve assignments at FAO headquarters in Rome, home-based work, or field missions as required. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements and selection criteria outlined in the job posting. The role is expected to be full-time, and the specific contract duration has not been mentioned. The position may involve international recruitment, and compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards.