Consultant for NSL Communication Hub

Job Posting Organization:
The Land and Water Division (NSL) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable use of land, soil, and water resources. Established to address the challenges faced by member countries in managing these vital resources, the NSL aims to ensure that agricultural demands are met while maintaining the long-term sustainability of these resources. The organization provides technical assistance to member countries, helping them develop policies and programs that adopt best practices in irrigation, drainage, soil and water conservation, and drought mitigation. The NSL operates globally, working with various countries to promote equitable access to natural resources, thereby enhancing productivity, livelihoods, and ecosystem services. The organization is committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to improve governance and management of land and water resources.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for the NSL Communication Hub will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and impact of FAO's work related to land, soil, and water. Under the supervision of the Knowledge Management Officer and Coordinator of the NSL Communication Hub, the consultant will assist in outreach activities that promote stakeholder engagement. The position involves contributing to the planning and organization of events, cultural and artistic exhibitions, and other outreach initiatives. The consultant will be responsible for managing the full event cycle, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring that all activities align with FAO values and standards. This role requires a proactive approach to fostering collaboration and communication among various stakeholders, ensuring that the initiatives are inclusive and innovative. The consultant will also act as a focal point for the FAO MuNe (Food and Agriculture Museum & Network), supporting the logistical organization of events both at FAO HQ and in different countries, and maintaining compliance with communication standards set by the Office of Communication (OCC).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to the conceptualization, implementation, and delivery of cultural and artistic initiatives that align with FAO's mission.
• Supporting the organization of events and related cultural/artistic exhibitions, managing the entire event cycle from concept development to logistical coordination and on-site implementation.
• Ensuring that all events promote inclusivity, innovation, and adherence to FAO values.
• Acting as the NSL focal point for the FAO MuNe, facilitating communication and collaboration within the network.
• Supporting the logistical organization of NSL events and UN celebrations, including coordination with local suppliers and preparation of necessary materials.
• Assisting in the selection and procurement of communication materials to support outreach efforts.
• Maintaining liaison with the Office of Communication to ensure compliance with standards and review processes.
• Performing any additional tasks as requested by the supervisor to support the NSL Communication Hub's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, Economics, Art History, Social Sciences, Contemporary Art Curator, or related disciplines. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communications, cultural exhibition organization, and/or public relations is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the principles of effective communication and stakeholder engagement, particularly in the context of international organizations and cultural initiatives.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, Economics, Art History, Social Sciences, or Contemporary Art Curator. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to compensate for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and cultural initiatives within the context of FAO's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communications, cultural exhibition organization, and/or public relations. This experience should ideally include work in international organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, or cultural institutions, particularly in areas related to agriculture, food systems, environment, soil, land, and water. The consultant should have a proven track record of successfully coordinating projects related to exhibition organization and managing external providers, demonstrating the ability to connect art and science in the context of environmental sustainability and food system solutions.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered an asset. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different countries and cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed against FAO's core competencies, which include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. The consultant will be expected to adhere to FAO's standards and guidelines throughout their work, ensuring that all communication materials comply with established policies. Additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, and compensation may be provided during the recruitment process.