Junior Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, making agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to transform agrifood systems to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving no one behind. The Office of Communications (OCC) within FAO is responsible for all corporate and internal communication activities, ensuring coherence and consistency in messaging and enabling cost-effectiveness in communication-related resources across the organization.

Job Overview:
The Junior Communications Specialist position is designed to support the Office of Communications (OCC) at FAO by contributing to the development of public communication content across various media and formats. This role is crucial for enhancing FAO's visibility and effectiveness in communicating its mission and activities to diverse audiences. The selected candidates will be included on a roster, which means they may be contacted for employment opportunities over the next three years as specific needs arise. Candidates should possess a strong orientation towards public communication, advocacy, journalism, storytelling, and impact content creation. They will be expected to research and draft accurate content, develop multimedia content for non-specialist audiences, and manage communication across digital platforms, including social media and websites. The position requires a balance of creativity and analytical skills to effectively convey FAO's messages and engage with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Communications Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting OCC communications officers and teams in various areas of the workstream, contributing to the development of public communication content in multiple media formats.
• Researching and analyzing FAO technical information and communication materials to aid in content development, which includes assembling verified background information, summarizing technical documents, and drafting key messages.
• Drafting texts for internal and external channels, such as intranet news, newsletters, digital posters, infographics, news articles, feature stories, and scripts.
• Contributing to the creation of multimedia communication assets, including graphics, videos, photos, animations, and podcasts, for various channels related to events and publications.
• Assisting in the management and maintenance of social media accounts and website content.
• Coordinating cross-team communications work, including information sharing and meeting follow-ups.
• Participating in stakeholder research and media intelligence gathering.
• Responding to requests for information regarding OCC processes and standards.
• Backstopping communications officers during their absences to ensure continuity of operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: For Consultants: An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Videography, or a relevant field. If holding a bachelor's degree, candidates must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For PSAs: A university degree from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in the same fields. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. A working knowledge (level C) of English is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Videography, or a related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. For those with a bachelor's degree, additional years of relevant professional experience are necessary to meet the qualifications. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of communication in a global context and for effectively engaging with diverse audiences.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. This experience should demonstrate the ability to create compelling content, manage communication strategies, and engage with various stakeholders effectively. Experience in multimedia production and digital communication is particularly valuable, as the role involves developing content for diverse platforms and audiences.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages would be considered an asset, as FAO operates in a multilingual environment and engages with stakeholders from various linguistic backgrounds. Candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages will have an advantage in this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a roster system, meaning that inclusion does not guarantee employment but allows candidates to be contacted for opportunities as they arise over the next three years. The role may involve working in various locations, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel or remote work arrangements. The position is expected to be full-time, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to FAO's mission and values, including a focus on results, teamwork, and effective communication.