National Pesticides Risk Communication Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. The organization focuses on various aspects of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, working closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals. In Serbia, FAO aligns its activities with national priorities for the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The National Pesticides Risk Communication Specialist will play a crucial role in the project titled 'EU for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development – pesticides.' This project aims to enhance national capacities for the sound management of pesticides in Serbia, addressing critical issues in pesticide management to ensure food safety and protect public health and the environment. The specialist will develop a pesticide risk communication strategy that aims to improve awareness among stakeholders regarding the risks associated with pesticide use and its impact on health and the environment. This position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, industry representatives, and international organizations, to ensure that the communication strategy is effective and aligned with national and EU standards. The specialist will be responsible for conducting assessments, organizing consultative meetings, and developing communication materials that promote responsible pesticide use and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Pesticides Risk Communication Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: conducting a national rapid assessment to understand current perceptions and practices related to pesticide use; organizing consultative meetings and surveys with stakeholders; contributing to the development of the pesticide risk communication strategy in consultation with FAO and relevant stakeholders; developing a detailed implementation plan and budget for the communication strategy; proposing practical communication tools and materials; organizing validation workshops for stakeholders to adopt the strategy; finalizing the communication strategy based on stakeholder feedback; ensuring compliance with FAO standards and guidelines for communication products; and submitting a final report on achievements to FAO. The specialist will also liaise with the Office of Communications and Coordination (OCC) to ensure that all communication materials align with FAO's messaging and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Communication Studies, Public Relations, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Environmental Health, Food Safety, Public Health, or a related field relevant to pesticide management, agriculture, and environmental protection. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in risk communication, stakeholder engagement, and the development of communication strategies related to pesticides, agriculture, environmental protection, public health, or integrated pest management is required. Proven experience in designing, implementing, or coordinating awareness-raising and behavior change communication initiatives is essential. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English and Serbian, and must be nationals of Serbia or residents of the country with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in fields such as Communication Studies, Public Relations, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Environmental Health, Food Safety, Public Health, or other related areas that are pertinent to pesticide management and environmental protection. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies in the context of agriculture and public health.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in areas such as risk communication, stakeholder engagement, and the development of communication strategies specifically related to pesticides, agriculture, environmental protection, and public health. This experience should ideally be within development, governmental, or international programs, demonstrating a proven track record in designing and implementing communication initiatives that raise awareness and promote behavior change.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Serbian. Candidates must have a working knowledge of both languages to effectively communicate with stakeholders and develop communication materials. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working closely with various stakeholders in Serbia. The role is focused on developing a communication strategy that aligns with national and EU standards, and candidates should be prepared to engage in collaborative efforts with government ministries and other organizations. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job description, but candidates should inquire about these aspects during the application process.