Communications Specialist - Climate Change

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) is a vital part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on addressing the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Established to provide cross-organizational coordination, OCB plays a crucial role in facilitating responses to these challenges by assisting FAO Members in their efforts to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security while tackling climate-related issues. The office is involved in major multilateral environmental agreements, including the UNFCCC and the CBD, and supports access to climate financing through initiatives like the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund. OCB also manages significant programs such as the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme and oversees FAO's work on environmental safeguards. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems, ensuring that its activities align with global climate policies and scientific frameworks.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist position is situated within the Climate Change team of OCB, which is dedicated to providing policy advice and technical support to FAO Members on various aspects of climate change, including mitigation, adaptation, transparency, and loss and damage. The role involves planning, designing, and implementing external communications strategies for projects related to climate change and agriculture. The incumbent will be responsible for developing communication strategies that align with the FAO Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, ensuring that messaging is coherent and effectively reaches target audiences. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including external partners and FAO divisions, to enhance the visibility and impact of the Climate Change team's initiatives. The Communications Specialist will also play a key role in producing knowledge products and tools that support the team's objectives and facilitate coordination with international climate processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including acting as the focal point for the Climate Change team's communications activities, ensuring alignment with FAO corporate communication standards. Responsibilities include developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy that encompasses the team's workstreams, leading internal and external communications for specific initiatives, and coordinating communications around international events and meetings. The incumbent will research, draft, and edit impactful stories based on project results, manage social media content, and oversee the production of communication materials such as brochures, press releases, and web articles. Additionally, the Communications Specialist will maintain relevant websites, monitor analytics to improve engagement, and ensure compliance with donor visibility requirements. The role also involves evaluating communication activities against agreed indicators and providing progress reports to the Climate Change Team Leader.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Journalism, Communications, or a closely related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Alternatively, a first-level degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered equivalent. For PSA Subscribers, a university degree in the same fields is required. A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience is necessary for Category C, five years for Category B, and ten years for Category A. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of additional UN official languages, particularly Spanish and French, is considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate strong media outreach skills, digital communication capabilities, and the ability to develop effective communication campaigns.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Journalism, Communications, or a closely related field. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in communication principles and practices, which are essential for effectively conveying complex information related to climate change and agriculture. For those with a first-level degree, two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted as equivalent, highlighting the importance of practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Communications Specialist position varies by category. Candidates must have at least one year of relevant professional experience for Category C, five years for Category B, and ten years for Category A. This experience should be specifically in communications for development, with a focus on the agriculture and climate sector. Candidates are expected to have a proven track record of developing communication strategies, managing outreach campaigns, and establishing partnerships to enhance communication effectiveness.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is required for this position. Additionally, knowledge of other UN official languages, particularly Spanish and French, is considered an asset. This multilingual capability is beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and enhancing communication efforts across different regions and contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve collaboration with international partners and stakeholders. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic environment that requires adaptability and a commitment to the FAO's mission of promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates can expect to be assessed against the FAO's core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing.