Young Professional Officer (Communication and Outreach)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1945 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a mission to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability and works towards transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Young Professional Officer (Communication and Outreach) position is situated within the Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director-General for Natural Resources and Sustainable Production at FAO headquarters in Rome. This role is pivotal in supporting the planning, development, and execution of communication and outreach activities that align with FAO's strategic objectives. The incumbent will work closely with the Communications Officer and the Office of Communications to create impactful communication materials, enhance digital communications, coordinate events, and contribute to monitoring and reporting activities. The position requires a proactive approach to maintaining communication resources and facilitating knowledge sharing within the organization. The Young Professional Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring that communication efforts effectively convey FAO's mission and initiatives to diverse audiences, thereby fostering greater awareness and engagement in sustainable agricultural practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Young Professional Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: analyzing relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, and technological information to provide input for various documents; maintaining records and updating databases and web pages; providing technical support to various projects; collaborating in the development of training tools and materials; organizing workshops and seminars; participating in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations, and conferences; producing required materials and providing information and assistance to partners. Specific functions include supporting the Communications Officer in planning and implementing communication and outreach materials; assisting in the design, drafting, editing, and delivery of high-quality communications products; developing audience-led communication campaigns; supporting the organization and delivery of events; compiling communication metrics and analytics; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, sustainable agriculture, food security, international relations, environmental science, political science, or a closely related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in communication and outreach activities, particularly at the international level. A working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish - level B) is also required. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in fields related to communication, journalism, sustainable agriculture, food security, international relations, environmental science, political science, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication in the context of sustainable development and food security.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of one year of relevant experience in communication and outreach activities, particularly in an international context. Experience in developing communication products, organizing events, and working in diverse locations or areas of work is highly desirable. Familiarity with sustainable development issues relevant to FAO's technical areas is considered an asset, as is experience in collecting, analyzing, and summarizing technical reports and data.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for candidates to have intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication within the organization and with its stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
Candidates must be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application. It is important for all candidates to adhere to FAO's values of commitment, respect for all, and integrity and transparency. The position is likely to be full-time, and while specific details regarding contract duration and compensation are not provided, candidates should be prepared for a role that demands a high level of commitment and engagement in FAO's mission.