Communication Specialist

Communication Specialist

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

February 18, 2025February 20, 2025RomeItaly
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) About
To meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified key priorities on which it is best placed to intervene. A comprehensive review of the Organization’s comparative advantages was undertaken which enabled strategic objectives to be set, representing the main areas of work on which FAO will concentrate its efforts in striving to achieve its vision and global goals. An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.
Job Description

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Position Title: Communication Specialist
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 plays a crucial role in international efforts to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, and it works with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Communication Specialist will play a vital role in the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) at FAO. This position involves providing technical advice on the planning, design, and implementation of communications and outreach strategies that align with FAO's Strategic Objectives. The specialist will be responsible for producing and disseminating knowledge materials that are often technical and policy-oriented, including reports, press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and speeches. The role requires collaboration with various branches of the Office of Communications (OCC) to ensure that all communications materials comply with FAO corporate standards. The specialist will also be tasked with developing stories of change based on project results and showcasing the achievements of FAO programs both internally and externally. Additionally, the role includes web development responsibilities, such as creating new webpages and maintaining existing ones, as well as planning and executing media outreach campaigns related to key events and publications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:
  • Writing and editing communications materials, ensuring adherence to FAO guidelines and style.
  • Supporting the preparation and dissemination of knowledge materials, including technical reports and social media content.
  • Developing impactful stories based on project results and achievements.
  • Coordinating the production of knowledge products, including brochures and case studies, in collaboration with graphic designers.
  • Creating and maintaining webpages using Sitefinity, and regularly reviewing website analytics.
  • Planning and executing outreach campaigns to promote key publications and events through various media channels.
  • Compiling and analyzing social media analytics for reporting purposes.
  • Ensuring compliance with FAO standards and guidelines for all communication materials.
  • Liaising with OCC to maintain aligned messaging and appropriate review processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in communications, journalism, sustainable development, or social sciences with a focus on agrifood systems, climate change, biodiversity, and the environment. Additionally, candidates should have relevant experience in communications for development, particularly in the agriculture, climate, biodiversity, or environment sector. A minimum of 1 year of experience is required for PSA CAT C, 2 years for Consultant CAT C, 5 years for CAT B, and 10 years for category A. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, sustainable development, or social sciences, with a specific focus on agrifood systems, climate change, biodiversity, and the environment. An advanced university degree is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's prospects.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position varies by category. Candidates must have at least 1 year of relevant experience for PSA CAT C, 2 years for Consultant CAT C, 5 years for CAT B, and 10 years for category A. Experience in communications for development, particularly in sectors related to agriculture, climate, biodiversity, or the environment, is essential. Work experience with the United Nations or similar organizations is also beneficial.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in French is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify the deadline for applications. The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed against various selection criteria, including experience in gender, youth, education, and capacity building. Familiarity with FAO's communication protocols and goals is highly advantageous. The role may involve international collaboration, and candidates should be prepared to engage with diverse stakeholders across different regions.
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