Organizational Setting
The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) is the foremost inclusive UN international and intergovernmental platform working towards the elimination of hunger and ensuring food security and nutrition for all.
The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) of the CFS is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to world food security and nutrition. It provides independent, comprehensive and evidence-based analysis and elaborates its studies through a scientific, transparent and inclusive process.
The position is located in the CFS HLPE-FSN Secretariat at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Secretariat supports the HLPE-FSN Steering Committee, report drafting teams and all other related processes, including in conjunction with the CFS meetings and plenaries.
Reporting Lines
The Communication Officer (CFS HLPE-FSN Secretariat Communication Specialist) reports to the Project Officer/CFS HLPE-FSN Coordinator.
Technical Focus
Communication related to science, food security and nutrition, in the context of the CFS HLPE-FSN publications and activities.
Key Results
Contribute to the development and strengthening of internal communication, web publishing and media-relations activities of the Organization.
Key Functions
• Researches and analyses technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology-related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support internal and/or external communication.
• Produces a variety of information and reports as well as input for communication-related documents and web pages.
• Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes and databases.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary teams and/or leads working groups/teams; collaborates with other offices and agencies on work groups and committees and promotes best practices.
• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.
Specific Functions
Communication strategy development and implementation:
• Develops and implements a comprehensive communication strategy aligned with CFS HLPE-FSN objectives and target audiences.
• Contributes to the profiling of CFS HLPE-FSN past/present work and identifies key messaging and communication channels to effectively reach the intended stakeholders in food security and nutrition policy and academic circles.
• Coordinates and implements communication plans to ensure consistent and timely delivery of messages.
• Supports the production of strategic outreach and communication materials on the CFS HLPE-FSN work.
• Supports the development of communication tools and meeting documents for use by the CFS HLPE-FSN Steering Committee members, Secretariat, and other key stakeholders.
Content creation and management:
• Conducts research and gathers relevant information to develop accurate and compelling content.
• Creates engaging content for various communication channels, including websites, social media, newsletters and articles, adhering to FAO web and social media policies and guidelines (available from OCC).
• Manages and updates CFS HLPE-FSN communication materials, ensuring consistency and adherence to branding guidelines.
• Implements regular updates and maintenance of the CFS HLPE-FSN website.
• Manages the CFS HLPE-FSN social media accounts to drive outreach and engagement.
CFS HLPE-FSN reports and notes publication:
• Supports the oversight of the process of development of CFS HLPE-FSN reports, especially in the aspects concerning formatting, layout (in six languages), printing and dissemination.
CFS HLPE-FSN Steering Committee meetings, public events and media relations:
• Takes the lead in the overall communications work for CFS HLPE-FSN Steering Committee meetings and other corporate events.
• Builds and maintains relationships with media outlets, partners, and key stakeholders.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in communication, international relations, food security, nutrition or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in communication or journalism related to science and food security.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance in science dissemination, institutional and public relations.
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting high-quality written materials for a wide variety of audiences, working with a broad range of communication and media partners, including from international organizations, governments, academia, professional bodies, private sector, donor and philanthropic bodies and civil society organizations.
• Experience in all aspects concerning publication cycles in a UN agency is highly desirable.
• Understanding of CFS and UN policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to assess communication effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Flexibility and adaptability to adjust communication strategies based on evolving project needs and priorities.
• Working knowledge in more than one of the UN official languages is considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in utilizing various communication tools and platforms, including social media platforms, digital and web content management systems, and email automation tools.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to create compelling content for different platforms and target audiences.
Liaison with the Office of Communication (OCC) will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with FAO standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAOSTYLE:
English: https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/f72a5741-af74-401c-a4a7-70f41ca1bb4a
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines and template, Web policy, Social media guidelines, UN map standards, FAO branding and Logo guidelines (available internally).
Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.