Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
ย
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) works to ensure that countries and stakeholders respond to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. OCB provides a cross organizational coordination role on issues related to climate change, biodiversity and the environment, and is the focal point to major multilateral environmental agreements including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Office also assists FAO Members in their responses towards the interlinked challenges of food security, climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, including through facilitating access to climate and environmental financing (such as the GEF and the GCF). In addition, OCB hosts the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, as well as FAO's work on environmental safeguards.ย
Reporting Lines
The Communication Specialist will report to and work under the overall supervision of the Knowledge Management Officer in OCB including the content of communications materials developed to ensure communications material is cleared and complies with FAO corporate standards.
Technical Focusย
Technical advice on the planning, design and implementation of communications and outreach for projects, strategies and services in connection with the FAO Strategic Objectives, field programmes and activities implemented by OCB workstreams on climate change, biodiversity and environment.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Experience and demonstrated skills in one or more of the following areas of work:
In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:
Writing
โข ย ย Support and contribute to the preparation, production and dissemination of knowledge materials, often technical and policy-oriented, including reports, press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and speeches.
โข ย ย Proofread, edit and ensure all written material is proofread and edited, in adherence with FAO guidelines, style and terminology.
โข ย ย Develop stories of change and impact based on OCB project results and work at field level.
โข ย ย Showcase the results and achievements of FAO programmes and projects both internally and externally, in the build up to key events and days, reporting through widely disseminated Op-eds, news articles and web stories.
โข ย ย Coordinate the production, including liaising with graphic designers, and draft the text of knowledge products (brochures, fact sheets, speaking points, social media messaging, case studies, video scripts, etc.).
Web development
โข ย ย Create new webpages and migrate websites using Sitefinity.
โข ย ย Maintain relevant websites and webpages and regularly review and report on analytics.
Outreach including social media campaignsย
โข ย ย Support outreach and promotion of key publications and major events by sharing knowledge materials and results through various FAO social media channels.
โข ย ย Ensure targeted dissemination plans are in place for knowledge materials and news items to ensure they are widely disseminated to identified audiences including the FAO conference, council and other high-level meetings, via relevant channels and media outlets.
โข ย ย Plan and support extensive and impactful media outreach campaigns related to key days, report launches and major events.
โข ย ย Compile analytics of social media channels for reporting
FAO Standards and guidelines:
โข ย ย Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
โข ย ย All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en ย
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia ย ย
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044enย
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081enย
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faotermย
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en ย ย
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).ย
โข ย ย Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in communications, journalism, sustainable development or social sciences with a focus on agrifood systems, climate change, biodiversity and the environment or a related field.
โข ย ย At least 1 year (for PSA CAT C), 2 years (for Consultant CAT C), and at least five years (for CAT B) or 10 years (category A) of relevant experience in communications for development, particularly in the agriculture, climate, biodiversity, or environment sector.
โข ย ย Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional skillsย
โข ย ย Experience in developing communication and outreach campaigns and establishing partnerships and networks for improved communications.
โข ย ย Strong media outreach skills, including handling media inquiries, and managing social media campaigns.
โข ย ย Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, as well as gender-sensitive and cross-cultural competency.ย
โข ย ย Ability to operate effectively as part of a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.ย
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work.ย
โข ย ย Work experience at field/project level, with the United Nations, non-governmental organizations or similar.
โข ย ย Research and analytical skills, and the ability to present and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.ย
โข ย ย Demonstrated ability in media outreach and the identification of appropriate media outlets and channels.ย
โข ย ย Practical knowledge and proven experience working with relevant ICT software.
โข ย ย Experience in using a behavioural science approach in communications would be an asset.
โข ย ย Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of French is an asset
Selection Criteria ย ย ย
ย ย ย ย ย
โข ย ย Experience working on issues related to gender, youth, education and/or capacity building would be an asset.
โข ย ย Proven experience and strong skills in one or more of the key areas of work listed above
โข ย ย Knowledge of digital communication tools and platforms
โข ย ย Education and experience, an advanced university degree is an advantage.
โข ย ย Proficiency in written and verbal communication.
โข ย ย Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization.ย
โข ย ย Familiarity with FAOโs communication protocols, goals, and operating procedures is highly advantageous.