Communication Specialist (Various profiles)

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.

The Office of Communications (OCC) leads FAO’s corporate and internal communication efforts. It ensures consistency in messaging, promotes cost-effective communication strategies, and supports the Organization’s visibility and outreach goals.

This announcement aims to identify and vet qualified candidates for inclusion in a roster of communications specialists. Inclusion on the roster does not guarantee employment but allows shortlisted candidates to be considered for future assignments over the next two years.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to a Communication Officer within OCC, assigned to various teams such as editorial, multimedia, or digital communications years.

Technical Focus

•     Public information and advocacy
•     Internal and external communication
•     Multimedia production
•     Web publishing and social media
•     Digital content creation and marketing

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse communication backgrounds, including junior professionals. Profiles may include:
General Communication Specialist
Multimedia Production Specialist
Digital/Social Media/Web Specialist

Tasks and responsibilities

Support OCC communications officers and teams in a range of areas spanning the OCC workstream and contribute to the development of public communication content in diverse media and formats.

General Communication Specialist:

•     Collaborate with OCC branches and communication focal points across divisions.
•     Draft and edit content for various platforms (web, print, internal communications).
•     Ensure consistency in terminology, tone, and branding across all materials.
•     Support visibility efforts for FAO campaigns, initiatives, and events.
•     Coordinate with technical officers and regional communication officers for content clearance.

Multimedia Production Specialist:

•     Produce and edit multimedia content (video, audio, photo) for FAO’s global campaigns and initiatives.
•     Support the creation of impact-driven content for advocacy, storytelling, and public engagement.
•     Ensure multimedia outputs align with FAO branding and messaging standards.
•     Collaborate with OCCM colleagues to deliver content across FAO’s flagship channels.
•     Videos should follow the FAO Video production guidelines:  https://www.fao.org/3/cc5308en/cc5308en.pdf

Digital/Social Media/Web Specialist:

•     Research and analyse FAO technical information and FAO communication material to support content development and creation (assembling verified background information, summarizing technical documents, drafting key messages, developing scripts for social media, photo research, etc.)
•     Draft texts in various formats, for use on internal and external channels (intranet news/announcements, newsletters, digital posters, infographics, news articles for divisional or OCC web properties, feature stories, key messages, talking points, scripts, etc.)
•     Contribute to the development of multimedia communication content/assets (graphics, videos, photos, animations, campaigns, podcasts, social/digital content, copywriting, etc.) for internal and external use, for use on diverse channels, related to publication launches, events, international days, participation in global fora, etc.
•     Support OCC communications officers/teams with website and newsletter content creation and management and maintenance of social media accounts.
•     Assist OCC communications officers/specialists in coordinating cross-team communications work (information sharing, meetings/post-meeting follow up, work planning, etc.)
•     Participate in stakeholder research and analysis efforts, including media intelligence gathering.
•     Respond to requests for information on OCC process, standards, workflows etc. coming from technical divisions (answering requests for guidance or information).
•     Backstop OCC communications officers during leaves or absences
•     Write news releases, web stories and feature stories in collaboration with technical officers
•     Help respond to requests for information on OCC processes, standards, and workflows from technical divisions (answering requests for guidance or information).
•     Attend communications coordination meetings, draft minutes, and support follow-up of action items.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•     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.
•     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  
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia   
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en 
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en 
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm 
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en     
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). 
•     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

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Videography or other relevant field; Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSA.SBS: University degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Videography or other relevant field.
•     1 year of relevant experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Videography or other relevant field
•     Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

•     Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to complete content and strengthen ability to do so independently over time.
•     Awareness of ethical issues in the context of communications and ability to deal sensitively with them. Ability to handle assets that contain sensitive and sometimes confidential information.
•     Strong attention to detail, critical thinker, strong work ethic, and positive attitude while routinely exercising sound judgment
•     Self-sufficient, accountable and able to work autonomously with minimal supervision, proactively looking for ways to improve workflows and team efficiencies, and deadline oriented.
•     Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain processes and train colleagues.