Communications Data Specialist

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 consultants. Inclusion on the roster does not guarantee employment but allows shortlisted candidates to be considered for future assignments over the next three years.

Reporting Lines

Reporting to the Office of Communications (OCC) Directors, works closely with all OCC teams, CSI (IT), technical divisions, regional and country offices.

Technical Focus

FAO is seeking a Communications Data Specialist to transform digital and audience data into actionable insights supporting communication strategies and decision-making. The role focuses on dashboard creation, impact measurement across multiple channels, and fostering an audience-led and data-driven culture within the FAO Office of Communications (OCC).
·    The specialist provides timely, accurate dashboards and briefings to inform FAO leadership communications priorities and resource allocation.
·    Enhances campaigns and content through scoring, evidence-based recommendations, A/B testing, and post-campaign analyses.
·    Maintains audience data quality and privacy compliance, ensuring consistent reporting across OCC, as well as providing guidance for the wider organization.
·    Develops a shared KPI framework and taxonomy to enable comparable reporting across FAO corporate channels, with a view to integrating across the Organization.

Tasks and responsibilities

·    Monitor and evaluate FAO’s digital engagement using approved analytics and tools, delivering weekly and monthly executive summaries.
·    Support the establishment of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and data management platform tracking, standards, audience segmentation, and consent management.
·    Collaborate on maximizing audience engagement with the FAO Museum and events and exhibits, segmenting insights for diverse target groups including families and press.
·    Facilitate capacity building through templates and training for the wider organization, and propose continuous improvements based on industry best practices.
·    Identify emerging themes, risks, opportunities, and stakeholder conversations relevant to FAO to translate insights into actionable editorial strategies.
·    Monitor platform algorithm changes and industry developments and advise teams on how these affect content performance and audience growth.
·    Design and maintain automated dashboards on FAO-approved platforms for web analytics, social media, media coverage, newsletters, and museum engagement. This includes supporting OCC's activities while also providing guidance to facilitate Organization-wide integration, ensuring full compliance with FAO's Data Visualization Guidelines.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

·    Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communications, media studies, data science, statistics, economics, or related fields. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
·    5 years of relevant experience in Data, Analytics or another related field
·    Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

·    Proficient in web and social analytics tools (e.g., GA4, Matomo, Semrush, Meltwater, Sprout Social), dashboarding (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), and data management (Excel/Sheets; SQL/Python advantageous), CRM (Salesforce).
·    Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a multicultural, multilingual environment.
·    Preferred experience includes defining KPIs for international organizations, familiarity with CRM/email analytics, knowledge of food security or public-sector communications, and skills in SEO/AEO audits and A/B testing.
·    Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
·    Proactively looking for ways to improve workflows and team efficiencies, and deadline oriented. 
·    Self-sufficient, accountable and able to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
·    Strong attention to detail, critical thinker, strong work ethic, and positive attitude while routinely exercising sound judgment.
·    Awareness of ethical and sensitive issues in the context of data and communications. Ability to handle assets that contain confidential information.
·    Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain processes and train colleagues.