Communication Officer (Strategic Communications)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting
The Office of Communications (OCC) is responsible for both external and internal communications of the Organization. It aims at making FAO’s communications strategic, coherent, focused and impactful, while ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in communication-related operations.

The position is located in the Office of the Director, Office of Communications (OCC) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Communication Officer (Strategic Communications) reports to the Director, Office of Communications.

Technical Focus
Communication, media relations, strategic communications, outreach and advocacy activities.

Key Results
The planning and delivery of OCC programmes, products and services and the development of related policies and specialized tools and systems, through the use of comprehensive communication and publishing expertise.

Key Functions
• Leads projects and/or work teams, leads and/or participates in office teams, provides services and/or professional expertise on Organization-wide committees and working groups and represents FAO at inter-agency meetings.
• Plans and delivers programmes, products and services including related policies, systems and tools to facilitate effective media relations, as well as internal and external corporate communication.
• Analyses information, data, statistics, relativities, trends, problems and/or issues to support effective communication delivery, new initiatives and the preparation of plans, strategies, reports, policies and/or other products.
• Provides specialist advice and expertise to internal and external partners on specific or complex cases, strategic communication, written communication, policy interpretation issues and/or best practices, etc.
• Manages special projects and provides guidance to consultants for the development and implementation of new products, tools and systems.
• Develops information, training materials and products to increase understanding of programmes, services and policies; promotes capacity development.
• Develops relevant performance criteria and indicators to evaluate programmes, products and services.

Specific Functions
• Identifies opportunities and develops communication and outreach strategies for the preparation and organization of outreach and fundraising activities aimed at advancing the communication priorities of the Organization both at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
• Liaises with governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, the media and the general public to develop partnerships and/or new forms of collaboration for awareness raising, outreach and/or fundraising activities.
• Leads trust fund projects related to communication, outreach and/or fundraising activities.
• Manages all aspects of special field visits involving partners, celebrities and media, in the context of the Office’s outreach activities.
• Coordinates the preparation of promotional material (video spots, flyers, banners, press releases, etc.) and supervises implementation of related outreach initiatives.
• Monitors financial aspects related to trust funds (e.g. monitoring of trust funds and contributions received establishment/closure of bank accounts).
• Ensures communication coordination of key corporate initiatives and projects between FAO projects both at national and international levels, including but not limited to the 2025 FAO’s 80th Anniversary and the launch of the Global Food and Agriculture Museum and network and other relevant activities and new initiatives.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in communication, social science, journalism, political science or a related field of international relations.
• Seven years of relevant experience in communication, public information, journalism, international relations or related field.
• 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, is desirable.
• Demonstrated professional skills and competence in the area of communication and public information, including knowledge and understanding of international communications, track record of public engagement and editorial judgement.
• Relevant international experience in communications and outreach in the United Nations system.
• Demonstrated political judgement in an international environment.
• Proven negotiation skills, maturity, tact and diplomacy.
• Understanding of the governance and legal frameworks within international organizations.
• A broad understanding of FAO’s work is desirable, including a host country collaboration framework.
• Extent and relevance of experience in outreach, communication and advocacy, with emphasis on media relations and partnerships with governments and other institutions.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Italian is highly recommended for this position.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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