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 Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices in order to increase production in a sustainable manner and to eradicate hunger, while preserving the natural resources and the environment for future use.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to an NSP Officer, in collaboration with the NSP Communication focal point and the Office of Communications (OCC).

Technical Focus 

Technical support and guidance to communication activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

In accordance with FAO’s corporate communications policies and practices, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
•    Support in developing communication materials (e.g. key messages, brochures, newsletters, factsheets, reports and social media posts) in collaboration with the NSP Communication focal point and in consultation with OCC.
•    Draft news and other relevant publications to promote and highlight activities and initiatives in a timely and professional manner.
•    Ensure that all communication materials are appropriately targeted and gender-sensitive.
•    Review drafts of documents/material developed by technical experts targeting external audiences to ensure consistency in external communication and outreach, in compliance with FAO and donors’ visibility guidelines.
•    Develop and disseminate communication and advocacy products, events, publications, networks, including updating the team’s websites and contents for FAO corporate social media.
•    Collect and archive relevant photos from all events, missions and activities for inclusion in the corporate media database, liaising in advance with the FAO Photo Library to ensure compliance with technical specifications and guidelines.
•    Support the coordination of communication activities to ensure the successful implementation of relevant communication strategies/plans.
•    Contribute to the planning and organization of public events (conferences, seminars, presentations, trainings, press conferences, visits of officials, field trips, lectures, demonstrations, etc.) virtually, hybrid or in-presence, ensuring consistency of messages and enhancing FAO and donor visibility.
•    Promote and facilitate divisional knowledge products and exchange of best practices
•    Participate in relevant field visits, meetings and technical trainings.
•    Support divisional efforts to update NSP website in liaison with OCCI.
•    Perform other related duties as required.
•    All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAOSTYLE (English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf; French: https://www.fao.org/3/AC339FR/ac339fr.pdf; Spanish: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081es/cb8081es.pdf; Arabic: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081ar/cb8081ar.pdf; Chinese: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081zh/cb8081zh.pdf; Russian: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081ru/cb8081ru.pdf
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm;
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en;
Story guidelines http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/UPDATED-Digital-Storytelling-Guide-EN-FINAL.pdf;
Story template http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/FAO-Stories-Template-UPDATED.pdf;
UN map standards (available to staff);
FAO Brand and policy book (available to staff).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in communication studies, International Relations, or related field.
•    At least one year of relevant experience in communication.
•    For Consultants: working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official languages of the Organization: Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian. For PSA Subscribers: working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•    Good understanding of both written and visual forms of communication; experience with journalism may be an advantage.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work or in an international organization.