Communications Officer (Public Affairs)

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 Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Divisions/Offices/Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RLC also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RLC develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).
The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.
The post is located in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) in Santiago, Chile.

Reporting Lines
The Communication Officer (Public Affairs) directly reports to the Communications Officer in RLC, with an overall day to day dual reporting line to the Programme Officer- Chief of Cabinet of the Office Assistant-Director General/Regional Representative, (ADG/RR), RLC.

Technical Focus
Public affairs, advocacy and strategic communication for policy issues, international affairs and high-level associations.

Key Results
Contribute to the development and strengthening of internal and external communication, web publishing and media-relations activities of the Organization.

Key Functions
• Researches and analyses technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technology related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support internal and/or external communication.
• Produces a variety of information and reports, as well as input for communication-related documents and web pages.
• Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes, and databases.
• Participates in multidisciplinary teams, and/or leads working groups/teams collaborates with other units on work groups and committees and promotes best practices.
• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.

Specific Functions
• Contributes to planning and implementing an advocacy and communication strategy to strengthen political will in support of FAO’s mission and enhance the Organization’s mandate into the public domain.
• Provides substantive inputs for the preparation of inter-governmental meetings, including concept notes, presentations, strategic analysis, think pieces, briefs and reporting on policy matters.
• Provides strategic communications analysis and advice to ADG/RR and the Regional Leadership Team (RLT) in regional, political, and diplomatic matters.
• Identifies, develops and implements communications and advocacy partnerships with key stakeholders liaising with technical officers, teams and streams as required and linking up with the Divisions/Offices/Centres at headquarters when needed, in consultation with OCC.
• Supports the strategic planning and preparation of high-level events.
• Prepares comprehensive strategies and engagement plans related to high-level partners and represents FAO at inter-institutional meetings.
• In close coordination with the technical units, ensures the timely preparation of material and speeches in support of the ADG/RR and other FAO spokespeople upon request.
• Ensures coherence with FAO’s corporate communications policies and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs.

All communication materials will 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/ac339s/ac339s.pdf; Arabic: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339a/ac339a.pdf; Chinese: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339c/ac339c.pdf); FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm;
• FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en;
• Story guidelines and template, UN map standards, FAO Brand and policy book (all available to staff).
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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.
• Five years of relevant experience in communication, web publishing and/or social media networks.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official 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
• Experience in high-level political and international environment is an asset.
• Proven track record in strategic communications and public affairs.
• Ability to translate complex and technical communications to a wide and varied audience, in a simple and concise manner.
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of web publishing and social media networks, as well as in editing communication, promotional or technical materials.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and dissemination of communication, promotional or technical materials.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Spanish is highly desirable.

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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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