Organizational Setting

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. Its main objective is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best utilization of marine living resources as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
To fulfil its mandate, the GFCM collaborates and shares information with a wide network of institutions, international organizations, intergovernmental, non-governmental and civil society organizations as well as experts and scientists. Within its expanding organizational remit, new products and events need to be prepared and promoted. For its ambitious strategies to succeed, the GFCM needs to communicate effectively about its work and impacts to key audiences and stakeholders.
The posts are either home-based or located at GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl (Via Vittoria Colonna 1, 00193 – Rome, Italy) or at GFCM subregional technical units.

Reporting Lines

The specialists report to the relevant GFCM officers and to the GFCM Executive Secretary and closely collaborate with relevant GFCM Secretariat staff.

Technical Focus 

Support to the implementation of activities and production of materials, including reports, publications, documents, videos, photos, media supports as well as other relevant products, to enhance the visibility and efficiency of the GFCM’s work, in line with its mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Communication specialist will be dedicated to the promotion of the GFCM’s mission and activities, including in its subregions. The key functions of the consultant will be to:

•    Prepare and implement communication campaigns in line with the GFCM communication strategy;
•    Collaborate in the preparation and dissemination of written or visual contents and materials in relation to GFCM activities, including documents, stories, webnews, press releases, etc.;
•    Identify success stories, facts and figures as well as relevant opinion leaders and media contacts;
•    Report and write news and stories that engage key audiences, and navigate political sensitivities while reflecting the GFCM’s communications priorities and key messages;
•    Act as the communication liaison with specific GFCM teams;
•    Contribute to the update and maintenance of relevant databases (communication calendar, photo, video, etc.);
•    Provide support in the compilation and analysis of communications key performance indicators; and
•    Perform the above tasks in compliance with relevant organizational technical, security, data and quality standards and procedures, in liaison with relevant FAO departments and services.

The Publishing and documentation specialist will assist the GFCM Secretariat in the preparation and editing of technical documents and scientific publications. The key functions of the consultant will be to:  

•    Collaborate in the preparation and editing of documents, publications and outreach materials in relation to GFCM activities: collect materials, perform layout, prepare files, liaise with editors and graphic designers, follow up production steps and coordinate with relevant staff and providers;
•    Collaborate in publications layout and design as well as in the development of visual identities and infographics for GFCM products and events;
•    Provide support in the preparation and editing of presentations and materials in connection with GFCM activities;
•    Collaborate in the preparation of contents, links and visuals for the GFCM website;
•    Contribute to the update and maintenance of relevant databases (publications, visuals, photo, etc.);
•    Ensure that all materials are produced in line with FAO style, corporate branding, logo and other relevant guidelines;
•    Ensure consistency and continuity of style and contents within all materials produced;
•    Contribute to the maintenance of relevant GFCM databases.

For all profiles, collaboration and liaison with the Office of Communication (OCC) will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.
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/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 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).
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

•    Bachelor’s degree (for consultants) or technical diploma (for PSA) in communication, journalism, audiovisual, web design, graphic design, languages studies, linguistics, international affairs or related subject;
•    1 year (Category C consultant/PSA) or 5 years (Category B consultant/PSA) of relevant experience.
•    For consultants, working knowledge (Level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
•    For PSA, working knowledge (Level C) of English or of another FAO official language. Level A of another official language is desirable.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

Communication specialist 

•    Excellent command of English and at least another relevant GFCM language.
•    At least one year of proven experience in communications
•    Excellent writing skills and proven capacity for storytelling
•    Experience working in sensitive and fast-moving contexts, preferably at an international level and/or in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region
•    Excellent computer skills (MS Office essential and design software an asset)

Publishing and documentation specialist 

•    Excellent command of English and at least another relevant GFCM language.
•    Excellent drafting and language skills
•    Proven experience in editing or publishing
•    Knowledge of editorial and publication processes (knowledge of FAO standards and processes will be an asset)
•    Knowledge of layout and formatting tools, editorial styles and conventions
•    Experience in the management, implementation and follow-up of projects, preferably at an international level
•    Excellent computer skills (MS Office essential and design software an asset)

Selection Criteria 
All 
•    Level of experience in working with international and intergovernmental organizations or projects, possibly in the Mediterranean and/or Black Sea
•    Good working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish will be an asset
•    Ability to work on multiple projects, meet deadlines and ensure quality output
•    Experience using content management systems and other advanced tools for online publishing and content distribution will be an asset
•    Thoroughness, reliability, communications skills, sense of diplomacy and tact

Communication and advocacy specialist 
•    Level of experience in developing high-quality communication materials
•    Level of experience in media relations or design in an international context
•    Ability to draft attractive texts for communication on multiple platforms

Publishing and documentation specialist
•    Extent and relevance of experience in editing and publishing and in the management of editorial and publication projects
•    Level of knowledge of editorial processes, house styles, conventions and layout tools
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the creation of a broad range of visual and publication products