Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Is Hiring A Special Communication Officer for the Secretariat APPLY NOW
Background
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates to “let there be bread”. It was founded on 16 October 1945.
About FAO
The FAO, or the Food and Agriculture Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on issues related to food and agriculture. It was established in 1945 with the goal of eliminating hunger and improving nutrition worldwide, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The FAO works towards its objectives through various means, including providing technical assistance to member countries, conducting research and analysis on food and agriculture issues, collecting and disseminating information and statistics, and facilitating international cooperation and policy dialogue.
Some of the key areas of focus for the FAO include:
- Food Security: The FAO works to ensure that all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs. It supports initiatives to improve agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and enhance resilience to natural disasters and other shocks that can affect food production and availability.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The FAO promotes practices that protect natural resources and the environment while ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture. This includes promoting sustainable land and water management, biodiversity conservation, and climate-smart agriculture techniques.
- Nutrition: The FAO works to improve nutrition outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and women. It supports efforts to address malnutrition, promote healthy diets, and strengthen food systems to deliver nutritious food.
- Rural Development: The FAO recognizes the important role of rural areas in achieving food security and sustainable agriculture. It supports initiatives to enhance rural livelihoods, improve access to markets and financial services, and empower rural communities.
- Emergency and Rehabilitation: The FAO provides assistance during and after emergencies such as natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises that affect food security and agriculture. It helps affected communities by providing emergency food assistance, restoring agricultural production, and building resilience to future shocks.
The FAO works closely with governments, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to address global food and agriculture challenges. Its work is guided by the principles of collaboration, partnership, and evidence-based decision-making.
Why work at FAO
Working at the FAO can offer several compelling reasons for individuals interested in food and agriculture issues and international development. Here are some potential reasons why people may choose to work at the FAO:
- Global Impact: The FAO operates on a global scale and has a mandate to address hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture worldwide. Working at the FAO provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the well-being of millions of people around the world.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The FAO brings together professionals from various fields, including agriculture, economics, nutrition, environmental science, policy, and more. This multidisciplinary approach allows for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and expertise across different sectors, fostering a rich and diverse work environment.
- International Exposure: The FAO operates in over 130 countries, providing opportunities for international assignments and cross-cultural experiences. Working at the FAO can offer exposure to different countries, cultures, and agricultural systems, broadening one’s understanding of global issues and fostering personal and professional growth.
- Policy Influence: The FAO plays a critical role in shaping global policies related to food and agriculture. By working at the FAO, individuals have the opportunity to contribute to policy development, provide technical expertise and guidance to member countries, and influence international discourse on critical issues such as food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: The FAO works closely with governments, other UN agencies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector. This collaborative approach allows for partnerships and networking opportunities, enabling individuals to work with diverse stakeholders to address complex challenges and find innovative solutions.
- Professional Development: The FAO invests in the professional development of its staff, offering training programs, workshops, and opportunities for career advancement. Employees can enhance their technical skills, gain knowledge in specialized areas, and develop leadership abilities through the resources and support provided by the organization.
- Work-Life Balance: The FAO recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers supportive policies and programs to its staff. Flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and comprehensive benefits packages are some of the ways the organization strives to promote employee well-being.
Special Communication Officer
- Closure Date: May 9, 2024, at 11:59:00 PM
- Organizational Unit: DDCC
- Job Type: Staff position
- Type of Requisition: Professional Project
- Grade Level: P-3
- Primary Location: Italy-Rome
- Duration: Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extension
Specific Functions
Communication strategy development and implementation:
• Develops and implements a comprehensive communication strategy aligned with CFS HLPE-FSN objectives and target audiences.
• Contributes to the profiling of CFS HLPE-FSN past/present work and identifies key messaging and communication channels to effectively reach the intended stakeholders in food security and nutrition policy and academic circles.
• Coordinates and implements communication plans to ensure consistent and timely delivery of messages.
• Supports the production of strategic outreach and communication materials on the CFS HLPE-FSN work.
• Supports the development of communication tools and meeting documents for use by the CFS HLPE-FSN Steering Committee members, Secretariat, and other key stakeholders.
Content creation and management:
• Conducts research and gathers relevant information to develop accurate and compelling content.
• Creates engaging content for various communication channels, including websites, social media, newsletters and articles, adhering to FAO web and social media policies and guidelines (available from OCC).
• Manages and updates CFS HLPE-FSN communication materials, ensuring consistency and adherence to branding guidelines.
• Implements regular updates and maintenance of the CFS HLPE-FSN website.
• Manages the CFS HLPE-FSN social media accounts to drive outreach and engagement.
CFS HLPE-FSN reports and notes publication:
• Supports the oversight of the process of development of CFS HLPE-FSN reports, especially in the aspects concerning formatting, layout (in six languages), printing and dissemination.
CFS HLPE-FSN Steering Committee meetings, public events and media relations:
• Takes the lead in the overall communications work for CFS HLPE-FSN Steering Committee meetings and other corporate events.
• Builds and maintains relationships with media outlets, partners, and key stakeholders.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in communication, international relations, food security, nutrition or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in communication or journalism related to science and food security.
• 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.
• Extent and relevance in science dissemination, institutional and public relations.
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting high-quality written materials for a wide variety of audiences, working with a broad range of communication and media partners, including from international organizations, governments, academia, professional bodies, private sector, donor and philanthropic bodies and civil society organizations.
• Experience in all aspects concerning publication cycles in a UN agency is highly desirable.
• Understanding of CFS and UN policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to assess communication effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Flexibility and adaptability to adjust communication strategies based on evolving project needs and priorities.
• Working knowledge in more than one of the UN official languages is considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in utilizing various communication tools and platforms, including social media platforms, digital and web content management systems, and email automation tools.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to create compelling content for different platforms and target audiences.
