Communication Specialist (Various profiles)

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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 person 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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 Office of Communications (OCC) leads FAO’s corporate and internal communication efforts. It ensures consistency in messaging, promotes cost-effective communication strategies, and supports the Organization’s visibility and outreach goals.

This announcement aims to identify and vet qualified candidates for inclusion in a roster of communications specialists. Inclusion on the roster does not guarantee employment but allows shortlisted candidates to be considered for future assignments over the next two years.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to a Communication Officer within OCC, assigned to various teams such as editorial, multimedia, or digital communications years.

Technical Focus

•    Public information and advocacy
•    Internal and external communication
•    Multimedia production
•    Web publishing and social media
•    Digital content creation and marketing

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse communication backgrounds, including junior professionals. Profiles may include:
General Communication Specialist
Multimedia Production Specialist
Digital/Social Media/Web Specialist

Tasks and responsibilities

Support OCC communications officers and teams in a range of areas spanning the OCC workstream and contribute to the development of public communication content in diverse media and formats.

General Communication Specialist:

•    Collaborate with OCC branches and communication focal points across divisions.
•    Draft and edit content for various platforms (web, print, internal communications).
•    Ensure consistency in terminology, tone, and branding across all materials.
•    Support visibility efforts for FAO campaigns, initiatives, and events.
•    Coordinate with technical officers and regional communication officers for content clearance.

Multimedia Production Specialist:

•    Produce and edit multimedia content (video, audio, photo) for FAO’s global campaigns and initiatives.
•    Support the creation of impact-driven content for advocacy, storytelling, and public engagement.
•    Ensure multimedia outputs align with FAO branding and messaging standards.
•    Collaborate with OCCM colleagues to deliver content across FAO’s flagship channels.
•    Videos should follow the FAO Video production guidelines:  https://www.fao.org/3/cc5308en/cc5308en.pdf

Digital/Social Media/Web Specialist:

•    Research and analyse FAO technical information and FAO communication material to support content development and creation (assembling verified background information, summarizing technical documents, drafting key messages, developing scripts for social media, photo research, etc.)
•    Draft texts in various formats, for use on internal and external channels (intranet news/announcements, newsletters, digital posters, infographics, news articles for divisional or OCC web properties, feature stories, key messages, talking points, scripts, etc.)
•    Contribute to the development of multimedia communication content/assets (graphics, videos, photos, animations, campaigns, podcasts, social/digital content, copywriting, etc.) for internal and external use, for use on diverse channels, related to publication launches, events, international days, participation in global fora, etc.
•    Support OCC communications officers/teams with website and newsletter content creation and management and maintenance of social media accounts.
•    Assist OCC communications officers/specialists in coordinating cross-team communications work (information sharing, meetings/post-meeting follow up, work planning, etc.)
•    Participate in stakeholder research and analysis efforts, including media intelligence gathering.
•    Respond to requests for information on OCC process, standards, workflows etc. coming from technical divisions (answering requests for guidance or information).
•    Backstop OCC communications officers during leaves or absences
•    Write news releases, web stories and feature stories in collaboration with technical officers
•    Help respond to requests for information on OCC processes, standards, and workflows from technical divisions (answering requests for guidance or information).
•    Attend communications coordination meetings, draft minutes, and support follow-up of action items.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•    Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
•    All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en  
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia   
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en 
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en 
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm 
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en     
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (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

•    For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Videography or other relevant field; Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSA.SBS: University degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Videography or other relevant field.
•    1 year of relevant experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Videography or other relevant field
•    Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•    Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to complete content and strengthen ability to do so independently over time.
•    Awareness of ethical issues in the context of communications and ability to deal sensitively with them. Ability to handle assets that contain sensitive and sometimes confidential information.
•    Strong attention to detail, critical thinker, strong work ethic, and positive attitude while routinely exercising sound judgment
•    Self-sufficient, accountable and able to work autonomously with minimal supervision, proactively looking for ways to improve workflows and team efficiencies, and deadline oriented.
•    Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain processes and train colleagues.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• 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/ 
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• 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
• 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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