Communication Officer (CFS HLPE-FSN Secretariat Communication Specialist)

Job Posting: 25/Apr/2024 Closure Date: 16/May/2024, 4:59:00 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 Post Number: 2010210 CCOG Code: 1A08 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 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

• 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 FAOs 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 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.

Organizational Setting
The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) is the foremost inclusive UN international and intergovernmental platform working towards the elimination of hunger and ensuring food security and nutrition for all.
The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) of the CFS is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to world food security and nutrition. It provides independent, comprehensive and evidence-based analysis and elaborates its studies through a scientific, transparent and inclusive process.
The position is located in the CFS HLPE-FSN Secretariat at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Secretariat supports the HLPE-FSN Steering Committee, report drafting teams and all other related processes, including in conjunction with the CFS meetings and plenaries.

Reporting Lines
The Communication Officer (CFS HLPE-FSN Secretariat Communication Specialist) reports to the Project Officer/CFS HLPE-FSN Coordinator.

Technical Focus
Communication related to science, food security and nutrition, in the context of the CFS HLPE-FSN publications and activities.

Key Results
Contribute to the development and strengthening of internal 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 multi-disciplinary teams and/or leads working groups/teams; collaborates with other offices and agencies 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
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.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.

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

• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAOSTYLE:
English: https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/f72a5741-af74-401c-a4a7-70f41ca1bb4a

FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm

FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en

Story guidelines and template, Web policy, Social media guidelines, UN map standards, FAO branding and Logo guidelines (available internally).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

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

• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds

• 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 A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:

• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• 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

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT