Reporting Lines
The Communication Officer reports to the Deputy Director-General (DDG-B) and the Director of the Office of Communications (OCC).
Technical Focus
Media relations, multimedia communications and internal corporate communication.
Key Results
Planning and delivery of OCC programmes, products and services and development of related policies and specialized tools and systems, using comprehensive communication and publishing expertise.
Key Functions
• Leads projects and/or work teams, leads and/or participates in office teams, provides services and/or professional expertise on Organization-wide committees and working groups and represents FAO at inter-agency meetings.
• Plans and delivers programmes, products and services including related policies, systems and tools to facilitate effective media relations, as well as internal and external corporate communications.
• Analyses information, data, statistics, relativities, trends, problems and/or issues to support effective communication delivery, new initiatives and the preparation of plans, strategies, reports, policies and/or other products.
• Provides specialist advice and expertise to internal and external partners on specific or complex cases, strategic communication, written communication, policy interpretation issues and/or best practices, etc.
• Manages special projects and provides guidance to consultants for the development and implementation of new products, tools and systems.
• Develops information, training materials and products to increase understanding of programmes, services and policies; promotes capacity development.
• Develops relevant performance criteria and indicators to evaluate programmes, products and services.
Specific Functions
• Actively supports the development of communication plans, tools and relevant material as well as documents for events, meetings, webinars and other initiatives under the responsibility of the Deputy Director-General (DDG-B), in line with corporate communication strategies, policies and guidelines.
• Researches, prepares fact-checking, edits and produces professional communications materials for various audiences and ensures their timely dissemination via corporate and non-corporate communications channels, working closely with the Office of Communications (OCC).
• Contributes to high quality multimedia and digital content for dissemination via FAO's intranet and global-level platforms in close collaboration with OCC.
• Provides advice and support on communication-related issues and liaises with Divisions/Offices/Centres in the Stream for proper and timely organization of events, meetings, conferences, webinars, etc.
• Drafts talking points, briefs, fact sheets, speeches, etc. for the DDG-B and Senior Managers in the Stream.
• Reviews and edits written documents, including speeches, prepared for Senior Management in close consultation with the subject experts.
• Coordinates communication initiatives in the DDG-B Stream.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in communication, social science, journalism, political science, international relations or a related field of international relations.
• Seven years of relevant experience in communication, public information, international relations, web publishing and/or social media networks.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (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.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of communication services for prominent organizations, particularly at the international level, including substantive experience in journalism, advocacy or communications and marketing, or in closely related fields.
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting high-quality written materials for a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in drafting and editing in English.
• Very good technical affinity for media contexts including knowledge of a wide range of multimedia, web and digital tools.
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of another FAO language is an asset.
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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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GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
2. FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
3. 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:
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.
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