Communication Support Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational framework

Through its FAO Country Offices or Representations, the Organization assists governments in formulating policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition and provides technical support for the sustainable development of the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, facilitating cooperation and direct work on the ground.
The activities of FAO's country offices include the work of the Representative Communicator.

Technical focus

The general objective of the Office Communicator is to contribute to the dissemination of the activities and results of the FAO Technical Cooperation Program in the country, positioning it as a dynamic and renewed organization in the eradication of hunger and rural poverty; in the promotion of agriculture, fisheries and livestock, as well as the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, for the benefit of the neediest communities and rural dwellers.

Reporting Lines

The Communicator will be under the direct supervision of the Representative and the Program Officer and will work closely with the FAO Regional Communications Office, through which he/she will coordinate with the Corporate Communications Office in Rome, and with the Network of Communicators in the region

Tasks and Responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:

•    Support communication-related activities of the Office and contribute to the design of a communication strategy for FAO in the country according to FAO's communication guidelines at the global and regional levels.
•    On the basis of the strategy, contribute to the preparation of an annual operational plan and follow up its implementation
•    Contribute to the production and dissemination of information products through FAO communication channels ensuring alignment with global and regional standards.
•    Attend the events that require it, including the call to the media and the dissemination of their results.
•    Support the promotion of FAO's corporate image as an open/accessible, multidisciplinary and rapid response institution in dialogue and action.
•    Assist in documenting FAO’s activities and results, including media monitoring and preparation of periodic summaries.
•    Provide support in the organization of communication-related events and activities at country level. 
•    Maintain and update FAO’s digital presence (social media and website) with relevant and timely content
•    Support the adaptation of regional and global communication products to national contexts, ensuring outreach to national audiences.
•    Support the communication activities regarding the 80’s FAO Anniversary, the COP 30 and the LARC39. .
•    Maintain an active and up-to-date presence on social networks (X, Flickr) and generate content for the Representation's website, the regional page and, if possible, the global page.
•    Contribute to strengthening internal communication within the Country Office and the communication with the Regional Office.

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/cb8081enFAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faotermFAO 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    

•    University degree in Journalism, Communication Sciences, Social Communication, Public Relations with related postgraduate studies. 
•    Minimum five years of experience in institutional communication in public or international organizations, NGOs or private companies in the development of strategies and/or management of dissemination and digital communication campaigns: website and social networks.
•    Working knowledge of Portuguese and English (level C), and limited knowledge of Spanish (level B).
•    Brazilian Nationality or other legally authorized to work in Brazil

FAO Core Competencies 

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Basic knowledge of graphic and audiovisual design tools.
•    Relevance of experience in teamwork and networking with different actors that enhance the Organization's communication impact.
•    Experience in the use of communication tools and design programs (graphic and audiovisual).
•    Ability to work for the timely fulfilment of goals.
•    Flexibility to perform field missions.
•    Excellent communication and writing skills.

Selection Criteria

•    Relevant experience with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and/or in large-scale or international cooperation projects.
•    Experience in communication support in scenarios for different audiences.
•    Knowledge of gender and intercultural approaches.
•    It is desirable to have postgraduate studies in Strategic Communication, International Relations, Communications for Development, branding and/or institutional marketing
•    A minimum of three years of journalistic experience in a mass media outlet is desirable.

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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• 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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