Communication Specialist

Reporting LinesSelected applicants will report to Team Leaders across a range of teams in the Division, with the functional supervision of the NFO/OCC focal point and of the Office of Corporate Communication (OCC), other FAO Divisions, and external partners as required.
Technical Focus Communication, knowledge management and outreach.
The incumbent(s) will support the Forestry Division teams in the development, editorial production, quality assurance and dissemination of information materials both for technical audiences and for the general public, while working in close collaboration and liaison with FAO staff at Rome headquarters and regional and country offices, as well as key partners.
Tasks and responsibilitiesIn close collaboration with the NFO's focal point for the Organization's Office of Communications (OCC) and the OCC's branches and focal points, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks.
General communications: • Draft, edit and fact-check MPS and Forestry documents, publications, articles, and newsletters in English, to be compliant with FAO standards (FAO style; FAO country names; FAO terminology), and manage publication in PWS.
• Develop/support communication and outreach work on forestry and mountains with key partners through multiple communication and social media channels, which may include elements of coordination with other internal and external partners; • Manage and support global events (including Mountain Partnership and Forestry events) and knowledge exchanges, in cooperation with relevant partners;• Provide support for creating e-newsletters, email announcements and other outreach products.
Social Media:• Collate information and develop appropriate digital assets, in line with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards and guidelines, and day-to-day management of thematic/regional/country social media channel(s) (@FAOforestry X, UNMountains X, Mountain Partnership Facebook, UNMountainsMatter Instagram, Mountain Partnership Flickr, UN-Mountain-Partnership Linkedin) as per the FAO social media guidelines and in support of country/regional/global strategies, liaising and coordinating with the relevant technical officers and OCC, as appropriate, and relevant supervisor for clearance;• For videos intended for use on social media channels, liaise with OCC to review scripts, formats and final clearances;• Develop and organize a bank of evergreen recyclable messaging and multimedia assets, working with a graphic designer and multimedia specialist, across all teams in the Forestry Division;• Participate in the development and implementation of thematic/country/regional/divisional communications plans for campaigns or key priorities such as the International Mountain Day, International Day of Forests etc.• Ensure that all communication products comply with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards, and guidelines.• Monitor social media for results, compliance with guidelines, trends and risks, in consultation with OCC, as appropriate.• Provide monthly engagement reports with key performance indicators;• Prepare a monthly social media content calendar with innovative and issue-focused content to promote the work of the Division.
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 -31: FAO social media policy and guidelines: CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements• Master's degree from recognised institution or Bachelor's degree with minimum two years of experience (for consultants); University degree or specific technical specialization (for PSA) in communication, journalism, visual communication, social science, political science, forestry or international development studies, or a field related to FAO's mandate; • One year or more of relevant experience for entry level (CAT C) consultants/PSA.SBS, at least five years' relevant experience for middle level (CAT B) consultants/PSA.SBS, and at least 10 years relevant experience for senior level (CAT A) consultants/ PSA.SBS in knowledge management and/or communication.
• Working knowledge of English.
FAO Core Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills • Extent of experience with the development of written and audio-visual communication products• Professional writing experience; excellent oral and written communication skills • Ability to transform technical materials into communication products for the general public • Ability to write/draft compelling human-interest stories, speeches and video scripts • Ability to draft high-level perspective pieces• Knowledge and compliance of FAO terms, language and standards • Extent of knowledge and experience working in multicultural settings and multi-disciplinary projects/programmes • Forestry and/or climate change related expertise in research and writing and in the development of outreach materials is considered an asset• Experience with Microsoft Office products, including PowerPoint and Excel, plus online platforms and tools – Sharepoint, Microsoft Teams, Google groups, Google Drive, Dropbox • Extent and relevance of academic qualifications.
• Extent of experience managing and/or developing content for social media channels including X, Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, Flickr and TikTok in a professional capacity• Ability to transform technical materials into communication products for the general public• Ability to organize large quantities of data and assets into a user-friendly repository of materials• Familiarity with Trello, Canva, Hootsuite and scheduling services• Familiarity with social media tracking and monitoring tools• Forestry, sustainable mountain development and/or climate change related expertise in the development of outreach materials is considered an asset• Ability to plan and organize own work, deliver results and meet deadlines.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 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.