Communication Specialist

Organizational context: The Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) within FAO focuses on inclusive rural transformation, gender equality, and social inclusion in agrifood systems. It generates policy analysis, knowledge products, and communication materials to enhance the accessibility of its work to diverse audiences and align with FAO's corporate communication goals. The Communications Specialist will play a key role in increasing the visibility and dissemination of ESP's initiatives through various practical communication activities, including support for publications, digital content, and event coordination.

Job purpose: The Communications Specialist will provide essential support to the Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) by developing and executing communication strategies. This includes creating and editing diverse content, coordinating publication processes, managing social media and digital platforms, and producing basic visual and multimedia assets. The role also involves supporting event communication, utilizing communication planning tools, and coordinating communication workflows to effectively disseminate ESP's technical work. The primary aim is to enhance the reach and impact of the division's contributions to agrifood systems.

Responsibilities:
The incumbent will support daily communication activities for the ESP Division, contributing to the development and execution of communication plans and workplans. Responsibilities include assisting with FAO publication processes, such as compiling inputs, tracking proposals, and preparing launch materials. The role involves drafting, editing, and proofreading various communication materials like news items, web stories, articles, press releases, and social media posts, adapting technical information for different audiences. The specialist will manage social media content, create basic graphic design and visual assets, and support video and multimedia production. Additionally, they will provide communication support for events, maintain communication repositories, coordinate inputs with stakeholders, and assist with monitoring and reporting on communication activities, ensuring adherence to FAO standards and guidelines.

Education:
An advanced university degree in communication, journalism, public relations, international relations, development studies, social sciences, graphic design, digital media, multimedia production, or economics is required. A bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant professional experience is also acceptable. One year of relevant experience in communications, public information, editorial support, digital communication, social media, graphic design, multimedia production, event communication, or knowledge management is necessary. Working knowledge of English is essential.

Work

experience:
A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as communications, public information, editorial support, digital communication, social media management, graphic design, multimedia production, event communication, or knowledge management. This experience should demonstrate the ability to support communication activities effectively.

Skills:
Key skills include proficiency in drafting, editing, and proofreading communication materials for various channels and audiences. Experience in social media management, basic graphic design, and visual communication is essential. Familiarity with video or multimedia production support is also important. The ability to translate technical content into clear, audience-appropriate language is crucial. Strong organizational skills for managing deadlines, coordinating inputs, and utilizing planning tools are required. Good digital literacy, including experience with Microsoft 365 and collaborative platforms, is necessary. Familiarity with FAO communication standards and guidelines is an asset.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: