Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood System Innovation)

Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO's 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. The Chief Scientist Stream is the driver to leverage science and innovation in FAO and aims to enable the Organization to reinforce its position as a source of reliable scientific information and a neutral platform at the heart of important discussions. The Office of the Chief Scientist strengthens dialogue on science, including by developing knowledge and expertise and brings to bear the foremost science-based evidence on cross-sectoral, multi-disciplinary priority issues related to agrifood systems at the global level.

The position is located in the Office of the Chief Scientist at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines The Communication Officer reports to the Chief Scientist.

Technical Focus Communication on main issues related to science, technology and innovation for agrifood systems, including in the context of implementing the FAO Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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 • Supports the planning, coordination and implementation of science communication and advocacy activities for the Office of the Chief Scientist - liaising closely with the Office of Communications (OCC), and OCC technical focal points for relevant divisions, offices and centres and Decentralized Offices - to ensure coherence and enhance collaboration on communications around scientific issues for responsible science communication and supporting evidence-based decision-making. • Supports the Office of the Chief Scientist in engaging with stakeholders and crafting compelling messages on priority issues including contentious ones, based on robust scientific evidence and organizational knowledge and positions. • Promotes the mainstreaming of 'good' science communication practices across FAO, underpinned by the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy. • Drafts articles, statements, briefing notes, opinion pieces, talking points, speeches, key messages and other communication outputs including power point presentations for the Office of the Chief scientist, ensuring consistency, accuracy and timeliness, and meeting the needs of target audiences. • Supports monitoring and analyses developments in science: news, policy and communication materials within FAO at headquarters, Regional Offices and beyond (United Nations, intergovernmental, think-tank, and NGO reports) to keep abreast of strategic scientific developments and to inform the communications strategy for the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Organization. • Proposes content for the Organization's social media channels and ensures online presence to raise the visibility of the Office of the Chief Scientist, and science and innovation throughout FAO and beyond, linking to engagement with high-profile topical issues where relevant. • Supports analysis of information, data, statistics, trends, problems, and/or issues to support effective communication delivery, new initiatives and the preparation of plans, strategies, reports, policies and/or other products in the context of the work of the Office of the Chief Scientist, and technical work of relevant divisions, offices and centres. • Performs risk management tasks related to communications, including raising flags for the Office of the Chief Scientist and advising on approaches to communicating sensitive issues. • Prepares regular reports on the effectiveness of visibility efforts using qualitative and quantitative information. • Performs other duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in communication, food security, environment, nutrition, sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry and fisheries), social science or a related field. • Five years of relevant experience in communication, public information, or journalism relating to science, technology and innovation applied to, or relevant to, food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development. • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official 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, is desirable. • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of science communication services for prominent organizations, particularly at the international level, including substantive experience in science journalism. • Extent and relevance of experience in drafting high-quality written materials for a wide variety of audiences. • Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset. • Demonstrated ability to write/edit in a deadline-driven environment. • Extent and relevance of experience in covering international and multilateral affairs, planning and coordinating complex news coverage. • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of another FAO language is considered a strong asset.