Communications Officer (Public Affairs)
Organizational Setting The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Divisions/Offices/Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RLC also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RLC develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region. The post is located in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) in Santiago, Chile.
Reporting Lines The Communication Officer (Public Affairs) directly reports to the Communications Officer in RLC, with an overall day to day dual reporting line to the Programme Officer- Chief of Cabinet of the Office Assistant-Director General/Regional Representative, (ADG/RR), RLC.
Technical Focus Public affairs, advocacy and strategic communication for policy issues, international affairs and high-level associations.
Key Results Contribute to the development and strengthening of internal and external 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 multidisciplinary teams, and/or leads working groups/teams collaborates with other units 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 • Contributes to planning and implementing an advocacy and communication strategy to strengthen political will in support of FAO's mission and enhance the Organization's mandate into the public domain. • Provides substantive inputs for the preparation of inter-governmental meetings, including concept notes, presentations, strategic analysis, think pieces, briefs and reporting on policy matters. • Provides strategic communications analysis and advice to ADG/RR and the Regional Leadership Team (RLT) in regional, political, and diplomatic matters. • Identifies, develops and implements communications and advocacy partnerships with key stakeholders liaising with technical officers, teams and streams as required and linking up with the Divisions/Offices/Centres at headquarters when needed, in consultation with OCC. • Supports the strategic planning and preparation of high-level events. • Prepares comprehensive strategies and engagement plans related to high-level partners and represents FAO at inter-institutional meetings. • In close coordination with the technical units, ensures the timely preparation of material and speeches in support of the ADG/RR and other FAO spokespeople upon request. • Ensures coherence with FAO's corporate communications policies and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs.
All communication materials will comply with FAO standards, including: • FAOSTYLE (English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf; French: https://www.fao.org/3/AC339FR/ac339fr.pdf; Spanish: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339s/ac339s.pdf; Arabic: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339a/ac339a.pdf; Chinese: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339c/ac339c.pdf); FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm; • FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en; • Story guidelines and template, UN map standards, FAO Brand and policy book (all available to staff). ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in communication, social science, journalism, political science or a related field. • Five years of relevant experience in communication, web publishing and/or social media networks. • 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 • Experience in high-level political and international environment is an asset. • Proven track record in strategic communications and public affairs. • Ability to translate complex and technical communications to a wide and varied audience, in a simple and concise manner. • Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset. • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of web publishing and social media networks, as well as in editing communication, promotional or technical materials. • Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and dissemination of communication, promotional or technical materials. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Spanish is highly desirable.