Communications Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Office of Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO to provide strategic direction and help drive and coordinate innovation across the work of the Organization, i.e. to consolidate and strengthen FAO’s innovative spirit, including innovation of approach and cooperation models and capacity development. The Office ensures that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programmes; facilitate cross-collaboration between the various FAO units; and aids in forging and reinforcing transformative partnerships.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Innovation Officer, in close collaboration with officers in the Office of Innovation (OIN) and the Chief Scientist office (DDCC), and the functional supervision of OCC and in compliance with FAO standards and corporate policies.

Technical Focus

Public relations, internal and external communications.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as the communications focal point for the Office of innovation. • Plan and implement communications and advocacy activities for the Office of Innovation - liaising closely with OCC, DDCC, and OCC technical focal points for relevant divisions, offices and centres - to ensure coherent strategy and enhance collaboration. • Design content and communication outputs for the Office of Innovation (that is multi-purpose and can be repackaged for diverse target audiences) and coordinate inputs in order to develop and deliver products that contribute to strategic, internal and external communication objectives, including contributions to OCC’s media relations function. Products can include: articles, speeches, statements, factsheets, presentations, briefings, op-eds, talking points, key messages and other written communications (in line with FAO style guide, FAO’s storytelling guidelines and/or relevant templates); commissioning and overseeing delivery of other multimedia such as video and audio (in line with OCC audio and visual guidelines), infographics, illustrations and data visualizations. A high level of consistency, accuracy, content and presentation for a wide variety of audiences, to be ensured throughout. • Ensure dynamic and persuasive copywriting of original content and provide strong and high-level editorial support. • Propose content for corporate social media channels (in line with OCCI social media branding guidelines) and ensure online presence to raise the visibility of the Office of Innovation, linking to engagement with high-profile topical issues, where relevant. • Support 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 Innovation, and technical work of relevant divisions, offices and centres; • Ensure that communications produced adhere to the corporate communication policy, in consultation with relevant departments and units, and provide analysis and recommendations as required. • Perform reputational risk management tasks related to communications, including raising flags for the Office of Innovation and advising on approaches to communicating sensitive issues. • Perform other relevant duties as required by the Chief Innovation Officer.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in communication, social science, journalism, political science or related area • At least 5 years of relevant experience in strategic communication, speech writing (preferably for senior figures) and public information. • Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian. For PSA.SBS the working knowledge of only one language might be required.

FAO Core 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 • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of communication services for prominent organizations, particularly at the international level. • Extent and relevance of experience in drafting high-quality written materials for a wide variety of audiences. • Extent and relevance of experience in defining and executing communication campaigns • Familiarity with Innovation and/or FAO programmes is considered and strong asset. • Demonstrated track record of high-engagement social media management would be an advantage. Experience with internal communication campaigns would also be beneficial.