Young Professional Officer (Communication)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO 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 Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) 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 relevant units at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RNE 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 develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports knowledge exchange, capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

The position is located in RNE in Cairo, Egypt.

Reporting Lines

The Young Professional Officer (Communication) reports to Regional Communication Officer, RNE.

Technical Focus

External relations, advocacy, media engagement, outreach, digital communications, publications related to programmatic activities.

Key Results

The provision of internet and internal communication.

Key Functions

• Researches and analyses communication policy and service delivery issues;
• Maintains operational statistics and prepares related reports;
• Assists in the presentation of information/training sessions to management and staff;
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.;
• Participates in project teams and work groups.
• Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners

Specific Functions

• Assists in planning for partnerships with private sector for Communication campaigns related to FAO topics;
• Supports the regional team on developing video contents, visuals, and visibility materials to disseminate and inform about FAO achievements in the region;
• Contributes to the events management of projects (launches, field visits, ceremonies, etc.) with a view to issue actionable recommendations to improve event management, outreach and advocacy around key development dimensions; in liaison with the regional management;
• Collaborates in identifying key events in the region for FAO’s participation for a better visibility and outreach;
• Contributes to the creation of media material for FAO in the region;
• Contributes to maintaining and supporting a Regional Communications Network across FAO Offices in RNE;
• Support delivery managers in RNE programme team, on different communication-related products and strategies that require alignment with the corporate guidelines;
• Assists in disseminating awareness and sensitization of programme objectives with beneficiaries;
• Actively contributes on raising awareness on women and youth empowerment, economic empowerment of small holder farmers and rural population's livelihoods;
• Performs other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in communication, social science, journalism, political science or a related field
• One year 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.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical communications to a wide and varied audience, in a simple and concise manner is desirable.
• 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 programme engagement with focus on spreading awareness on youth, women and economic empowerment of smallholder farmers and rural population's livelihoods is a strong asset.

NB Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.