Young Professional Officer (Communication And Outreach)

Support communication and outreach activities for DDCN.

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Open positions at FAO
Logo of FAO

Application deadline in 24 days: Monday 7 Sep 2026 at 21:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Support communication and outreach activities for DDCN.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, sustainable agriculture, food security, international relations, environmental science, political science or a closely related field.
  • One year of relevant experience in communication and outreach activities, including at international level.
  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
  • Candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.

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. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Deputy Director-General, Natural Resources and Sustainable Production (DDCN) is responsible for the overall coordination and oversight of the work of the following technical units: the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB), the Joint FAO/WHO Centre (CJW), the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre (CJN, based in Vienna, Austria), the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI), the Forestry Division (NFO), and the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA).

The position is located in the Office of the Deputy Director-General, Natural Resources and Sustainable Production (DDCN), at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy

Reporting Lines The Young Professional Officer (Communication And Outreach) reports to the Communications Officer (DDCN) and works in close collaboration with the Office of Communications (OCC).

Technical Focus The Young Professional Officer (Communication And Outreach) supports the planning, development and preparation of communication and outreach activities for DDCN. The incumbent assists in the preparation of communication materials, supports digital communications and event coordination, contributes to monitoring and reporting activities, and helps maintain communications and knowledge-sharing resources, in close coordination with the DDCN Communications Officer and OCC.

Key Results Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services.

Key Functions • Analyses relevant technical social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents. • Maintains records and updates databases and web pages. • Provides technical support to various projects. • Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc. • 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 • Supports the Communications Officer in the planning, coordination and implementation of communication and outreach material and products for DDCN, in line with FAO's corporate communications policies, guidelines and standards. • Assists in design, drafting, editing and delivery of high-quality, targeted communications products for the Deputy Director-General, including articles, statements, briefing notes, opinion editorials, talking points, speeches, key messages, presentations and reports tailored to defined audiences and informed by clear objectives and evidence. • Assists in developing audience-led communication campaigns, messaging and storytelling across communication channels and formats, in line with corporate communications tools and practices. • Supports the organization and delivery of events, such as webinars, panels, side events, and exhibitions. • Compiles communication metrics and analytics and contributes to the preparation of periodic monitoring and performance reports. • Performs other related duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, sustainable agriculture, food security, international relations, environmental science, political science or a closely related field. • One year of relevant experience in communication and outreach activities, including at international level. • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - 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 developing communication and outreach products and plans. • Extent and relevance of experience in organizing and coordinating events. • Extent and relevance of experience in collecting, analysing and summarizing technical reports and data, ensuring accuracy in communication outputs. • Familiarity with knowledge management and reporting on monitoring and performance. • Demonstrated ability to write/edit in a deadline-driven environment. • Extent and relevance of experience in sustainable development issues relevant to the technical areas covered by the Organization is an asset.

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

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative targeted for talented, qualified professionals who are mainly nationals of non- and under- represented countries. Priority consideration will be given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and developing countries in general, to start a career as an international civil servant with FAO. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

Potential interview questions

Describe your experience in developing communication and outreach materials. To understand your hands-on experience and approach towards communication tasks. Discuss specific examples where you successfully created materials for a target audience.
How do you ensure effective collaboration when planning events? To assess your teamwork and organizational skills in event coordination. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of how you managed a tight deadline for a communication product? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to analyze and summarize technical reports accurately? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach developing an audience-led communication campaign? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about your experience with digital communication tools and platforms. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep up with trends in communication and outreach? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
In your view, what are the key elements of effective communication in an international context? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 3 days ago - Updated 37 minutes ago - Source: fao.org