Technical Communication Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) leads FAO's support to countries in the region in transforming their agrifood systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). it identifies regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development and ensures the planning and implementation of FAO's strategic response in the region through a multidisciplinary approach. It implements approved programmes and projects, monitors programme implementation, and ensures that they contribute to addressing regional priorities, RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Strategic Framework and Programme of Work and Budget.
RNE supports regional policy dialogues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and support knowledge exchange, capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region. It develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The post is located in the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) in Cairo, Egypt.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent Communication will report to the Regional Communication Officer.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide technical expertise in communication, outreach, and advocacy to support the Rural Transformation Programme (RP1) and related initiatives, including the African Alliance for Rural Transformation and Sustainability (AFRAS) and the NENA Platform on Innovation. S/he will ensure alignment with FAO’s corporate communication strategies and policies.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialist will perform the following tasks\:

• Update and implement the RP1 outreach action plan in consultation with the Rur/al Transformation team and RNE communications team, ensuring alignment with FAO’s global corporate communications strategy.
• Plan and implement outreach and advocacy activities for the Rural Transformation Programme in close coordination with RNE Communication team and OCC.
• Develop and implement a social media strategy and campaign, including content creation, to enhance the visibility of the Rural Transformation Programme.
• Propose content for corporate social media channels in line with FAO’s branding guidelines.
• Collate information and develop appropriate digital assets, in line with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards and guidelines, and day-to-day management of thematic/regional/country , Drafts posts for social media as per the FAO social media guidelines and in support of country/regional/global strategies, liaising and coordinating with the relevant technical officers, Regional Communication Officers (RCO) and OCC, as appropriate, and relevant supervisor for clearance.
• For videos intended for use on social media channels, liaise with RCO and OCC to review scripts, formats and final clearances.
• Design and produce communication materials such as press releases, articles, speeches, factsheets, presentations, and multimedia outputs (videos, infographics, etc.) for various audiences.
• Provide communication support to AFRAS, including drafting press releases, stories, and news items, and facilitating media coverage in collaboration with RNE and IFAD communication specialists.
• Support the development and updates of the AFRAS web platform (Phase II) in liaison with the RNE communication team and CSI.
• Assist in organizing the AFRAS 1st Annual Meeting including event planning, branding, and media coverage.
• Support the NENA Platform on Innovation by drafting content and facilitating the associated Community of Practice.
• Assist RP1 team members with publications, ensuring alignment with FAO’s corporate guidelines and quality standards.
• Coordinate inputs into the corporate Publication Workflow System (PWS) for quality assurance.
• Act as the communication focal point for RP1-related events, webinars, and activities, ensuring alignment with FAO’s overall communication strategy.
FAO Standards and guidelines\:
• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:

FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names Of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en

Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
• Perform any other related duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communication, outreach, and advocacy, preferably in the context of rural development or agriculture.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Arabic. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality communication materials for diverse audiences.
• Experience in managing social media campaigns and online platforms.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.
• Strong organizational and event management skills.
• Knowledge of rural development and agricultural issues in the Near East and North Africa region is an asset.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, social media campaigns, and multimedia content.
• Experience in organizing and managing events, including media coverage and branding.
• Familiarity with FAO’s corporate communication guidelines and policies is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, and multimedia tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

Selection Criteria

• Extent of relevant experience in communication, outreach, and advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communication strategies and campaigns.
• Experience in organizing and managing events, including media coverage.
• Familiarity with FAO’s corporate communication guidelines and policies.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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