The Office of Communications (OCC) is responsible for both external and internal communications of the Organization. It aims at making FAO’s communications strategic, coherent, focused and impactful, while ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in communication-related operations.
The post is located in the Outreach and Advocacy Branch (OCCO) in the Office of Communications (OCC) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines:
The Communication Officer (Marketing and Outreach) reports to the Senior Communication Officer, Outreach and Advocacy Branch of the Office of Communications (OCC).
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 inputs for communication-related documents and web pages;
Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes, and databases;
Participates on multidisciplinary teams, and/or leads working groups/teams collaborates with other departments and agencies 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;
Provides information and advice to management and staff.
Specific Functions:
Supports the development of corporate outreach and marketing plans, in coordination with FAO Centres/Divisions/Offices and Regional/Country Offices, to enhance FAO's brand among the Organization's external audiences.
Generates marketing activities with multiple target audiences linked with FAO campaigns, including International Days, International Years and large events, initiating pro bono collaborations to mobilize in-kind advertising with outdoor advertisers, media, transport, retail or entertainment companies, while guiding colleagues in FAO Centres/Divisions/Offices and technical units to replicate these actions.
Builds FAO’s brand through effective visual communications, events and exhibits, liaising closely with graphic designers and external providers to guide their work and ensures efficient delivery of outputs that adhere to FAO brand guidelines and effectively engage FAO target audiences thus building a positive perception of the FAO brand.
Supports the coordination of the FAO Awards programme, including its promotion, the coordination of the selection process in close liaison with the relevant technical Centres/Divisions/Offices and the screening and selection committees.
Organises fundraising efforts with FAO Members and external sponsors for communication projects including the FAO Awards programme, in close collaboration with FAO’s responsible unit for resource mobilization, facilitating high-level partnerships, and liaising and negotiating working plans according to FAO’s corporate priorities with government institutions, and diplomatic missions in and outside Rome.
Plans and develops exhibits, trade fairs and multisensory experiences, in close collaboration with technical units and external providers, keeping informed on the latest technological advances and leveraging these exhibits and special events for outreach and promotional purposes.
Supports the implementation of trust fund projects related to communication and outreach activities.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Minimum Requirements:
Advanced university degree in communication, marketing, social science, journalism, political science or a related field.
Five years of relevant experience in outreach, coordination of global multilingual campaigns, content production, exhibitions, social marketing and special events.
Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).
Technical/Functional Skills:
Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
Extent and relevance of experience in the field of communications, marketing and outreach for prominent organizations, and/or interagency initiatives (including campaigns, events, exhibits, social marketing, media relations, sponsorship arrangements, branding), particularly at the international level.
Extent and relevance of experience in producing marketing campaigns for a wide variety of audiences (governments, general public, youth, private sector, UN agencies/development sector) in multiple languages and at global level, especially in areas relevant to FAO's mandate.
Extent and relevance of experience in using branding exercises, pro bono agreements or partnerships to increase outreach.
Understanding of FAO policies and programmes, and experience with the World Food Day campaign and awards programmes are considered as strong assets.
