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 mandate of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture (CJN) is to assists Members of the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in using
nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, Austria), in the areas
of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition;
and food safety and control. The major activities of the joint FAO/IAEA Centre focus on: a) support and coordination of R&D activities; b) capacity building and technology for FAO/IAEA Members; c) laboratory and technical support and assistance; d) policy advice and knowledge dissemination.
Reporting Lines
The Communication Specialist (Joint FAO/IAEA Centre) reports to the Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture(CJN).
Technical Focus
Management of internal and external communication, including writing, editing, outreach, campaign design and support, planning and coordination of digital multimedia products, event management, social media, media outreach, and liaising with various FAO and IAEA departments and divisions.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture(CJN), and under the functional supervision (for all communication outputs/products) of the FAO Office of Communications (OCC), and in coordination with the IAEA Office of Communications (OPIC), the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
General Communications
• Regularly revise and update CJN’s communication strategy, using a joint initiative lens.
• Represent CJN in OCC’s Technical Communication Coordination meetings, along with the OCC communication focal point for CJN work.
• Translate complex technical information into compelling messages, working across media to communicate key messages and CJN impact in a clear and concise manner.
• Coordinate the preparation of a wide range of communication materials (new stories, newsletters, visual products such as videos, etc.):
1. Draft and consolidate news items to be added to the FAO and IAEA websites and FAO intranet;
2. Copyedit communication material;
3. Develop and coordinate with OCC and OPIC the production of video and other multimedia content;
4. Consolidate inputs from various sub-programmes into knowledge products, such as factsheets, brochures and leaflets;
5. Check and approve CJN publications in FAO’s Publication Workflow System (PWS);
6. Coordinate translations of materials.
• Prepare communication material and presentations supporting CJN's engagement with partners.
• Expand CJN’s web presence on FAO.org and appropriate representation on the IAEA website.
• Liaise with OPIC (IAEA), through DDG NA’s office, to ensure compliance with OPIC standards, appropriate review, and clearance processes.
• Ensure coherence with FAO’s and IAEA’s corporate communications policies and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs, including those stipulated in the FAO/IAEA Revised Arrangements (2021), including logo policies.
• Liaise with OCC, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.
• Design and produce a mockup for a thematic webpage on Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture, to be hosted on the FAO website, and upon approval of the Director, CJN and OCC.
• Deal with communication related to the FAO 80th year anniversary:
1. Organization of the CJN museum space.
2. Draft and publishing of one success story reflecting CJN’s historical impact.
• Liaise between OCC and OPIC for the development of a Joint FAO/IAEA publication style guide between FAO and IAEA.
• Develop communication material and presentations for engagement with CJN partners.
• Ensure coherence with FAO’s and IAEA’s corporate communication policies and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs.
• Support provided to relevant events in 2025.
• Perform additional related duties as required to support CJN’s communication objectives.
Social Media
• 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 social media channel(s), as per the FAO social media guidelines and in support of global strategies, liaising and coordinating with the relevant technical officers, OCC and OPIC, as appropriate, and relevant supervisor for clearance.
• For videos intended for use on social media channels, liaise with OCC and OPIC as appropriate to review scripts, formats and final clearances.
Event management
• Support the Director’s Office, CJN in the organization and delivery of events, such as webinars, side events, and exhibitions.
1. Liaise with staff of different departments and divisions of FAO and IAEA regarding event organization.
2. Ensure effective communication with participants, moderators and session leaders before and during events.
• Draft post-event knowledge outputs.
All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Standards and guidelines:
• Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, 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.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in communication, social science, journalism, political science, international relations, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in designing and implementing communication strategies and products.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in FAO and/or IAEA would be considered an asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting articles, webstories and communication products.
• Extent and relevance of experience in website and social media management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in event support.
• Familiarity with knowledge management.