Communication Support Specialist

Organizational framework

Through its FAO Country Offices or Representations, the Organization assists governments in formulating policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition and provides technical support for the sustainable development of the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, facilitating cooperation and direct work on the ground.
The activities of FAO's country offices include the work of the Representative Communicator.

Technical focus

The general objective of the Office Communicator is to contribute to the dissemination of the activities and results of the FAO Technical Cooperation Program in the country, positioning it as a dynamic and renewed organization in the eradication of hunger and rural poverty; in the promotion of agriculture, fisheries and livestock, as well as the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, for the benefit of the neediest communities and rural dwellers.

Reporting Lines

The Communicator will be under the direct supervision of the Representative and the Program Officer and will work closely with the FAO Regional Communications Office, through which he/she will coordinate with the Corporate Communications Office in Rome, and with the Network of Communicators in the region

Tasks and Responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:

•     Support communication-related activities of the Office and contribute to the design of a communication strategy for FAO in the country according to FAO's communication guidelines at the global and regional levels.
•     On the basis of the strategy, contribute to the preparation of an annual operational plan and follow up its implementation
•     Contribute to the production and dissemination of information products through FAO communication channels ensuring alignment with global and regional standards.
•     Attend the events that require it, including the call to the media and the dissemination of their results.
•     Support the promotion of FAO's corporate image as an open/accessible, multidisciplinary and rapid response institution in dialogue and action.
•     Assist in documenting FAO’s activities and results, including media monitoring and preparation of periodic summaries.
•     Provide support in the organization of communication-related events and activities at country level. 
•     Maintain and update FAO’s digital presence (social media and website) with relevant and timely content
•     Support the adaptation of regional and global communication products to national contexts, ensuring outreach to national audiences.
•     Support the communication activities regarding the 80’s FAO Anniversary, the COP 30 and the LARC39. .
•     Maintain an active and up-to-date presence on social networks (X, Flickr) and generate content for the Representation's website, the regional page and, if possible, the global page.
•     Contribute to strengthening internal communication within the Country Office and the communication with the Regional Office.

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/cb8081enFAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faotermFAO 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 Journalism, Communication Sciences, Social Communication, Public Relations with related postgraduate studies. 
•     Minimum five years of experience in institutional communication in public or international organizations, NGOs or private companies in the development of strategies and/or management of dissemination and digital communication campaigns: website and social networks.
•     Working knowledge of Portuguese and English (level C), and limited knowledge of Spanish (level B).
•     Brazilian Nationality or other legally authorized to work in Brazil

FAO Core Competencies 

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Basic knowledge of graphic and audiovisual design tools.
•     Relevance of experience in teamwork and networking with different actors that enhance the Organization's communication impact.
•     Experience in the use of communication tools and design programs (graphic and audiovisual).
•     Ability to work for the timely fulfilment of goals.
•     Flexibility to perform field missions.
•     Excellent communication and writing skills.

Selection Criteria

•     Relevant experience with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and/or in large-scale or international cooperation projects.
•     Experience in communication support in scenarios for different audiences.
•     Knowledge of gender and intercultural approaches.
•     It is desirable to have postgraduate studies in Strategic Communication, International Relations, Communications for Development, branding and/or institutional marketing
•     A minimum of three years of journalistic experience in a mass media outlet is desirable.