Knowledge Management and Outreach Specialist (Programmes)

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) leads FAO’s response to regional priorities and support to countries in the Region towards transforming agri-food 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 multi-disciplinary approach, in collaboration with pertinent units at Headquarters and network of country offices across the region. FAO’s programme in the region aligns with four regional priorities (RP) identified by member countries. Namely, RP1) Rural transformation and inclusive value chains; RP2) Food security and healthy diets for all; RP3) Greening agriculture, water scarcity and climate action; and RP4) Building resilience to multiple shocks.  

Reporting Lines

Under the overall leadership of the Assistant Director-General / Regional Representative, the Knowledge Management and Outreach Specialist (Programmes) will report to Senior Programme Officer / Regional Priority Manager, RNE, and work in collaboration with the respective technical programme teams, and in coordination with the regional communication team.

Technical Focus

The role entails tailored support to the RP programme of work in the NENA region on areas of knowledge management, outreach, advocacy, organization of technical events and webinars, visibility and coverage, and coordination of knowledge platforms and publications, as relevant to the respective technical programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

•     Develop and implement communications and outreach plans for the Regional Priorities and Technical Programmes, in alignment with FAO’s corporate strategy.
•     Plan and implement outreach and advocacy activities for thematic focus areas and technical programme initiatives. 
•     Create and coordinate the design of content for various communication and outreach products, including articles, press releases, presentations, briefings, factsheets, blogs, website and social media posts (in line with FAO guidelines and relevant templates). 
•     Commission and oversee the production and delivery of multimedia materials such as videos, infographics, and data visualizations.
•     Coordinate and contribute to the visibility, outreach and promotion of programme-related initiatives through content development, event support, and platform updates.
•     Act as a communications focal point for programme-related events and campaigns.
•     Manage and grow the programme’s online presence, including social media channels and knowledge platforms.
•     Provide outreach and advocacy support to the RP team on thematic areas, programme-related flagship initiatives and knowledge platforms. 
•     Produce periodic newsletters, programme highlights, and stories showcasing programme achievements and milestones.
•     Participate in the development and implementation of thematic/ regional communications plans for campaigns or key priorities such as the International Year, UN Decades, Four Betters, Flagship Initiatives as relevant to the respective RP or technical programme.

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.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced degree or first level university degree with 2 additional years of experience (for Consultants) / Relevant educational background (for PSA Subscribers) in Communication, Information Management, Information Science, Social Sciences, or any other field relevant to FAO’s mandate. 
•     A minimum of three years of relevant experience in knowledge management, outreach, advocacy, and/or communication, preferably in fields relevant to agrifood systems and rural transformation.
•     Working knowledge (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 more than one location or area of work will be considered as an advantage.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in knowledge management and outreach on programme-related areas, including rural transformation and inclusive value chains; food security and healthy diets; greening agriculture, water scarcity and climate action; or building resilience to multiple shocks. 
•     Familiarity with the Near East and North Africa Region.

Selection criteria

•     Limited knowledge in Arabic and/or French would be an asset.
•     Extent of experience in knowledge management and outreach in fields relevant to agrifood systems and rural transformation.