Communications Coordinator

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• 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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 its strategic objectives and operations.

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It oversees the network of Country Offices and the Subregional Office for Central Asia (SEC). It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region, and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization's strategies through programmes and projects across the region.

The Regional Office leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization's programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies and risks.

The Regional Office leads the preparation of the Regional Conferences and the Statutory Bodies in the region.

The Regional Office delivers an improved, integrated and collaborative business model to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, innovation, agility and responsiveness in logistical, operational, financial and other support services at all levels to accelerate the achievement of the Organization's programme in the region and ensure compliance with the Internal Control Framework.

The position is located in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) in Budapest, Hungary.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report directly to the Deputy Regional Representative.

Technical Focus

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Representative, the Communications Coordinator will oversee and coordinate the REU communication activities, promoting FAO’s visibility together with the second Co-Leader in REU as well as managing the REU Communication team. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points. The Communications Coordinator will interact regularly with national/project focal points. The incumbent will ensure the oversight and training of team members in executing effective internal and external communications and contribute to the development and strengthening of multimedia production, web content, media relations and publishing activities of the Organization.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

• Prepare and maintain a comprehensive communication and engagement plan for the Regional Office.
• Evaluate impact of key communications and advocacy activities as part of the implementation of the regional communication strategy.
• Maintain regular coordination with OCC and Regional Communication Officers, including ensuring that they are informed about key developments and issues from the region.
• Guide technical and project units, and decentralized office communication focal points in increasing the visibility of their activities, outputs, and events, in line with current FAO corporate and regional communication guidelines.
• Ensure coherence with FAO's corporate communications policies and operational guidelines for all communication and information outputs.
• Drive and manage FAO’s regional weekly news development and dissemination operation for Europe and Central Asia.
• Ensure timely dissemination of press releases and other information material to media, FAO Members and partners, as appropriate.
• Coordinate the management and development of the FAO regional website in line with FAO standards, approaches, and current priorities.
• Collaborate in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes and databases.
• Draft, edit and produce a variety of communications products and media assets, ensuring consistency with FAO's corporate communication policy, with the aim to increase brand visibility and maximize impact on communication platforms.
• Plan and lead photo/video reportage missions to collect materials and generate visibility of FAO’s delivery in the region in a strategic manner.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of thematic/regional social media channel(s) and the development of related digital assets, as per the FAO social media guidelines, and in support of regional and global social media strategies, liaising and coordinating with the relevant technical officers, Regional Communication Officers and OCC, as appropriate.
• Manage, together with the other Co-Leader, the regional communication team, including team composition, duties and responsibilities, and hiring processes:
• Support the selection/hiring processes of project posts for affiliate workforce, including oversight and coordination of recruitment and selection processes, review of candidate lists, monitoring the organization of interview panels and written assessments as needed, ensuring effective communication with panel members and candidates, overseeing interview documentation and reporting, ensuring the timely preparation and submission of selection reports to the respective appointing authority.
• Participate in interview panels for the recruitment of affiliate personnel (but not staff members)
• Oversee the development and management of the Editorial Committee of the Regional Office, guiding the Knowledge Management Specialist.
• Lead, together with the other Co-Leader, the efforts related to relevant regional governing body meetings
• Coordinate the release of the Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition report.
• Support the preparations for the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) 2027, and if requested, the FAO delegation’s participation on the ground.
• Establish, develop and maintain close engagement with the Hungary-based press corps.
• Make communications arrangements, in close coordination with OCC branches, for outreach and advocacy events in Hungary, including World Food Day, other international days and years of relevance to FAO's mandate and other important events.
• Translate complex technical information into compelling messages, writing in a clear and concise manner and coordinate the preparation of a wide range of promotional material in Hungarian (such as videos, human interest stories, visual products, social media assets, websites, press releases, etc.).
• Oversee the management of the FAO in Hungary webpage.
• Ensure timely dissemination of press releases and other information material to Host country press correspondents and partners, as appropriate.
• Arrange and moderate press events, media briefings, and other high-profile events as required.
• Perform other related duties as required.

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 university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, or related fields.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong knowledge of communication strategies, tools, and platforms relevant to agriculture, rural development, and food systems.
• Proven ability to conduct research and analysis to inform communication strategies and outreach activities.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting communication strategies, action plans, and key messaging for diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in preparing articles, press releases and news including organizing media and outreach campaigns
• Strong people management and team coordination skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to different audiences.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in the technical and functional skills related to the position
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills. Strong time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail.

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 any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• 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

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• 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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