Innovation Specialist (Advocacy and Outreach of ATIO Initiative)

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and underrepresented Members and persons 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

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

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

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.

The Office of Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO to provide strategic direction and help drive and coordinate innovation across the work of the Organization, i.e. to consolidate and strengthen FAO’s innovative spirit, including innovation of approaches and cooperation models. The Office identifies, strengthens and complements priority areas for collective action, ensures that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programmes, facilitates cross-collaboration between FAO units and supports the development of transformative partnerships.

The Office of Innovation is responsible for the delivery of the Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO), a high-level initiative delivering a biennial global report and a federated Knowledge Base on agrifood technologies and innovations.

OIN is seeking to recruit an Innovation Specialist who will contribute to the development and delivery of the ATIO initiative, including the ATIO report series and Knowledge Base. The specialist will support ATIO’s mission by strengthening advocacy and outreach, translating technical content on agrifood technologies and innovations into accessible digital communications, and supporting strategic campaigns and engagement efforts to raise awareness, drive stakeholder engagement and amplify ATIO’s reach among diverse audiences.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Senior Innovation Officer (OIN) with day-to-day interaction and supervision by the Senior Technical Officer responsible for the ATIO initiative in OIN.

Technical Focus

Support the digital communication and outreach of the Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) initiative, including promoting the ATIO report series and Knowledge Base. This includes translating technical content on agrifood technologies and innovations into accessible digital communications to strengthen visibility, stakeholder engagement and knowledge dissemination.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

• Design and implement a results-driven social media strategy for ATIO, aligned with key milestones and campaign calendar.
• Develop and manage editorial plans and content calendars for ATIO’s digital channels (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.).
• Create and publish impactful, audience-focused content (threads, carousels, videos, explainers, live updates) to drive engagement and action (e.g., knowledge base visits, newsletter sign-ups, event registrations).
• Lead digital campaigns to amplify ATIO’s voice, leveraging partnerships, influencer engagement, and cross-channel amplification.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on campaign performance using analytics tools; optimize content and strategy based on data (engagement rate, CTR, conversions).
• Produce monthly performance reports and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure alignment with FAO corporate guidelines and coordinate with OIN/OCC colleagues and ATIO workstream leads.
• Contribute to risk assessments, social listening, and issues of management for sensitive topics.

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

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Behaviour Science, Linguistics, or related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs: Relevant technical degree or certificate in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Behaviour Science, Linguistics, or related field
• One (1) year of relevant experience in communication, advocacy, outreach, social media and digital campaigns for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, with evidence of successful impact (engagement, reach, conversions).
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in developing and executing advocacy and outreach strategies for agrifood innovations and technologies
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills; ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Extent and relevance of work experience in international development or multi-location work settings.
• Strong research, presentation, and writing skills
• Good understanding of international development challenges, including operating in a developing country context

Selection Criteria

• Proficiency in social analytics and listening platforms; strong copywriting skills in English
• Portfolio of at least three (3) successful social media campaigns in the last 36 months, including objectives, creative samples, and quantified outcomes (engagement rate, CTR, sign-ups, registrations, follower growth, share-of-voice).

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Extension of assignments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment
• Appointments will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)

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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