Communication Specialist (Human Resources Division)

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
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 FAOs 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 FAOs client support team for further assistance: IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

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

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.
FAOs commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Human Resources Division (CSH) provides HR strategies policies tools guidance and oversight to FAO clients worldwide to ensure that the Organization attracts develops and retains a diverse skilled and highly motivated workforce delivering on the mandate of the organization. Over the next years CSH will focus on developing and implementing a people centered strategy and positioning HR as a strategic partner contributing to the achievement of the mandate of FAO. The Human Resources Division is composed of two main clusters namely (i) the Integrated Talent Management providing advice and managing position management recruitment mobility staff development and training performance management and social security; and (ii) the HR Strategy and Policy providing HR strategic guidance policy and oversight.)

Reporting Lines

The Communication Specialist (Human Resources Division) will report to the Director of the Human Resources Division.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director Human Resources and in close collaboration with the Office of Communications (OCC) its branches and appropriate Communication focal points the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

Communications:

Co-write and edit the 2025 HR Annual report for submission to the Finance Committee.
Coordinate the production and dissemination of the user- friendly version of the 2024 HR Annual Report addressed to all employees.
Co-ordinate the production and dissemination of HR communication products and communication campaigns addressed to all employees (InFAO articles e-mails HR Newsletters).
Research fact-check edit and produce high-quality communications materials for various audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via communications channels working closely with the Office of Communications (OCC) ensuring that all HR communication materials comply with OCC and FAO standards.
Contribute to high-quality multi-media and digital content for dissemination via FAOs intranet and global-level platforms in close collaboration with OCC.
Actively support the development of communication plans tools and relevant material and documents for events meetings webinars and other initiatives under the responsibility of the HR Division in line with HR and corporate communication strategies policies and guidelines.
Draft talking points briefs factsheets speeches etc. for the Director-General the HR Director and the Senior Managers in the HR Division.
Analyse information data statistics relativities trends problems and/or issues to deliver effective communications material support new initiatives and the preparation of plans strategies reports policies and/or other products.
Supervise affiliated workforce in the communications hub of the HR Division.
Co-ordinate and facilitate CSH Hybrid Town Halls and the CSH retreat.

Copy editing:

Checking internal consistency of the text data figures (including maps) tables and boxes.
Checking cross-references and consistency of references in the text against the bibliographic reference list.
Improving style flow clarity and quality of the language and readability.
Checking appropriateness of photos (including captions and copyright) used in the document bearing in mind relevance to content gender and geographical balance.
Correcting grammatical errors spelling mistakes and typos.
Ensuring that FAOSTYLE has been applied.

FAO Standards and guidelines:
o 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.
o All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards including:
o FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31:
o FAO social media policy and guidelines:
o Social Media Branding Guidelines:
o FAOSTYLE
o FAO terminology
o FAO Names Of Countries
o Story guidelines Story template UN map standards FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
o Further guidance regarding FAO communications policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet OCC section

Ensuring that country names are correct (as per FAO NOCS) and in the correct order (alphabetical if no specified order or ranking).
Ensuring consistent and correct use of currency symbols and numbers.
Checking against available on-line resources (FAO house style; FAO terminology portal FAO country names portal Publishing at FAO Strategy and guidance etc.).
Delivering edited text in Word in track-changes mode as well as a clean version including: all objects (tables figures boxes photos etc.) their numbering and cross-reference in text (use of Word captions/cross-reference function for automatic renumbering of objects)¹ ; document structure (heading levels to be clearly differentiated using heading styles to allow proper layout by the graphic designer); references and bibliography² (verify accuracy and make corrections); list of acronyms³ ; numbers in general (use of non-breaking space for thousands etc.).
Flagging any problems that require decisions relating to the substance of the work.
Performing two rounds of corrections following divisional quality checks.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

An advanced degree in communication social science journalism political science international relations or a related field. A first level degree with 2 years of additional experience may be considered as equivalent.
At least 5 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

Selection Criteria

Familiarity with various communications tools including digital platforms and social media for internal or external communication would be an asset.

Understanding of HR functions principles and processes would be desirable.

¹ Avoid vague cross-references such as see table below or as described above/below that will become incorrect when the publications are laid out. These can be replaced with an exact reference to objects or text (See Table 1; as described in Chapter 2; etc.).

² Web references: Check validity of links and uniform presentation of links ( or http:// or ftp: as appropriate).

³ Unless strictly necessary avoid acronyms in titles in general (of publications; of chapters; etc.).

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• 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 FAOs 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

FAOs commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.