Junior Innovation Specialist (Communication and Knowledge Management)

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

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.

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 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 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

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 FAOs innovative spirit including innovation of approaches and cooperation models. OIN supports the Programme Priority Areas ensuring that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programmes facilitates cross-collaboration between the various FAO units and aids in forging and reinforcing transformative partnerships.

Reporting Lines

The Innovation Specialist will report to and work under the overall supervision of the Technical Unit Leader of unit 4 (Futuring Farmer Field Schools) in OIN ensuring that all communication materials are cleared and comply with FAO corporate standards.

Technical Focus

Technical advice on the design implementation monitoring and evaluation of communications and outreach for the unit in connection with the FAO Strategic Objectives and with Farmer Field School programmes and activities implemented by FAO.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the technical unit leader and in close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points the consultant will:
Support and contribute to the preparation production and dissemination of communication and advocacy and technical materials (i.e. communication products for awareness visibility brand identity engagement or other behavioural change components) through expert writing and content generation for a variety of product typologies (e.g. news articles social media posts slide decks invites fact sheets resilience assessment reports user manuals).
Develop stories of change and impact based on FFS and SHARP project results and work at field level.
Showcase the results and achievements of FFS and SHARP programmes and projects both internally and externally in the build up to key events.
Coordinate the production including liaising with graphic designers and draft the text of knowledge products (brochures fact sheets speaking points social media messaging case studies video scripts etc.).
Design and produce graphic content infographics and animations to support knowledge dissemination and outreach related to the activities of the Global Farmer Field School Platform and the SHARP resilience assessment.
Coordinate the publication of knowledge products in coordination with OIN layout unit and OCC.
Create/ support creation of new webpages and design of the overall Global Farmer Field School website with support of relevant FAO units country offices and experts.
Maintain websites and webpages under the unit responsibility (Global Farmer Field School website SHARP website FFS online discussion group) and regularly review and report on analytics when needed.
Support outreach and promotion of key publications and online and in-person events such as webinars events at the Science and Innovation Forum launches of publications technical workshops by sharing knowledge materials and results through various FAO and OIN social media channels .
Support the organization and facilitation of the 2026 Innovation award for Farmer Field Schools.
Support with the facilitation and development of content of the various spaces dedicated to the community of practice of FFS (D-group Linkedin Youtube and more).
Support the implementation of the SHARP resilience assessment tool within projects (adaptation analysis report writing result dissemination).

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:
FAO social media policy and guidelines:
Social Media Branding Guidelines:
FAOSTYLE
FAO terminology
FAO Names of Countries
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 agricultural development economic policy or communication for development.
1 year of relevant experience in communication community engagement training and outreach.
Working knowledge (level C) of English or French.
Working knowledge of an additional FAO language is considered a strong asset.

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 of work advantageous.
Proven ability to use software such as Kobo to develop surveys.
Proven ability to produce and edit visual content including graphics and videos to enhance communication and knowledge dissemination.
Proven ability to facilitate online events such as webinar and use of related softwares (e.g. Menti Miro)
Excellent analytical and conceptual skills as well as gender-sensitive and cross-cultural competency.
Ability to operate effectively as part of a team contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
Work experience at field/project level with the United Nations non-governmental organizations or similar.
Research and analytical skills and the ability to present and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability in media outreach and the identification of appropriate media outlets and channels.

Selection Criteria

Experience working on issues related to capacity development and participatory advisory services would be an asset.
Proven experience and strong skills in one or more of the key areas of work listed above
Knowledge of digital communication tools and platforms
Demonstrated capacity in designing communication and/or engagement strategies
Proficiency in written and verbal communication.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization.
Familiarity with the Farmer Field School approach.
Experience in research and data analysis desirable
Familiarity with the Farmer Field School approach and the Global Farmer Field School Platform outreach tools.
Familiarity with FAOs communication protocols goals and operating procedures.
Familiarity with FAOs corporate web infrastructure.