Junior Innovation Specialist (Communication and Knowledge Management)

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. 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: 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 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 FAO’s communication protocols, goals, and operating procedures.
•     Familiarity with FAO’s corporate web infrastructure.