Communication Officer (Science And Agrifood Innovation)

Overview

Job Description - Communication Officer (Science And Agrifood Innovation) (2601203)

Communication Officer (Science And Agrifood Innovation)

Job Posting

Job Posting: 04/Jun/2026

Closure Date

Closure Date: 25/Jun/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: DDC

Job Type

Job Type: Staff position

Type of Requisition: Professional

Primary Location

Primary Location: Italy-Rome

Duration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number: 2008025

CCOG Code: 1A08

Important notice: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device. The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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 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

Grounded in the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy, the Chief Scientist is the driver to leverage science and innovation in FAO, to support the delivery of FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31. The Chief Scientist aims to enable the Organization reinforce its position as a source of reliable scientific information and a neutral platform at the heart of important discussions. The position is located in the Office of the Chief Scientist (DDCC) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation) reports to the Chief Scientist and works in close collaboration with the Office of Communications (OCC).

Technical Focus

Communication on main issues related to science, technology and innovation for agrifood systems, within the framework of FAO Science and Innovation Strategy to support the implementation of FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031.

Key Results

Effective and efficient contribution to the development, strengthening and delivery of high-quality, audience-led communications on science, technology and innovation issues, including web publishing and media-relations activities of the Chief Scientist Office, in line with FAO's overall communications strategy.

Key Functions

• Researches and analyses technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technology related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to inform and strengthen evidence-based internal and/or external communication planning, delivery and performance monitoring.
• Produces clear and accurate communication products, including a variety of communication products and reports, as well as inputs for communication-related documents and web pages.
• Contributes to the development of improved/updated communications processes, products and databases in close collaboration with OCC and the Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division (CSI).
• Participates on multi-disciplinary teams, and/or leads working groups/teams, collaborates with other departments and agencies on work groups and committees.
• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices in science communication at international meetings and conferences supporting FAO's positioning as a trusted authority.

Specific Functions

• Supports strategic lead for planning, coordination and implementation of communications and advocacy on science, technology and innovation for the Chief Scientist's Office, applying an audience-led, data-driven approach to increase the visibility of FAO's scientific work and its contribution to food security.
• Designs, delivers and edits high-quality, goal-oriented communications materials for the Chief Scientist's Office - including articles, statements, briefing notes, opinion pieces, talking points, speeches, key messages, presentations and reports tailored to defined target audiences and informed by clear objectives, audience insight and evidence.
• Works closely with the Office of Communications (OCC), to ensure coherence, alignment and complementarity and enhance collaboration on communications on science, technology and innovation, in line with defined corporate priorities and the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy.
• Supports messaging and storytelling across communication channels and formats, ensuring communications are cross-culturally sensitive, context aware (global to local), multilanguage where appropriate, and socially inclusive (e.g. avoid digital exclusion).
• Collaborates with technical experts and stakeholders in convening and managing events (conferences, workshops, webinars, etc.), and in facilitating sessions.
• Collaborates with publishing colleagues and FAO experts authoring scientific research to strengthen the visibility of FAO as a leader in this field.
• Supports outreach into scientific communities through relevant FAO divisions and Decentralized Offices to strengthen FAO's role as a leader in promoting science for agrifood systems.
• Contributes to the identification and management of communications risks, including misinformation, reputational risks and unintended consequences, and supports the designs of trusted multi-channels of communication, including media relations.
• Promotes the mainstreaming of good science communication practices across FAO, underpinned by the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy.
• Supports the design and delivery of modern, data-driven communications that reach defined audiences - including those with limited digital access -, including the responsible use of AI and analytics for audience insight and performance improvement.
• Produces and supports dissemination of mobile-first, low-bandwidth, multilingual content across different formats (video, visual, audio, radio, and podcasts), ensuring effective distribution across platforms and channels.
• Monitors and analyses trends and developments in science, technology and innovation, including medias, policy and communication materials within FAO and beyond (United Nations, intergovernmental, think-tank, and NGO reports) to keep abreast of strategic scientific developments.
• Performs other duties as required.

Candidates will be assessed against the following

• Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, in sustainable agriculture, in environmental science, in food security and nutrition, in climate change, or related fields.
• Five years of relevant experience in strategic communications in agriculture, food and nutrition security and international development arena, of relevance to science, technology and innovation.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of communication services in technical areas for prominent institutions, particularly at the international level.
• Proven ability to work with data and technical reports, ensuring accuracy in communication outputs
• Familiarity with peer-review processes, including engagement with scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capacity to contribute to communication plans for complex and multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting high-quality written materials for a wide variety of audiences
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated ability to write/edit in a deadline-driven environment.
• Extent and relevance of experience in covering international and multilateral affairs, planning and coordinating complex news coverage.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another FAO language is considered a strong asset.

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

General Information

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp

Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:

• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct

How to Apply

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Attach a letter of motivation to the online profile. Apply and submit your application. FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. 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 pertinent information. 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. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by withdrawing 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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