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).