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

The Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) is FAO’s hub to ensure rights-based and sustainable development for all, leaving no one behind. We build transformative partnerships and proactively engage with key stakeholders, including family farmers, Indigenous Peoples, parliamentarians, academia, research institutions, UN organizations and civil society. We drive a people-centered approach through technical support, capacity development, policy advice and inclusive dialogue.

Within the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), the Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI) provides technical support to Indigenous Peoples and ensures the implementation of the FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples at FAO corporate level by liaising with regional and country focal points as well as with other technical divisions in FAO. PSUI works with Indigenous Peoples towards achieving FAO's mandate of freeing the world from hunger and malnutrition, under the overarching frameworks of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.

The Indigenous Peoples Unit has three main objectives: 1. Implement the FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples; 2. Provide technical advice to other FAO technical divisions in integrating Indigenous Peoples’ issues into their work; 3. Advocate, Influence key policy processes and open spaces of dialogue between decision makers and Indigenous Peoples within FAO’s mandate. In this context, FAO), through the Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI) within the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), is committed to ensuring the full implementation of the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention 169. FPIC is a fundamental right of Indigenous Peoples, supporting their participation in decisions that affect their rights, resources, and territories. It is integral to ensure inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable outcomes in all FAO activities.

The incumbent will work with Indigenous Peoples within the seven pillars of work and two focus areas, providing technical insights into the work of FAO across technical divisions.

The seven pillars of work are: 1 - Indigenous Peoples’ food systems; 2 - Free, Prior and Informed consent; 3 - Advocacy and capacity development; 4 - Indicators for food security; 5 - Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge and climate change; 6 - Governance of natural resources – collective rights and VGGT; 7 - Coordination. The two areas of work are: 1 - Indigenous Women; 2 - Indigenous Youth.

Reporting Lines

The specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the PSUI Unit, the Coordinator of the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems, the Technical Officer of FPIC and the Indigenous Youth coordinator, as appropriate, in close collaboration with the members of the Indigenous Peoples Unit, other Units within PSU, and in coordination with other FAO technical units. If/when activities are carried out at country level, the specialist will be required to work in close collaboration with the FAO Representation in the relevant country of assignment, as well as the relevant FAO regional office.

Technical Focus

Work with Indigenous Peoples within the seven pillars of work and two focus areas, providing technical insights into the work of FAO across technical divisions. 
Establishment of strategic partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations; Advocate, influence key policy processes and open spaces of dialogue between decision makers and Indigenous Peoples within FAO´s mandate

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:

•     Contribute to the drafting, production and issuance of published PSUI briefs, web stories, and newsletter editions.
•     Prepare stories, press notes, and other communication materials in relation to PSUI work.
•     Undertake basic layout work for side event flyers, save the dates and other basic layout work in relation to PSUI.
•     Update the PSUI website in terms of text and content, also implementing any web design changes.
•     Coordinate with graphic designer for graphics and layout related to any publications produced by PSUI.
•     Support in the creation and implementation of the 2026-2027 PSUI Advocacy Plan centred on the 2027 CFS discussions on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems.
•     Support in creating a visual identity for PSUI advocacy products.
•     Contribute to the development of outreach materials for resource mobilization.
•     Writing and dissemination of advocacy material for the UN Global Indigenous Youth Forum (UNGIYF), for the in-person meetings of the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems and for the activities connected to the Global Programme on Indigenous Peoples’ Biocentric Restoration.
•     Manage the PSUI social media presence creating content for its X profile and for other social media managed by OCC.
•     Create content for internal communication purposes (intranet, FAO screens, mailing lists).
•     Coordinate the production of videos related to PSUI work and their publication on FAO YouTube and its webpages.
•     Lead and coordinate the drafting and circulation of the PSUI Annual Report of activities.
•     Support to managing the content of the HOPE room in the FAO Museum.
•     Monitor outreach performance, including web analytics and social media engagement, and prepare periodic reports.
•     Support the organization of events, webinars and engagement activities with partners and stakeholders.
•     Gather content from the field, including from FAO projects, and contribute to the preparation of news items, short articles and multimedia content.
•     Support the analysis and make recommendations for relevant projects and programmes submitted to PSUI by the FAO Programme and Project Review Committee.

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 communication, development studies, environmental science, social sciences, anthropology, development studies, human rights, or any field related to FAO's mandate. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs: University or technical degree/certificate in communication, development studies, environmental science, social sciences, anthropology, development studies, human rights, or any field related to FAO's mandate.
•     At least one year of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to outreach and programming in food and agriculture.
•     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

•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work 
•     Work experience in the field with Indigenous Peoples 
•     Excellent analytical and conceptual skills 
•     Indigenous Peoples and cross-cultural competency 
•     Experience of research with Indigenous Peoples 
•     Strong command of digital communications tools and platforms, including content management systems, social media management tools, email marketing platforms, and campaign analytics tools. 
•     Experience in data and Indigenous Peoples 
•     Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a multicultural, multilingual environment.
•     Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships 
•     Experience with Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, Indigenous Women, Indigenous Youth, seeds, geospatial work, project implementation, programme design and policy work would be an asset. 
•     Strong attention to detail, critical thinker, strong work ethic, and positive attitude while routinely exercising sound judgment.
•     Experience in FPIC with Indigenous Peoples would be a requirement for specific consultants on FPIC matters. 
•     Ability to work and write in at least two UN official languages would be a strong asset.