Contribute to the implementation of FAO’s programme of work in Communication for Development and inclusive Rural Communication Services as applied to family farming, sustainable agrifood systems, rural development and other related areas. Special attention will be provided to the design of Communication for Development strategies and to the implementation of rural communication services through the appropriation of adequate media and ICT by family farmers and rural communities, especially women and youth.

Technical advice in the design and implementation of Communication for Rural Development projects, strategies and Rural Communication Services in connection with FAO Four Betters, the Sustainable Development Goals, the UNDFF and FAO field programmes, activities and outcomes.

Tasks and responsibilities

The general functions, tasks and responsibilities in the area of Communication for rural development will include but are not limited to the following elements:
•    Provide technical assistance for the design of ComDev strategies and components in FAO programmes and projects and support the implementation ensuring stakeholder engagement and improving FAO programme delivery according to the relevant FAO guidelines (e.g http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4222e.pdf).
•    Support FAO Strategic Programs, Regional Initiatives, CPFs, decentralized offices, family farmers and producer organizations and FAO partners in relation to ComDev plans and activities.
•    Support the UN Decade of Family Farming global action plan, with special attention to Outcome 4.4, Communication, ICTI capacities/services improved and family farmer’ s voices heard, and facilitate the implementation of participatory communication plans for UNDFF.
•    Support ComDev initiatives/platforms (ComDev Asia, Yenkasa Africa, Onda rual, CCComDev) and foster strategic partnerships and cooperation in this field.
•    Provide advice in the design, piloting and upscaling of inclusive rural communication services (RCS), including the use of appropriate media and their appropriation by family farmers.
•    Assist in identifying relevant developments in the use of media, digital technologies and ICTs in the field of family farming, sustainable agrifood systems and rural development.
•    Take care of the organization of trainings, e-learnings and the preparation and sharing of case studies, methodologies and tools to enhance ComDev capacities especially of FAO offices, rural institutions, farmer organizations, indigenous peoples and development practitioners.
•    Take care of outreach and knowledge sharing in relation to the activities of the FAO ComDev Team, including the publication of articles, preparation of web pages, communities of practices, webinars, and use of social media and,
•    Perform other tasks as needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in communication and/or ICTs for development, social sciences, agricultural sciences or related field.
•    At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in Communication for Development, particularly in the agriculture, family farming and rural development sector.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for PSA it can be required only one language level C).

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extent and relevance of academic qualifications in areas related to Communication for Development
•    Extend and relevance of experience in planning and monitoring Communication for Development strategies, activities and reviewing policy, institutional and/or legal frameworks in a wide range of cultural and development contexts as well as monitoring related systems.
•    Extent and relevance of experience and technical capacity in designing and implementing Communication for Development strategies and plans to rural development, family farming, climate adaptation and resilience.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in developing Communication for Development activities and establishing partnerships and networks with relevant partners in this field.
•    Extent and relevant experience in providing advice, documenting and collecting evidence in the field of Rural Communication.
•    Knowledge of FAO methods for communication for development or dialogue facilitation an asset.
•    Knowledge of FAO’s strategies activities and methodologies in Communication for development
•    Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, as well as gender sensitive and cross-cultural competency.
•    Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
•    Research and analytical skills, and ability to present and communicate effectively both orally and in writing
•    Proven competence in the formulation and monitoring of Communication for Development strategies.
•    Demonstrated ability to identify appropriate media and channels and digital technologies as applied to ComDev.

Selection Criteria

•    Level, extent and relevance of experience in Communication for Rural Development in support of field projects, rural communication services, rural institutions and producer organizations.
•    Knowledge of FAO Communication for Rural Development guidelines, methods and tools.
•    Experience in organizing trainings, technical meetings and seminars in Communication for Development.
•    Capacity to animate and support regional and national networks and facilitate participatory communication activities.
•    Demonstrated experience in working in complex environments.
•    Ability to manage the tight deadlines and multiple work streams.
•    Depth of English language skills: full fluency in written English in highly desirable.
•    Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Photoshop is desirable.
•    Knowledge of Machine Translation Tools and Techniques, Natural Language Processing, Knowledge Management Systems, Web Usage Analysis, Information Retrieval/ Extractions Systems is desirable.