[Hiring] Technical Communications Specialist @Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Role Description

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2026-2031) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030.

The incumbent will provide strategic support in developing, overseeing, and executing high-impact communication and advocacy initiatives on food security, climate resilience, water, ecosystems, and sustainable agriculture. This will ensure appropriate recognition of the FAO Member Country and enhance the visibility, credibility, and policy influence of FAO’s work in Saudi Arabia.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support the Partnerships and Outreach Expert and the Programme Director across relevant workstreams, particularly ongoing programmes under the FAO-Saudi Arabia Technical Cooperation Programme.
• Contribute to the development of public communication content across multiple media and formats aligned with FAO’s strategic priorities and thematic focus areas. Specifically:
  • Ensure quality control of content in line with FAO guidelines and communication standards across all platforms.
  • Review and translate stories and news to meet FAO Style and terminology standards, including:
    • Assembling verified background information.
    • Translating and summarizing relevant technical documents.
    • Drafting key messages.
    • Developing social media and video scripts.
  • Draft content in various formats for internal and external channels, such as newsletters, digital posters, infographics, news articles for FAO Saudi Arabia and other web platforms, feature stories, key messages, talking points, and scripts.
  • Contribute to the creation of multimedia communication assets (graphics, videos, photos, animations, campaigns, podcasts, social/digital content, copywriting, etc.) for internal and external use, including publication launches, events, international days, and participation in global forums.
• Ensure adherence to FAO standards and guidelines:
  • Maintain liaison with OCC, directly or via an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
  • All communication materials must follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
    • FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: Link
    • Publishing at FAO including FAO Style in English and Arabic
    • FAO social media policy and guidelines: Link
    • Social Media Branding Guidelines: Link
    • FAO Style Guide: Link
    • FAO Terminology: Link
    • FAO Names of Countries: Link
    • Story guidelines, story templates, UN map standards, FAO logo policy, and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
  • Additional guidance on FAO communications, policies, and procedures is available via the FAO intranet, OCC section.

Qualifications

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business administration, communications, knowledge management, or a relevant field related to agriculture, livestock production, natural resources management, water, agricultural extension and project management. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business administration, communications, knowledge management, or a relevant field related to agriculture, livestock production, natural resources management, water, agricultural extension and project management.
• More than 5 years of relevant knowledge and experience in agriculture, livestock production, natural resources management, water, agricultural extension, project management and other related fields.
• Working knowledge in Arabic and English (level C).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical terminology related to agriculture, natural resources management, water, agricultural extension, and related fields into clear, engaging, and concise content.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams in multicultural and international environments.
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines and to respond promptly to urgent assignments.