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Communication Consultant Opportunities at The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

UN Jobs SpecialistFebruary 13, 2024

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Multiple communications consultancy opportunities at IFAD. Apply before the deadlines.

Deadline : On Demand

Location : Rome

Career 2

Brief Background About IFAD

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and¿advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

Brief Information About the Job and Context

The Global Communications and Advocacy Division (COM) leads the implementation of IFAD’s Communications and Advocacy Strategy and acts variously as facilitator, partner and leader with regards to delivery of IFAD’s internal and external communication work. COM has a team of expert staff in media relations, video production, writing, publishing, web, social and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, photography, brand management, and internal communication to meet IFAD’s communication priorities.

IFAD is looking for qualified, experienced and motivated Communications professionals with specific areas of expertise to be part of its vetted roster of consultants. Rostered consultants will be called upon as needed to provide first-rate services to IFAD at its Rome headquarters and in its field offices.

A roster is a pool of candidates who have already been vetted as viable candidates through the application process and who are ready for immediate selection. In some cases, candidates may be asked to take part in short interviews or assessments as part of the vetting process. Candidates who are successfully added to the roster may be selected for an upcoming assignment without having to undergo further application processes. Entry into the Communications Roster system, however, does not guarantee a contract with IFAD. Please see “Other Information” below for more details on the roster process and consultancy assignments at IFAD.

Duties and Responsibilities

Areas of expertise/experience required of Communication consultants may include

General Areas of experience

Progressive responsibility in the field of communication, public information, journalism, digital media (including social media and web content creation) and/or video production.
Proven ability to conceptualize and implement strategic communications approaches to promote an organization’s brand and visibility among target audiences.
Demonstrated knowledge of specialized communications techniques and approaches, which may include, but is not limited to, generating stories, press releases, videos, social media content, publications, speeches, talking points and other communications materials that raise awareness of an organization’s work and mandate.
Ability to advise on communications challenges, assess communications environments and opportunities, develop communications strategies, and manage implementation of communications activities.
Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization is desirable.

Specialised areas of expertise

Internal Communications

Experience

Required:

Excellent writing skills (English).
Experience in communications, including designing and implementing communications strategies, campaigns and products.

Desirable:

Experience in the field of internal communications.
Experience managing internal platforms (intranets) and editing content for an internal audience.
Experience in organising large corporate events (e.g. global Townhalls), including hybrid events.
Experience in inter-departmental coordination (or similar), in a multi-cultural/international setting

TORs:

Develop and recommend strategic approaches for internal communication, ensuring timely implementation.
Originate, review, write and/or edit, internal communications materials include blogs, statements, talking points and scripts.
Plan and organize internal events on major corporate initiatives.

Web and social media (divided for test topics)

Web:

Required:

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in digital communications, journalism, publishing, or related field.

Strong track record of writing and editing for international, digital audiences.
Ability to transform expert information into engaging and accessible content.
Understanding of metrics for digital content, especially Google Analytics.
Experience with Content Management Systems.
Understanding of current trends and best practices in digital communications.
Detail-oriented, creative and able to work efficiently under tight deadlines.

TORs:

Plan, write and edit timely, engaging and meaningful web content in line with SEO best practices.
Analyse website performance using metrics.
Identify opportunities to add IFAD’s voice to issues of global concern and trending topics in a creative way.
Recommend ways to improve the website look and feel and user experience.
Write, create and send e-newsletters.
Gather information and coordinate with IFAD experts and colleagues as needed

Social Media

Required experience

A minimum of 3 years of work experience on social media;
Strong social copy-editing skills.
Ability to translate technical and nuanced information into clear, emotional and engaging
Content for broad public audiences.
Experience using social media scheduling tools.
Experience in reporting on quantitative and qualitative social analytics.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task

TORs:

Support the planning, development and implementation of dynamic, interactive and meaningful social media content strategies and packages.
Produce compelling content for social media channels.
Schedule, proofread and check social media and digital content for accuracy and timeliness.
Assist with the monitoring and moderation of social media channels, flagging risk and opportunities to deepen engagement.
Monitor key indicators on social media efforts and report on performance.
Identify new opportunities to continually improve social media presence.

Media

Journalism, media outreach, communication, public information or advocacy.
Good network of national and international media contacts.

TORs

Conceptualize, develop and implement strategic approaches to increase IFAD visibility among media in target countries, in national languages, and around key events and global trends.
Build relationships with media, create interest and match with spokespeople in IFAD, following up and reporting back on media coverage.
Identify opportunities to increase coverage of IFAD and to maximise IFAD’s visibility in target country, assess opportunities and provide recommendations.
Identify storylines and pitch interviews, op-eds, feature articles, in-depth series, press briefings.
Plan and organize press trips to IFAD-supported projects.
Identify opportunities for any additional communication or advocacy activities and outreach and liaise with media outlets and global media team accordingly

Video

Experience:

Required:

Experience directing, editing and/or shooting video content in a variety of field environments and situations, capturing personal stories, working with local staff, negotiating appropriate filming situations and taking responsibility for the accuracy and aesthetic quality of the materials gathered.

TORs

Produce, direct, shoot and/or edit video content for a variety of internal and external audiences.
If required, travel to IFAD-supported projects to gather footage, conduct interviews and capture stories; work closely with IFAD country offices to identify and negotiate appropriate filming situations.
Provide technical expertise and knowhow related to creation of IFAD video products including video news releases, feature stories, spots and multimedia productions.
Pitch video stories and content to international broadcasters and relevant media outlets.
Make recommendations and conceptualize, script and edit short social media video posts using archive materials.

Photography

Experience:

Required:

Proven professional experience in the international development and/or humanitarian field.
Ability to deal with potentially difficult circumstances.
At least three years of experience working with print and digital media

TORs:

Photograph and edit material.
Provide complete captions as per brief provided for each job.

Graphic Design

Experience:

Required:

Familiarity with current graphic design trends, including application of graphic principles to digital, social media and print environment
Experience conceiving, designing and delivering compelling and effective graphic design products

Job Profile Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree of equivalent) from a recognized university-level academic institution in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or another relevant field. Degree must be from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php

Experience:

Senior level expert – 9 years plus experience, or

Mid-level expert- 5 to 8 years’ experience, or

Entry level expert – 3 to 5 years’ experience, or

Junior level – 1 to 3 years’ experience.

The advanced university degree may be substituted by a first university degree and at least four (4) additional years of relevant professional experience over and above the minimum number of years of experience as stipulated above.