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 Infrastructure and Facilities Management Service (CSLI) within the Logistics Services Division (CSL) is responsible for the maintenance of the headquarters premises and for providing services to FAO employees. CSLI also assists FAO Decentralized Offices in facilities maintenance, technical projects, infrastructure activities and technically innovative systems to reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, it promotes the implementation of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy within headquarters and Decentralized Offices.

The post is located in the Facilities Management Service (CSLI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to Facilities Management Officer of the FAO Infrastructure and Facilities Management Service and work within the Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) team of CSLI office
Technical Focus
The incumbent will be in charge of leading the communication strategy of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility team, and of supporting the team with relevant tasks related to the implementation of the FAO Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy.

Tasks and responsibilities

Managing and coordinating internal and external communication on environmental efficiency related matters:
•    Implement the CER communication strategy by drafting articles, annual reports, and bi-monthly newsletters;
•    Design visuals for specific communication campaigns that aim to drive energy-saving and other sustainable behaviours at work;
•    Organize training sessions and workshops for other FAO employees about environmental responsibility in the workplace;
•    Research and write news articles and short case studies on recent environmental improvements or proposals at FAO for publication on FAO intranet, internet and the Greening the Blue websites;
•    Keep CER intranet and internet web pages up to date;
•    Research and prepare responses to queries from colleagues on environmental management issues and contribute to templates, tools, and other support materials to help colleagues worldwide to measure and manage environmental risks and impacts from FAO operations;
•    Manage MS Teams channels of CER focal points and enhance interaction and dissemination of internal information;

Supporting the team with the implementation of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy:
•    Participate in the coordination of an interdivisional working group for the implementation of the FAO Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy;
•    Act as liaison with other units to ensure coordination of their efforts such as in the area of environmental safeguards or sustainable procurement;
•    Manage the implementation of behavioral science projects aimed at improving sustainable behaviours in FAO offices (e.g. waste sorting, food waste, water use);
•    Communicate with field offices during the annual GHG environmental inventory exercise;
•    Assist the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Team with environmental data analysis, dashboard implementation and monitoring of GHG emission data as outcome of the environmental inventory;
•    Contribute to the roll-out of the FAO Environmental Management System.

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

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

•    Advanced university degree in Sustainable Development, Environmental Studies, Environmental/Energy Engineering or related fields.
•    1 year of experience on activities with a focus on sustainable development, circular economy, environmental sustainability, climate change issues, GHG emission accounting or Environmental Management Systems.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English, and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

•    Proficiency in graphic design tools and other related communication tools (e.g. Canva);
•    Proficiency in the full Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams);
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
•    Passionate about sustainability and climate change issues;
Selection Criteria
•    Extent of experience in communication activities linked to environmental responsibility or sustainable development;
•    Knowledge of environmental issues, sustainable behaviours, sustainable consumption;
•    Ability to manage data and understand GHG emission data;
•    Ability to write reports and design communication documents in English;
•    Italian working knowledge is a strong asset;
•    Prior experience in working within the UN system is a strong asset.