FAO is seeking a Communication Specialist: Exciting opportunity – Apply before 14 March 2026

Are you passionate about storytelling, digital media, and global development? The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting Expressions of Interest for the position of Junior Communication Specialist under Vacancy Announcement 2600443. This is a unique non-staff consultancy opportunity designed to build a roster of talented communication professionals who may be called upon as needs arise over the next three years.

With a closing date of 14 March 2026, this opportunity is ideal for early-career communication experts eager to contribute to global agrifood transformation and sustainable development.

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About FAO and the Office for Corporate Communication

FAO plays a central role in advancing the 2030 Agenda by transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Its mission supports better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—leaving no one behind.

The Office for Corporate Communication (OCC) is responsible for ensuring that FAO’s messaging remains coherent, strategic, and impactful across all platforms. From global campaigns to digital storytelling, OCC ensures FAO’s voice resonates worldwide.

This call aims to identify and vet qualified candidates for a roster of junior communication specialists. Being placed on the roster does not guarantee immediate employment, but it opens the door to consultancy assignments over the next three years.

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Position Overview

• Job Title: Junior Communication Specialist
• Job Type: Non-staff opportunity
• Contract Type: Consultant / Personal Services Agreement (PSA)
• Duration: 11 months
• Location: Various Locations
• Organizational Unit: Office for Corporate Communication (OCC)
• Posting Date: 27 February 2026
• Deadline: 14 March 2026

Selected candidates will report to a Communication Officer within OCC teams.

Technical Focus Areas

This role covers a wide spectrum of communication functions, including:

• Public information and advocacy
• Writing and editing
• Web publishing
• Social media management
• Multimedia and digital production
• Marketing and brand alignment

FAO is looking for communication professionals with balanced skill sets in public communication, journalism, storytelling, and multimedia production.

Key Responsibilities

As a Junior Communication Specialist, you will support OCC teams across multiple communication streams. Your responsibilities may include:

Content Research and Development

• Research and analyze FAO technical information
• Summarize complex documents into accessible formats
• Draft key messages and scripts

Writing and Editorial Support

• Produce intranet news and announcements
• Draft newsletters, digital posters, and infographics
• Develop feature stories and talking points
• Write website articles and campaign materials

Multimedia Content Creation

• Assist in producing graphics, videos, animations, and podcasts
• Support campaigns for international days and global events
• Develop social and digital content for diverse audiences

Digital and Social Media Management

• Maintain website content
• Support newsletter management
• Assist with social media publishing and monitoring

Coordination and Stakeholder Support

• Support cross-team communication planning
• Participate in media intelligence research
• Provide guidance to technical divisions on communication processes
• Backstop communication officers during leave periods

All communication outputs must comply with FAO standards, including branding, terminology, editorial style, and clearance processes.

Minimum Requirements

For Consultants:

• Advanced university degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Videography, or related field
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have two additional years of relevant experience

For PSA Applicants:

• University degree in a relevant field

Experience:

• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, or public relations

Language:

• Working knowledge (Level C) of English

Desired Skills and Competencies

FAO will assess candidates based on:

• Strong editing and writing experience
• Content creation and research proficiency
• Caption writing and keywording skills
• Ethical awareness in communications
• Ability to handle sensitive information
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Deadline-oriented mindset
• Process explanation and training capability

Core competencies include:

• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

FAO’s Values and Standards

FAO is committed to workforce diversity across gender, nationality, and background. Qualified female applicants, nationals from underrepresented countries, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The organization upholds:

• Integrity and professional conduct
• Zero tolerance for harassment, abuse, or discrimination
• Environmental sustainability in operations

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role offers emerging communication professionals a powerful platform to:

• Contribute to global agrifood transformation
• Develop high-level multimedia and storytelling skills
• Work within a United Nations specialized agency
• Engage in international advocacy campaigns
• Expand professional networks across global teams

Being rostered means you could be contacted for assignments anytime within three years, providing flexibility and international exposure.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal:

1. Create or update your online FAO profile
2. Ensure employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills are complete
3. Attach a letter of motivation
4. Submit your application before the deadline

Applications must be complete to be considered. Academic credentials must be recognized by institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute technical challenges.

For assistance, candidates can register with FAO’s client support team via the official service portal.

Final Thoughts

If you are a motivated communication professional with a passion for storytelling, digital media, and global development, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful international work. The Junior Communication Specialist roster at FAO opens doors to impactful consultancy assignments within a respected UN agency.

With a deadline of 14 March 2026, now is the time to prepare your application and showcase your communication expertise on a global stage