Advocacy Communications Specialist - Indigenous Peoples

Organizational Context

The Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) within FAO focuses on rights-based and sustainable development, fostering transformative partnerships with diverse stakeholders including Indigenous Peoples. The Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI) specifically supports Indigenous Peoples and implements FAO's Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples. PSUI works to achieve FAO's mandate of ending hunger and malnutrition, guided by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and FAO's policy. The unit advocates for and influences policy, opens dialogue spaces, and ensures the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is upheld in FAO activities.

Job Purpose

This role involves working with Indigenous Peoples across seven key pillars and two focus areas, providing crucial technical insights to FAO's various technical divisions. A primary objective is to establish strategic partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and their organizations. The specialist will advocate for and influence key policy processes, thereby creating essential dialogue channels between decision-makers and Indigenous Peoples within the scope of FAO's mandate. This position is central to integrating Indigenous Peoples' perspectives and rights into FAO's broader work, ensuring a rights-based and inclusive approach to food systems and sustainable development.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will collaborate with the Office of Communications (OCC) to draft, produce, and disseminate various communication materials, including briefs, web stories, and newsletters. Responsibilities include preparing press notes, undertaking basic layout work for promotional materials, and updating the PSUI website content and design. Coordination with graphic designers for publication layouts and support for the 2026-2027 PSUI Advocacy Plan, focusing on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, are key. The role involves developing outreach materials for resource mobilization, writing and disseminating advocacy content for forums like the UN Global Indigenous Youth Forum, and managing the PSUI social media presence. Content creation for internal communications, coordinating video production, and leading the drafting of the PSUI Annual Report are also included. Monitoring outreach performance, supporting event organization, gathering field content for news items, and assisting in the analysis of project proposals are further duties. Adherence to FAO communication standards and clearance processes is mandatory.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in public or private sectors, specifically related to outreach and programming within the food and agriculture domain, is required. Experience working in more than one location or area of work is beneficial. Experience in the field with Indigenous Peoples is highly desirable. Proficiency in digital communications tools and platforms is essential.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Strong analytical and conceptual skills are necessary, along with Indigenous Peoples and cross-cultural competency. Proficiency in digital communication tools, content management systems, social media management, and campaign analytics is essential. The ability to work independently and in multicultural environments is important. Experience with Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, Indigenous Women, Indigenous Youth, and FPIC is advantageous. Fluency in at least two UN official languages is a strong asset.

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