Communications Coordinator

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU), based in Budapest, Hungary, leads FAO's regional response to food security, agriculture, and rural development priorities. REU oversees country offices, develops and implements regional strategies, and ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, aiming to accelerate the achievement of FAO's objectives across the region.

Job Purpose

The Communications Coordinator, reporting to the Deputy Regional Representative, will lead and coordinate communication activities for the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU). This role involves enhancing FAO's visibility, managing the REU Communication team, and collaborating closely with the Office of Communications (OCC) and national/project focal points. The incumbent will be responsible for training team members in effective internal and external communications, and for advancing multimedia production, web content management, media relations, and publishing activities to support the Organization's mission in the region.

Responsibilities

The Communications Coordinator will develop and implement a comprehensive communication and engagement plan for the Regional Office, evaluating the impact of key activities. Responsibilities include coordinating with OCC and Regional Communication Officers, guiding technical units and decentralized offices to enhance the visibility of their work, and ensuring all communication outputs align with FAO's corporate policies. The role involves managing the regional weekly news dissemination, issuing press releases, and overseeing the FAO regional website. The Coordinator will draft and produce diverse communication materials, lead photo/video missions, manage regional social media channels, and contribute to the development of digital assets. Additionally, the position involves co-managing the regional communication team, supporting recruitment processes, overseeing the Editorial Committee, leading efforts for regional governing body meetings, coordinating the Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition report, and engaging with the Hungarian press corps. The role also includes making communication arrangements for events and translating technical information into compelling messages for various promotional materials in Hungarian.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, or related fields is required. This experience should align with the responsibilities of the role, including developing and implementing communication strategies and managing communication activities.

Skills

Key skills include strong knowledge of communication strategies, tools, and platforms relevant to agriculture and food systems. Proven ability in research, analysis, and drafting communication plans and key messages is essential. The role requires demonstrated skills in media relations, organizing outreach campaigns, and producing various communication products. Strong people management, team coordination, and excellent verbal/written communication skills are necessary for conveying complex information effectively. The candidate must possess strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and maintain attention to detail.

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