The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for the position of Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation) based at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. This exciting international career opportunity offers professionals with expertise in strategic communications, science communication, agriculture, food security, and innovation the chance to contribute to global efforts aimed at transforming agrifood systems and advancing sustainable development.
The successful candidate will join the Office of the Chief Scientist and play a critical role in enhancing the visibility and impact of FAO’s scientific work, ensuring that evidence-based knowledge and innovation reach policymakers, stakeholders, scientific communities, and the public.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 26 June 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date.
About the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting rural development worldwide.
Through its Strategic Framework 2022–2031, FAO works to create:
- More efficient agrifood systems
- More inclusive food systems
- More resilient agricultural systems
- More sustainable food production practices
The organization seeks to support better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all while ensuring that no one is left behind.
Position Overview
Job Title
Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation)
Location
Rome, Italy
Organizational Unit
Office of the Chief Scientist (DDCC)
Grade Level
P-3
Job Type
Professional Staff Position
Contract Duration
Fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of extension
Reporting Line
The Communication Officer reports directly to the Chief Scientist and collaborates closely with FAO’s Office of Communications.
The Role and Its Importance
Science, technology, and innovation are at the heart of modern solutions for global food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition challenges.
The Communication Officer will help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding by translating complex scientific information into accessible, engaging, and impactful communication products. The role supports FAO’s mission to strengthen its position as a trusted source of scientific information and a neutral platform for global discussions on agrifood systems.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will undertake a broad range of communication and outreach activities, including:
Strategic Communication Planning
- Support communication and advocacy strategies for science, technology, and innovation initiatives.
- Develop audience-focused communication approaches.
- Increase awareness of FAO’s scientific contributions to food security and sustainable development.
- Ensure communication activities align with FAO’s strategic priorities.
Content Development
The officer will create and edit a variety of high-quality communication materials, including:
- Articles
- Briefing notes
- Reports
- Statements
- Speeches
- Presentations
- Talking points
- Opinion pieces
- Web content
- Communication campaigns
All content must be tailored to specific audiences and supported by evidence-based messaging.
Science Communication and Storytelling
The role requires transforming technical and scientific information into engaging stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Responsibilities include:
- Promoting science communication best practices.
- Supporting multilingual communication efforts.
- Ensuring communications are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
- Developing content that can reach audiences with limited digital access.
Event Management and Stakeholder Engagement
The Communication Officer will:
- Support conferences, workshops, webinars, and international events.
- Collaborate with scientists, researchers, policymakers, and development partners.
- Facilitate communication activities during scientific meetings.
- Strengthen outreach within scientific communities.
Digital Communication and Innovation
The successful candidate will contribute to modern communication approaches by:
- Utilizing data-driven communication strategies.
- Supporting responsible use of artificial intelligence in communication.
- Producing mobile-first communication products.
- Creating multimedia content such as:
- Videos
- Podcasts
- Audio materials
- Visual content
- Radio programming
Media Relations and Risk Management
Responsibilities also include:
- Monitoring media and communication trends.
- Addressing misinformation risks.
- Supporting media engagement efforts.
- Managing reputational communication challenges.
- Strengthening trusted communication channels.
Required Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, applicants must possess:
Educational Requirements
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in one of the following areas:
- Communication
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Food Security and Nutrition
- Climate Change
- Related disciplines
Professional Experience
Applicants must have:
- At least five years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience in strategic communications.
- Experience within agriculture, food security, nutrition, science, technology, innovation, or international development sectors.
Language Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Working knowledge of English.
- Intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Desired Skills and Competencies
FAO is seeking candidates who can demonstrate:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and research abilities.
- Experience handling technical reports and data.
- Ability to communicate scientific information accurately.
- Experience working in multicultural environments.
- Stakeholder engagement skills.
- Team collaboration capabilities.
- Knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement mindset.
Additional advantages include:
- Experience working internationally.
- Familiarity with peer-review processes.
- Understanding of FAO policies and programmes.
- Experience covering international and multilateral affairs.
- Knowledge of additional FAO languages.
Benefits and Compensation
FAO offers a highly competitive international employment package that may include:
- Competitive United Nations salary package
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grants for children
- Home leave travel benefits
- Thirty working days of annual leave per year
- Pension benefits under the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund
- International health insurance
- Optional life insurance
- Disability protection coverage
The organization also promotes:
- Flexible working arrangements
- Family-friendly workplace policies
- Inclusive and diverse work environments
- Professional development opportunities
FAO’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
FAO values diversity and actively encourages applications from:
- Women
- Nationals of underrepresented member countries
- Persons with disabilities
- Professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds
The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination, harassment, abuse of authority, and misconduct.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, innovation, agriculture, communication, and international development.
Successful candidates will contribute directly to global efforts focused on:
- Sustainable food systems
- Climate resilience
- Scientific innovation
- Agricultural transformation
- Global food security
Working at FAO headquarters in Rome provides exposure to high-level international policy discussions, global scientific networks, and opportunities to shape communication strategies that influence development outcomes worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Create or update their online profile on the FAO recruitment portal.
- Ensure all employment records, educational qualifications, and language skills are accurately listed.
- Prepare and upload a motivation letter.
- Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is complete and accurate, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Final Reminder
The application deadline for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation) position is 26 June 2026. Interested professionals with expertise in communications, science, agriculture, and international development are encouraged to submit their applications early and take advantage of this prestigious opportunity to contribute to global agrifood transformation and sustainable development.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
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