Chief, Strategic Communications - P-5

*This job is based in Rome, Italy

Organizational Setting

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

The External Relations Department (ERD), comprising the Communications Division (COM), and the Global Engagement Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR) leads IFAD’s engagement with Member States and other stakeholders, including through public and political advocacy, global policy engagement, resource mobilization and strategic communications.

The Communications Division (COM) leads implementation of IFAD's Global Communications and External Advocacy Strategic Approach and acts variously as facilitator, partner and leader with regards to delivery of IFAD's internal and external communication work. COM is a strategic partner for IFAD departments, divisions, offices and units in Rome and across the globe. The division has a team of expert staff in media relations, video production, writing and publishing, web and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, brand management, internal communication and campaigns and events to meet IFAD's communication priorities.

The Chief, Strategic Communications works under the direct supervision of the Director of Communications and in line with IFAD’s corporate communication strategy.

Job Role

The Chief, Strategic Communications, heads up the Strategic Communications Team and leads and advises on COM’s work to ensure a dynamic and innovative external communication programme, including compelling storytelling, media outreach, social media, web/digital communications, video and reputation management. The Chief, Strategic Communications brings a proven track record in driving global coverage across elite markets and building global campaigns with the digital platforms to deliver them. The Chief, Strategic Communications also leads and advises on COM’s internal communication work.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

Level 2:

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Strategic leadership
• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally
• Communicating and negotiating - Acquires & uses a wide range of communication styles & skills
• Demonstrating leadership - Leads by example; initiates and supports change
• Focusing on clients - Contributes to a client-focused culture
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Challenges, innovates & contributes to learning culture
• Managing performance and developing staff - Manages wider teams with greater impact on others and on the organization
• Managing time, resources and information - Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Staff in management and/or strategic leadership roles
• Team working - Fosters a cohesive team environment

Education:

• Level – Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area. The Advanced University degree may be substituted by a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience, over and above the minimum number of years of experience as stipulated below.
• Areas - Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences or other relevant discipline

Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php .

Experience:

• At least ten (10) years progressively responsible experience in supervisory / team leader communication roles, such as global media outreach, digital communications and video, campaigns and external visibility. Newsroom experience desirable.

• Experience managing a decentralised communications structure across the humanitarian, development, international finance or philanthropic landscape.

• Proven experience in innovation integration such as data story-telling techniques, VR and AI optimisation, in communications and external visibility.

• Four (4) years experience in a multi-cultural or national organization providing support on a global scope; field communications experience desirable.

Languages:

• Required English (4 – Excellent)
• Desirable: French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 – Good)

For full details on this opportunity, please consult https://www.ifad.org/en/careers

Click "Apply" to read the full job description and submit your application.

Deadline for applications: 13 May 2024 (23.59 CET Rome)

Ref: VA 18786