International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Senior Communications Specialist (External Engagement) [JOB DUTY STATION: ROME,
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Senior Communications Specialist (External Engagement) – Rome, Italy, P-4
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. 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) leads IFAD's external engagement through public and political advocacy, global policy engagement, partnership building, resource mobilization and strategic communications. ERD also leads IFAD's Replenishment, which is the process through which IFAD mobilizes core funding from Member States and agrees on priorities and targets for the Fund's work during each three-year replenishment period. ERD is led by an Associate Vice President and is comprised of two divisions: Global Engagement Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR) and the Communications Division (COM) and one initiative: The Food Systems Coordination (FSC).
The Communications Division (COM) leads IFAD's global communications and public advocacy, growing the Fund's visibility and reputation, and promoting the IFAD brand. It expands IFAD's media presence and digital footprint, connecting audiences with stories of IFAD's work and impact. COM also leads on internal communications, keeping IFAD's staff informed and involved.
COM is led by a Divisional Director (D-1) supported by the Chief, Communications Strategy and Operations (P-5), and is comprised of four (4) teams: External Engagement, Partner and Field Engagement, Production, and Strategic Planning and Internal Communication.
Job Role The incumbent manages a team within COM and works under the supervision of the Chief, Communications Strategy and Operations (P-5), and overall strategic leadership of the Director, COM. The incumbent is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of communications strategies and initiatives that advance IFAD's visibility, internal alignment, and engagement with key stakeholders. The incumbent provides managerial and technical guidance, supervises the work of staff and consultants, and ensures the quality, relevance, and innovation of communications efforts. The position contributes to cross-divisional coordination and collaboration, and is accountable for results aligned with IFAD's strategic objectives as well as integrating processes to mainstream communications support for the President and Vice-President throughout the divisional output. The incumbent is responsible for identifying and advising the Chief, Communications Strategy and Operations (P-5), of potential issues relating to the implementation and delivery of communication strategies and substantive projects.
The role focuses on media relations, digital communications, and public engagement to raise IFAD's profile and promote thought leadership in agricultural development and rural transformation.
Job Profile Requirements Level 2
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:
Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php
Work Experience:
At least eight (8) years of relevant professional experience.
At least three (3) years of experience in a multicultural or international organization supporting global-level initiatives.
Excellent written English with proven experience in writing/editing impactful materials for diverse channels and audiences.
Strong experience in communications, media relations, public relations, or advocacy.
In-depth understanding of the global media market, including trends, styles, and strategies for maximizing visibility and influence.
Background working in development-focused institutions such as UN agencies or international financial institutions is an asset.
Languages:
Not specified in this posting.
Deadline for applications:
25 August 2025 (23.59 CET Rome)
Ref:
VA 30223
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Other
Industries
International Trade and Development
Public Relations and Communications Services
Non-profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The External Relations Department (ERD) leads IFAD's external engagement through public and political advocacy, global policy engagement, partnership building, resource mobilization and strategic communications. ERD also leads IFAD's Replenishment, which is the process through which IFAD mobilizes core funding from Member States and agrees on priorities and targets for the Fund's work during each three-year replenishment period. ERD is led by an Associate Vice President and is comprised of two divisions: Global Engagement Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division (GPR) and the Communications Division (COM) and one initiative: The Food Systems Coordination (FSC).
The Communications Division (COM) leads IFAD's global communications and public advocacy, growing the Fund's visibility and reputation, and promoting the IFAD brand. It expands IFAD's media presence and digital footprint, connecting audiences with stories of IFAD's work and impact. COM also leads on internal communications, keeping IFAD's staff informed and involved.
COM is led by a Divisional Director (D-1) supported by the Chief, Communications Strategy and Operations (P-5), and is comprised of four (4) teams: External Engagement, Partner and Field Engagement, Production, and Strategic Planning and Internal Communication.
Job Role The incumbent manages a team within COM and works under the supervision of the Chief, Communications Strategy and Operations (P-5), and overall strategic leadership of the Director, COM. The incumbent is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of communications strategies and initiatives that advance IFAD's visibility, internal alignment, and engagement with key stakeholders. The incumbent provides managerial and technical guidance, supervises the work of staff and consultants, and ensures the quality, relevance, and innovation of communications efforts. The position contributes to cross-divisional coordination and collaboration, and is accountable for results aligned with IFAD's strategic objectives as well as integrating processes to mainstream communications support for the President and Vice-President throughout the divisional output. The incumbent is responsible for identifying and advising the Chief, Communications Strategy and Operations (P-5), of potential issues relating to the implementation and delivery of communication strategies and substantive projects.
The role focuses on media relations, digital communications, and public engagement to raise IFAD's profile and promote thought leadership in agricultural development and rural transformation.
Job Profile Requirements Level 2
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:
Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php
Work Experience:
At least eight (8) years of relevant professional experience.
At least three (3) years of experience in a multicultural or international organization supporting global-level initiatives.
Excellent written English with proven experience in writing/editing impactful materials for diverse channels and audiences.
Strong experience in communications, media relations, public relations, or advocacy.
In-depth understanding of the global media market, including trends, styles, and strategies for maximizing visibility and influence.
Background working in development-focused institutions such as UN agencies or international financial institutions is an asset.
Languages:
Not specified in this posting.
Deadline for applications:
25 August 2025 (23.59 CET Rome)
Ref:
VA 30223
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Other
Industries
International Trade and Development
Public Relations and Communications Services
Non-profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr