Chief, Strategic Communications - COM Rome, Italy

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.

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.

1.STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION:

      (a) Lead the Strategic Communication Team’s contributions to the implementation of IFAD’s communication strategy;

      (b) Assess the overall effectiveness of IFAD's strategic communication approaches from the media, web, social media, video and internal communications perspectives,  and adjust approaches and techniques as required;

      (c) Lead and direct a team of communication officers and consultants with expertise in media outreach, web and social media, video production and internal communications; build synergies and team capacity to ensure that colleagues deliver high quality and on target products and activities, including coordinating with the relevant COM staff to ensure that agreed priorities are met;

      (d) Lead COM’s work to intensify IFAD’s internal communication and to ensure a dynamic and an innovative external communication programme, including through strategic approaches to media and social media outreach, web and video content creation, reputation management and events;

      (e) Represent the Communication Division in important meetings, conferences and events, both internally and externally;

      (f) Co-leads and plans strategic communications and external outreach/visibility in/for our decentralised locations working with our regional and national communications officers.

2. NEWS and MEDIA OUTREACH AND REPUTATION MANAGEMENT:

      (a) Oversee the conceptualization of IFAD's approach towards print and broadcast media, taking into account the need to support an independent media agenda and to leverage developments in digital media; manage the implementation of this new approach. This will include providing guidance on positioning IFAD spokespeople, targeting non-traditional IFAD media contacts, developing new types of media materials and creating new opportunities, venues and platforms to promote IFAD’s work;

      (b) Oversee the work of the Communications Manager, Global Outreach to lead the organization's media relations, working closely with the Corporate Content and Regional Outreach Team to ensure coherence in COM’s media outreach efforts at the global, regional and national levels and to maximize results;

      (c) Guide the effort to develop a stepped up media training programme for key IFAD staff in Rome and in the field as part of COM's broader capacity development programme;

      (d) Create and maintain networks of high level communication contacts with key influential journalists in the international arena and boost IFAD's positioning with them;

      (e) Act in the absence of the Director of Communications as the senior media spokesperson for IFAD;

      (f) Monitor and flag reputational risks and crisis communication needs within COM. Under the guidance of the COM Director, collaborate with other members of the COM rapid response team to develop recommendations for senior management and/or other key staff/units with regards to responses (to the media or stakeholders) to sensitive matters or crises impacting IFAD operations or staff and propose and implement approved plans to offset reputational issues;

      (g) Lead the implementation of strategic outreach initiatives involving a wide variety of audiences and partners, including parliamentarians, academia and notable international personalities;

      (h) Co-leads and plans media and outreach plans in/for our decentralised locations working with our regional and national communications officers. 

3. DIGITAL / MULTIMEDIA PRESENCE: Build on and advance COM’s work to strengthen and boost IFAD’s digital presence, taking into account IFAD's decentralization and transparency agendas as well as current research and best practice. Lead the development, execution and implementation of IFAD’s social media strategy, policies and guidelines; oversee the planning and supervision of social media campaigns for corporate events and activities; integrate social media with external initiatives and campaigns; ensure collaboration with other UN and International FinanciaI Institutions (IFIs) agencies’ social media strategists to raise awareness and understanding on rural poverty related issues; develop a training curriculum and oversee briefing sessions on social media tools as part of COM's communication capacity development programme. Develop a strategic vision for IFAD’s web-based communication channels and on-line presence; lead the design and management of IFAD’s internal and external web-based communication channels; establish policies, procedures, guidelines, quality and editorial standards for these channels. Oversee expansion of content in IFAD’s official languages on the corporate website and on IFAD’s social media channels. In support of the knowledge management agenda, develop and implement innovative collaboration solutions. Explore opportunities for new partnerships which could provide value to IFAD’s digital presence. 

4. CAMPAIGN AND EXTERNAL VISIBILITY:

(a) Take the co-lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of external campaigns and strategic approaches to storytelling; where appropriate, works with other departments, IFAD country offices and other agencies to develop and implement campaigns and incorporate campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products;

       (b) Provide advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems;

      (c) Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to maximize IFAD visibility and elicit support for and impact of  communications objectives;

      (d) Draft strategies for the distribution of content which maximizes reach and impact with target audiences;

      (e) Evaluate results and impact of communications activities, reporting on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN and International Financial Institutions (IFIs);

     (f) Represent the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfill speaking engagements and make presentations to groups on IFAD’s activities and issues of concern; organize media coverage and arrange for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organize seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization;

      (g) Build information networks; plan and oversee maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the Organization; plan and develop outreach activities;

      (h) Oversee publications programme; produce materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media.

5. INTERNAL COMMUNICATION:

      (a) Lead development and implement IFAD’s internal communication strategy in consultation with key partners to inform and engage staff about IFAD’s work;

      (b) Provide guidance to colleagues on internal communication opportunities and ensure messages are consistent and coherent;

      (c) Recommend, implement and maintain internal communication tools to foster two-way transparent communication and enhance flow of information, particularly between colleagues in the field and HQ; flag internal communication challenges to senior management in a timely manner and recommend mitigation strategies;

      (d) Conceptualize, manage, and continuously improve IFAD’s internal communication channels, including internal events and products;

      (e)  Oversee development of an on-going internal communication training/sensitization programme. 

6. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS:  

      (a) Prepare work-plans, budgets and reports for the various work streams led by the Strategic Communication Team. Monitor/manage budgetary resources allocated to the Strategic Communication Team;

      (b) Identify, recruit and ensure effective supervision, utilization and development of communication staff dedicated to strategic communications; assess the skills of external suppliers and consultants in select capitals contributing to the delivery of the Team’s work programme; select suppliers and manage related rosters;

      (c) In consultation with the Chief, Corporate Content and Regional Outreach, ensure that the human resources and financial resources invested in strategic communication efforts are both effectively managed and optimally used;

      (d) Liaise constantly and work with Chief, Corporate Content and Regional Outreach,  and members of the team, to ensure seamless collaboration and successful delivery of high quality, multifaceted communications operations and products;

      (e) Exercise political sensitivity, keen diplomatic skills and good judgment in carrying out high level communication work;

      (f) Demonstrate mastery of IFAD behavioral competencies and serve as a role model in this regard in COM.

Assignments require the provision of authoritative professional expertise. The Chief, Strategic Communications is expected to drive global coverage, campaigns, and storytelling to position IFAD as the authoritative voice on rural transformation, climate adaptation in small-scale farming, and innovative methods to scale up investments in food systems. The Chief, Strategic Communications leads and manages the team and represents IFAD amongst external partners. Work at this level is considered of critical concern to the Fund as it serves to improve IFAD's partnerships, corporate outreach and engagement in the assigned regions. An inadequate handling of activities may result in damaging the credibility of the Fund with partners in the assigned regions.

The Chief, Strategic Communications serves as the Fund's lead expert in the team and exercises wide professional latitude in developing and maintaining strategic communication and collaboration with key contacts in the assigned regions in order to expand communication and increase resources for smallholders. The incumbent acts as a credible voice of the organization and represents IFAD combining the capacity to present, identify opportunities, establish frameworks for interaction and maintain/grow relationships over time.

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)

Skills:

• External visibility and outreach: Ability to leverage IFAD knowledge and/or communication materials to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD`s vision and strategic priorities to external actors
• Communication strategy: Expert in planning and implementing internal and external communication to achieve communication objectives: defining communication goals, target audience, creating a communication plan and identifying the right channels. Expert in communication concepts, processes, or data to support long term goals of the organisation;
• Marketing: Know-how in marketing and communication resource mobilization strategies for International Finanacial Institutions (IFIs) and international public bodies 
• Media/Social Media: Knowledge of media outreach, proven ability to pitch and place stories; expert in analysing social media audiences and developing tailored strategies to them, creating and distributing content for social media profiles, monitoring and measuring their impact; monitoring online conversations, identifying and collaborating with influencers.
• Verbal communication: Ability to use verbal communication as a main tool in profession; clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language
• IFAD partners: Knowledge of IFAD's partners' functioning and mandate , such as the public sector (e.g. governments and policy, institutions and system), non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs, Foundations, etc.) and private sector actors
• Resource mobilization: Know-how in resource mobilization strategies (including marketing and communication) for IFI, international public bodies and within the UN
• Performance management: Know-how in managing performance, learning management, establishing learning plans and ensuring staff supervised meet their development needs while meeting the needs of IFAD
• Planning: Know-how in the planning of human, financial and material management of IFAD resources
• Business acumen, private sector knowledge: Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Change management: Role modelling, anticipation of key risks & conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented
• Leadership: Group thought leader, sought out by others and providing mentorship and effective guidance to others; Ability to build trust, inside and outside the organization by acting as a role model for IFAD's core values and competencies, and to provide a clear sense of direction, mentorship and effective guidance to the team, strategizing the IFAD's goals, giving the vision, empowering the team and ensuring a positive environment for all.
• Political acumen: Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice
• Strategic mindset: Proactive, ongoing identification of strategic opportunities, potential synergies and partnerships

The structure of IFAD is currently undergoing a recalibration process. The definite set-up of the Communications Division is being finalized and is subject to confirmation of institutional processes requirements, which will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. In accordance with IFAD's Human Resources Policy, the President can decide to assign them to any of the activities of the Fund. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile and positions in the professional category are subject to changes in location at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD.

IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic, social or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size or sexual orientation in line with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the Policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.https://webapps.ifad.org/members/eb/134/docs/EB-2021-134-R-9.pdf ; https://www.ifad.org/documents/38711624/42415556/SEA_e_web.pdf/85275c4d-8e3f-4df0-9ed8-cebaacfab128?t=1611326846000

Please be aware of fraudulent job offers. IFAD does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Official communication from IFAD will always come from e-mails ending in @ifad.org.

In the interest of making most cost-effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

In accordance with IFAD’s provisions, all new staff members will normally be placed at the first step in the grade level for which they have been selected. For information on IFAD’s remuneration package, please visit IFAD’s compensation and benefits page on our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements  https://www.ifad.org/en/careers/compensation-and-benefits