Are you searching for an international development career in communications? The FAO Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation) 2026 opportunity could be your next career breakthrough. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is recruiting a talented professional to serve as a Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation) at its headquarters in Rome, Italy.
This FAO Communication Officer job offers the chance to contribute to global food security, science communication, and agrifood innovation while working within the United Nations system
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Overview of the FAO Communication Officer Vacancy
Position Details
- Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Position Title: Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation)
- Job Number: 2601203
- Grade Level: P-3
- Job Type: Staff Position
- Contract Type: Fixed-term appointment
- Duration: Two years with possibility of extension
- Duty Station: Rome, Italy
- Organizational Unit: Office of the Chief Scientist (DDCC)
- Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
- Post Number: 2008025
The FAO Communication Officer Rome Italy position is ideal for professionals passionate about science communication, sustainable agriculture, innovation, and international development.
Why Work as an FAO Communication Officer?
The FAO Communication Officer job provides a unique opportunity to support FAO’s mission of transforming agrifood systems into systems that are:
- More efficient
- More inclusive
- More resilient
- More sustainable
FAO supports the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
Working as an FAO Communication Officer means helping communicate scientific solutions that address hunger, climate challenges, and food insecurity worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of the FAO Communication Officer
The Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation) will report directly to the Chief Scientist and collaborate closely with the Office of Communications.
Major Duties Include:
1. Strategic Communications Planning
The FAO Communication Officer will:
- Develop communication strategies.
- Support advocacy initiatives.
- Increase visibility of FAO scientific work.
- Promote science-driven food security solutions.
2. Content Development
The selected candidate will produce:
- Articles
- Speeches
- Briefing notes
- Opinion pieces
- Talking points
- Presentations
- Reports
- Website content
The role requires transforming complex scientific information into clear, engaging messages for diverse audiences.
3. Science Storytelling
The FAO Communication Officer will strengthen storytelling around:
- Science
- Technology
- Innovation
- Agrifood systems
- Sustainable development
Effective storytelling is central to this FAO communication position.
4. Event Coordination
Responsibilities include supporting communication activities during:
- Conferences
- Workshops
- Webinars
- International meetings
- Scientific forums
5. Digital and Multimedia Communications
The officer will help create:
- Videos
- Podcasts
- Radio content
- Mobile-first communications
- Multilingual communication products
- Low-bandwidth content
This demonstrates FAO’s commitment to inclusive communication.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates interested in the FAO Communication Officer vacancy 2026 must meet the following criteria.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must possess an:
Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in one of the following fields:
- Communication
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Food Security and Nutrition
- Climate Change
- Related disciplines
A strong academic background significantly strengthens an application.
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants must have:
Minimum Experience
- At least five years of relevant professional experience.
Experience should involve:
- Strategic communications
- Agriculture communications
- Food and nutrition security
- International development
- Science and innovation communications
Experience within international organizations is highly desirable.
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
Required Languages
- Working knowledge of English (Level C proficiency).
Plus:
- Intermediate knowledge (Level B proficiency) of another FAO official language:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Additional FAO language proficiency is considered an advantage.
Essential Competencies
The FAO Communication Officer selection process evaluates candidates against several competencies.
Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing
- Continuous Improvement
These competencies are essential for success within the United Nations environment.
Technical Skills That Strengthen Your Application
FAO seeks candidates who can demonstrate:
- Experience communicating technical information.
- Ability to interpret scientific reports.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- Familiarity with peer-review processes.
- Media relations experience.
- Capacity to work under tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of multilateral affairs.
- Experience coordinating complex communication initiatives.
Understanding FAO programmes and policies is a strong asset.
FAO Communication Officer Salary and Benefits
One of the major attractions of the FAO P-3 Communication Officer position is its competitive benefits package.
Benefits Include:
Financial Benefits
- Competitive UN salary.
- Dependency allowances.
- Rental subsidy.
Family Benefits
- Education grant for children.
- Home leave travel assistance.
- Family-friendly workplace policies.
Leave Benefits
- 30 working days of annual leave.
Health and Security Benefits
- International health insurance.
- Optional life insurance.
- Disability protection.
Retirement Benefits
- Pension entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund.
These benefits make the FAO Communication Officer Rome Italy job highly attractive for international professionals.
FAO’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
FAO promotes workforce diversity and equal opportunity.
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- Qualified women.
- Nationals of underrepresented member countries.
- Persons with disabilities.
FAO maintains zero tolerance for:
- Sexual exploitation and abuse.
- Sexual harassment.
- Abuse of authority.
- Discrimination.
Integrity and professionalism remain fundamental values throughout the organization.
How to Apply for the FAO Communication Officer Job
Interested candidates should submit applications through the FAO recruitment portal.
Application Steps
Step 1
Create or update your FAO online profile.
Step 2
Complete all sections accurately, including:
- Employment history.
- Educational qualifications.
- Language skills.
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Step 3
Attach a compelling motivation letter.
Step 4
Submit your application before the deadline.
Important Reminder
Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment platform will be considered.
Incomplete applications will not proceed to evaluation.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Communication Officer (Science and Agrifood Innovation) 2026 vacancy presents an exceptional opportunity for communications professionals seeking impactful international careers.
If you possess expertise in science communication, agriculture, food security, and strategic storytelling, this role allows you to influence global conversations around innovation and sustainable agrifood systems.
Working as an FAO Communication Officer in Rome, Italy, means joining a prestigious United Nations agency dedicated to ending hunger, promoting sustainability, and improving lives worldwide.
