National Pesticides Risk Communication Specialist

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

Organizational Setting

Aligned with the national priorities for the Sustainable Development Goals, FAO in Serbia focuses its activities to accelerate action towards sustainable agriculture. Jointly with partners, FAO works on issues related to forestry, food system transformation, biodiversity, land degradation, greenhouse gas emissions and impacts of climate change and natural disasters on agriculture and rural economy. By working closely with partners across sectors, FAO aims to improve agricultural productivity, food security and land restoration, and protect ecosystems and biodiversity through environmentally friendly strategies and practices that help increase community resilience - in the spirit of Agenda 2030.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the National Programme Coordinator and technical guidance of the LTO for the project and in close cooperation with the International Risk Communication Specialist, and Communications/Outreach Assistant and other project team members, the National Pesticides Risk Communication Specialist will carry out the activities listed under Tasks and responsibilities section.

Technical Focus

The project “EU for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development – pesticides (Enhanced national capacities for sound management of pesticides in the Republic of Serbia)” addresses critical issues in pesticide management, with the aim of enhancing agrifood system transformation, ensuring food safety, and protecting the environment and public health, through aligning Serbia's agriculture and rural development policies with the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and Green Deal objectives, specifically focusing on pesticide regulation and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The project contributes to the implementation of the EU Green Agenda in Serbia's agrifood sector, fostering sustainable practices and compliance with EU standards. It mitigates risks associated with pesticide use, promotes environmental protection, and strengthens the country's competitiveness in agricultural trade.

One of the three project outputs focuses on pesticide risk communication strategy implemented for improved awareness of relevant stakeholders on risks related to the use of pesticides and its impact to health and the environment. Developing a pesticide risk communication strategy for Serbia is essential for protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, ensuring compliance with regulations, fostering stakeholder engagement, mitigating risks, building trust, and promoting education and awareness about responsible pesticide use. In general, the awareness of the population about the risks of pesticides, such as effective communication about pesticide risks ensures that the public, including farmers and consumers, are aware of potential health hazards associated with pesticide use.  

The National Pesticides Risk Communication Specialist will be responsible for developing this strategy in coordination with FAO.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the National Programme Coordinator and technical guidance of the LTO for the project and in close cooperation with the International Risk Communication Specialist, and Communications/Outreach Assistant and other project team members, the National Pesticides Risk Communication Specialist will carry out the following activities: 
•    Conduct national rapid assessment (stakeholder mapping, review of existing materials, identification of gaps and priority risks; aligned with agreed methodology) on current perceptions and practices related to pesticide use, mapping existing communication materials and initiatives, and identifying main gaps. 
•    Organize consultative meetings and organize a survey with the stakeholders during the development of the communication strategy. 
•    Contribute to the development of the overall methodology and develop the draft pesticide risk communication strategy in consultations with FAO, DEU, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and other relevant industry stakeholders and identifying effective communication channels and entry points, priority messages, target audiences and communication approaches. 
•    Develop a detailed implementation plan and a budget based on the communication strategy (actions, timeline, institutional roles, M&E indicators, costed plan). 
•    Propose practical communication tools (awareness materials, training content, advisory/extension integration, campaign ideas). 
•    Organize a validation workshop/meeting for the main project stakeholders to adopt the strategy and its components. 
•    Based on the feedback from stakeholders and FAO, finalize communication strategy (ensure alignment with national realities and institutional capacities). 
•    Ensure that all communication products comply with global FAO key messages, terminology, standards, and guidelines.
•    Submit the final report to FAO on achievements.  

FAO Standards and guidelines

•    Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
•    All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en 
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia  
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE(https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en    
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree in Communication Studies, Public Relations, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Environmental Health, Food Safety, Public Health, or a related field relevant to pesticide management, agriculture, and environmental protection.
•    Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in risk communication, stakeholder engagement, and development of communication strategies related to pesticides, agriculture, environmental protection, public health, or integrated pest management within development, governmental, or international programmes, including proven experience in designing, implementing, or coordinating awareness-raising and behaviour change communication initiatives.
•    Working knowledge of English and Serbian
•    National of Serbia or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]

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