Communication Coordination Analyst (Internal Communications)

Organizational context

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.

Post's organizational accountability

As part of the External Relations and Governance Department (ERG), the Communications Division (COM) leads implementation of IFAD’s Communication Strategy 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, publishing, web and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, brand management and internal communication to meet IFAD's communication priorities.

The Communication Coordination Analyst, reporting to the Chief, Strategic Communication, will support the development and implementation of IFAD's internal communication strategy, contributing to the effectiveness and staff awareness of core corporate initiatives and priorities. 

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Strategic Communication, and in line with IFAD’s communication strategy, the Communication Analyst will be responsible for the following functional activities:

• Internal Communication
• Intranet Oversight 
• Managerial Functions
   

Key results expected / Major functional activities

Internal Communication: 

• Identify IFAD’s internal communication priorities and develop a strategic approach to reaching and raising awareness among IFAD staff at headquarters and in the field. 
• In consultation with Chief, Strategic Communication, the Director of Communication and relevant IFAD Managers, develop an annual internal communication strategy and update internal communication guidelines as required.
• Partner with IFAD departments and divisions to identify internal communications needs and to develop communications plans and products, while utilizing existing communications tools and channels in order drive results and support objectives.
• Serve as a bridge between internal and external communications, ensuring awareness of key corporate outreach campaigns and global events.
• Identify opportunities, make recommendations, plan and organize internal campaigns and/or events to share important corporate news and update staff on major corporate initiatives.
• Create and maintain a strong relationship with all levels and functions of the organization including the Office of the President and Vice-President and HRD among others. 
• Track and monitor the general mood among IFAD staff and flag in a timely manner internal communication issues and challenges; conduct formal and informal surveys of IFAD's workforce to keep a finger on the 'pulse of the organization'.
• Keep abreast of internal communication trends and practices.
• Serve as a core member of the COM rapid response team.

Intranet Oversight:

• Ensure quality of IFAD's corporate intranet content by providing oversight to ensure consistency and compliance of intranet guidelines. 
• Explore and make recommendations on new ways to effectively share and manage content on IFAD internal communication channels.
• Make recommendations to improve IFAD’s intranet and coordinate projects in cooperation with ICT and other divisions to develop sections and deliver new functionality. 
• Play a proactive role in promoting the intranet's social features, functionality and tools among all staff.
• Utilizing intranet workflows, review and approve content for the intranet homepage to ensure consistency with internal communications guidelines.
• Provide briefings and training to users of all different levels, including average users, content owners, reviewers and group owners.

Managerial Functions:

• Is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the personal use of assigned IFAD resources, including equipment, supplies and, as applicable, staff supervised.

Impact of Key results / Key performance indicators

The work requires analysis of current trends. While the type of analysis and decision making varies, typical examples include: interpreting a body of rules, regulations and precedents to determine new communication opportunities.

Communication Analyst positions have access to advice and on-the-job training from more senior officers

Representation / Work relationships

The work relationships of Communication Analysts involve close interaction with team members, and staff throughout the Fund. This requires skills in building constructive, effective relationships. External contacts are predominantly with current and prospective partners and relevant stakeholders.

Competencies

Organizational

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Personal influence (Level 1)
• Demonstrating Leadership: Personal leadership and attitude to change (Level 1)
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge and innovates (Level 1)
• Focusing on clients: Focuses on clients (Level 1)
• Problem solving and decision making: Demonstrates sound problem solving and decision making ability (Level 1)
• Managing time, resources and information: Manages own time, information and resources effectively (Level 1)
• Team Work: Contributes effectively to the team (Level 1)
• Communicating and negotiating: Communicates effectively: creates understanding between self and others (Level 1)
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains effective working relationships (Level 1)

Technical/Functional

• Knowledge of the principles and concepts of communication, excellent writing skills and experience in communications initiatives.
• Ability to identify issues, formulate guidance and make conclusions and recommendations.
• Analytical and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse organization tailoring language, tone, style and format to match audience; ability to present sometimes negative results in a considered and tactful manner to promote acceptance.

Minimum recruitment qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in journalism, communications, social sciences or other job-related fields. 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.

Experience:

• At least two years progressively responsible relevant experience in a multi-cultural organization providing analytical communication support.

Language requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable.

Other information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

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

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.