Communication Specialist (Leadership Communications) [Rome, Italy, P-3]

This position is based in Rome, Italy

Organizational Setting

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 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 supported by the Chief, Communications Strategy and Operations, and is comprised of four (4) teams: External Engagement, Partner and Field Engagement, Production, and Strategic Planning and Internal Communication.

Job Role

Working under the supervision of a Senior Communications Specialist, the incumbent conceptualizes, proposes and after approval implements strategic communication approaches that enhance IFAD's visibility and influence, strengthen its brand, build partnerships and promote awareness of its mandate. They contribute to both internal and external communications through the development of high-quality, engaging content across multiple platforms and formats, including press releases, social media assets, stories, reports, speeches and web content. They serve as key intermediaries between IFAD and its stakeholders - internally across divisions and externally with media, partners, and public audiences - ensuring that IFAD's work and results are effectively communicated to enhance support and understanding of the Fund's impact.

The incumbent will work closely with IFAD's Communications Director and senior leadership to produce and deliver a new vision for leadership communications.

The role will contribute to establishing thought leadership, enhance stakeholder engagement and strengthen institutional presence.

The incumbent will work collaboratively across the house to drive external communications and engagement that builds credibility, position IFAD's leadership as leaders in development finance in target sectors, and enhances influence across diverse platforms, in line with IFAD's corporate and public engagement priorities.

The incumbent will take a primary responsibility for executive messaging and profile building, while ensuring - with the support of the communications division and wider colleagues - increased coordination and ambition in media, digital and events.

They craft speeches and statements for the IFAD President and Vice President that are clear, well written, persuasive, and factually correct, and that fit with the speaker's style. They develop messaging in consultation with management and technical staff around IFAD's brand and comparative advantage to promote the organization's work and may also craft or contribute to the development of other high profile and priority communications, as well as contributing to the strategy and planning of high-profile communication initiatives and activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an accredited institution. The advanced university degree may be substituted by a first university degree and at least four (4) additional years of relevant professional experience over and above the minimum number of years of experience as stipulated below. Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php
• Areas - Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences or other relevant discipline.
• At least five (5) years of practical professional experience as a writer drafting high-quality materials, including speeches, in English is required,
• Five (5) years of practical experience in communications and public information or journalism is required. communications or publishing.
• Thorough knowledge of international political, economic and social affairs and of the United Nations itself is an asset.
• Proven expertise in researching, writing and editing speeches, talking points and other spoken and written communications on behalf of senior international figures.
• Demonstrated experience in writing for publication and for oral delivery, e.g. speeches, Op-eds and talking points
• Strong understanding of development, multilateral organizations, and global thematic issues and debates relevant to IFAD's mandate
• Knowledge of research practices, evaluation of reputational risks, strategic positioning and audience-focused messaging.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership positioning.
• Proficiency in English (4 – Excellent) is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish, and/or Arabic (3 – Good) is desirable.

🔗 How to Apply for this job at IFAD:

1️⃣ Visit our careers portal: https://job.ifad.org

2️⃣ Search by Vacancy ID (enter only the number: 36322) or Job Title "Communication Specialist (Leadership Communications"

3️⃣ Click the arrow (➡️) to view full job details

4️⃣ Select "Apply" to begin your application

🕧 Deadline to apply: Thursday, 23 July 2026 23.59 CET