Marketing and Sales Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Office of Communications (OCC) is responsible for both external and internal communications of the Organization. It aims at making FAO's communications strategic, coherent, focused and impactful, while ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in communication-related operations. The position is located in Internal Communications, OCCC and based at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy. OCCC is responsible for internal communications including the management of the Intranet and other internal communication channels and collaborative workspaces, created to facilitate communication and co-working among FAO employees through its internal platforms. This includes the management, production, publication and distribution of corporate content, campaigns, broadcast messaging and digital signage across its platforms as well as the organization, production, scripting and direction of all-staff events, and any other fora aimed at informing and engaging FAO staff globally. In addition, the Internal Communications branch is responsible for the management and day-to-day running of the FAO Shop.

Reporting Lines

The PSA reports to the Senior Communications Officer, OCCC, and follows corporate standards and procedures established that relate to the management of the FAO Shop. Supervision received is focused on divisional priorities, in particular the meeting of timelines and the quality of support given to clients. S/he trains and supervises shop assistants (messengers) in routine operations.

Technical Focus

The PSA performs a wide variety of marketing and sales management and support functions contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the work unit and the overall smooth and efficient running of the FAO Shop. The PSA has frequent interaction with staff at all levels within the Organization to respond and manage requests for branded items. The PSA ensures the routine management of the FAO Shop and coordinates sourcing, processing, quality control, shipping and delivery of corporate branded goods. He/she works closely with internal and external providers and the FAO Shop team to ensure problem resolution and service delivery.

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Manage opening and closure times (at headquarters and ad hoc pop-up shop on demand for special events), ensuring appropriate internal communication and related shop assistance on premises. Supervise and train shop assistants in routine operations.
2. Source suitable corporate branded items in line with FAO procurement rules, propose pricing and overhead and manage related retail to colleagues in headquarters and country offices, online and in-person.
3. Identify, coordinate and carry out purchasing and inventory daily, using independent judgement to replenish stocks as appropriate. Ensure related actions are raised in line with corporate rules and regulations and approved in FAO’s procurement and financial systems and/or in liaison with appropriate units in Finance. Monitor weekly and monthly sales volumes and maintain bank liaisons to resolve problems when necessary.
4. Monitor orders for all sales including reception of goods; perform related quality and quantity controls and arrange for shipping, billing and delivery. Order, receive, unpack and carry out checks to ensure that all specifications, branding, quantities and other requirements are met, including logo conformity with FAO’s corporate policy.
5. Coordinate and arrange physical FAO Shop displays as well as ensure items in stock are catalogued and kept in a tidy and orderly manner.
6. Liaise internally with FAO staff and offices to network ideas, solicit comments and calls to action.
7. Coordinate appropriate communication materials for promotion to internal platforms, ensuring digital catalogue is kept up to date and available.
8. Prepare and perform market research to improve, source or revitalise corporate branded items. Identify potentially attractive items to promote corporate visual identity in headquarters and field offices and conduct analysis of service providers for best value for money.
9. Identify and liaise with suppliers on a daily basis to ascertain new items, orders, FAO branding and deliveries. Manage correspondence and contacts with customers and service providers to ensure timely response, customer service and delivery.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Secondary school education and specialization in communications, marketing and sales management and/or customer relations.
• One year of relevant experience in marketing and sales, including customer service relations.
• Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent practical knowledge of marketing and sales techniques.
• Ability to coordinate with internal and external partners.
• Working knowledge of FAO product and branding requirements, as well as of the Organization’s procurement rules and standards.
• Ability to work with a high level of independence.

Selection Criteria

• Working knowledge of Italian.
• Knowledge of a second language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
• Knowledge of the Organization’s procurement rules and regulations is an asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in marketing and sales and customer service.