About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is recruiting an Agriculture and Sustainable Livelihoods Specialist (National Project Personnel) in Venezuela for an initial duration of 11 months. The specialist will lead the technical planning, coordination, and execution of agroecological transition activities and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) under the GEF-funded project for the conservation and sustainable development of the Lake Maracaibo basin, part of the global Clean and Healthy Oceans Integrated Program (CHO IP). Key duties include leading pilot tests to decrease nutrient and contaminant runoff into the Maracaibo System, evaluating nutrient balances (nitrogen and phosphorus), conducting field visits, developing public policy proposals, and providing technical training to local institutions and communities.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive National Project Personnel (NPP) remuneration commensurate with FAO standards in Venezuela
- Professional engagement within a major Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded environmental initiative
- Direct technical collaboration with the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, CAF, and national environmental authorities
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of Venezuela or a resident holding a valid work permit
- University degree in agricultural engineering, agronomy, ecology, biology, environmental sciences, forestry engineering, or related fields
- Postgraduate qualification in agroecology, edaphology (soil science), sustainable soil management, or a related discipline
- At least five (5) years of professional experience in environmental projects, specifically related to agroecology or sustainable land management
- Working knowledge of Spanish
- Residence in the project intervention area (Zulia or Mérida state) or willingness to stay for extended periods in the intervention area
- Exclusive dedication and immediate availability
Required documents
- Completed online candidate profile through the FAO recruitment portal
- Academic degrees and credentials verified through institutions recognized by the UNESCO/IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- Contact information for reference checks
When to apply
- Job opening posted on October 20, 2026
- Application deadline is November 3, 2026, at 22:59:00 local time
How to apply
- Visit the FAO external recruitment portal (Jobs at FAO) and access vacancy requisition 2602165
- Complete and update your online candidate profile with all educational qualifications and professional background
- Submit the application online prior to the specified closing time
Additional information
- Degrees must align with International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) standards and appear in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process
- Smoking is strictly prohibited on all FAO premises
- Candidate inquiries can be submitted via the FAO Customer Service Portal at https://fao.service-now.com/csp
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Agricultural and environmental specialists with advanced degrees in soil science or agroecology and deep practical experience in watershed nutrient runoff management
- Professionals based in Zulia or Mérida state with established local networks and familiarity with farming communities around Lake Maracaibo
- Technical experts experienced in designing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and monitoring agricultural impact indicators for international donor projects
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires exclusive dedication, immediate availability, and extended time spent on-site in rural project intervention areas
- The initial contract duration is limited to 11 months under National Project Personnel terms, though linked to a 60-month overall project
- Eligibility is strictly restricted to Venezuelan citizens or foreign nationals already possessing valid legal residency and work authorization in Venezuela
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role provides an impactful opportunity for mid-career agricultural scientists and environmental professionals to lead high-visibility agroecological interventions in Venezuela. It allows successful candidates to apply specialized knowledge in watershed nutrient balance and sustainable agriculture within a United Nations framework, offering strong visibility across regional environmental governance networks.
Our take
This assignment is ideal for Venezuelan agronomy and environmental specialists ready for immediate, field-intensive deployment in the Lake Maracaibo basin. It is not suitable for international applicants requiring visa sponsorship or professionals seeking remote work arrangements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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