About the opportunity
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) works within the FAO Representation in Abuja, Nigeria, reporting to the FAO Representative. The incumbent performs a range of normative, operational, and programming tasks to support the organization’s mandate in food security, agriculture, and rural development. Key responsibilities include liaising with government authorities and UN agencies, promoting FAO’s image, coordinating country data collection, participating in policy studies, and managing project implementation. The role requires independence, initiative, and a deep understanding of local socio-economic conditions and institutions. The position is a fixed-term staff appointment, initially for two years with the possibility of extension, subject to a maximum total service duration of ten years.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits package offered in accordance with UN salary scales for locally recruited staff
- Fixed-term appointment with the possibility of extension
- Access to family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements
Who can apply?
- National of Nigeria
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration, management, international relations, or a related field
- Five years of relevant experience in public or private sectors related to programming, planning, technical cooperation, or project implementation in FAO-related areas
- Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English
Required documents
- Online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 2026-09-29, 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the official FAO recruitment website to create and complete an online profile
- Attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
- Submit the application through the portal before the deadline
Additional information
- Intermediate knowledge of a local language (Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba) is desirable
- Appointment is subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances
- FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment
- FAO is a non-smoking environment
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…
- You possess an advanced degree in agriculture, economics, or a related field and have at least five years of professional experience in project implementation or technical cooperation.
- You are a Nigerian national with a deep understanding of local socio-economic conditions and institutions, which is essential for effective liaison work.
- You have strong proficiency in English and ideally possess intermediate knowledge of Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba to facilitate communication with local stakeholders.
- You are looking for a stable, long-term career path within the UN system, as this role offers a fixed-term appointment with the potential for extension up to ten years.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is an on-site position based in Abuja, so you must be prepared to work from the FAO office daily.
- Compensation is structured according to UN salary scales for locally recruited staff, which you should verify against your current expectations.
- The appointment is contingent upon meeting specific medical fitness, security clearance, and accreditation requirements, which can be a rigorous process.
- While the role offers flexibility, you should consider the administrative nature of the work, which involves significant reporting, data coordination, and policy study responsibilities.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent fit for a professional aiming to transition into or advance within the UN development sector. By managing technical and operational activities in agriculture and rural development, you will gain high-level experience in policy advocacy and project management. It is a strategic move for someone looking to leverage their local expertise to influence national food security outcomes while building a career within a major international organization.
Our take
This position is highly suitable for experienced Nigerian development professionals who want to apply their technical expertise to national-level programming. It is less ideal for those seeking remote work or those who prefer purely technical field research over the administrative and diplomatic responsibilities inherent in this representative-level role.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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