About the opportunity
The Technical and Financial Coordinator will work closely with the Operational Partner (OP) and the project team to facilitate coordination, monitoring, and continuous follow-up of project activities under the Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM). The role supports the project ‘Accelerating the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive economy in Costa Rica,’ funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The coordinator will ensure resource optimization, quality standards, transparency, risk mitigation, and accountability from the FAO office in San José, with potential national and international travel.
Salary and benefits
- Paid professional employment under the National Project Personnel (NPP) modality.
- Initial contract duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal.
- Opportunity to work with a specialized United Nations agency on high-impact environmental projects.
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of Costa Rica.
- University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Industrial Engineering, Project Management, International Cooperation, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the management, coordination, monitoring, or administration of international cooperation projects.
- Working knowledge of Spanish.
- Specialization or postgraduate studies in project management, financial administration, or related areas is highly desirable.
- Experience working in multiple locations or environments, with the ability to apply administrative and financial procedures of international organizations is desirable.
- Familiarity with financial analysis and budget monitoring tools is desirable.
- Limited knowledge of English is considered an asset.
Required documents
- Completed online candidate profile on the FAO recruitment portal.
- Academic degrees or credentials (must be from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database – WHED).
When to apply
- Applications open: September 7, 2026.
- Application deadline: September 27, 2026, at 21:59:00 (local time/device time).
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website (FAO Jobs).
- Complete and update your online candidate profile.
- Submit the application online through the official portal before the deadline.
- Ensure all sections of the application are complete, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
- FAO is committed to workforce diversity (gender, nationality, background, and culture) and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its mandate, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited on FAO premises.
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…
- Costa Rican nationals with a degree in Finance, Business Administration, or Project Management.
- Professionals with at least 5 years of experience in international cooperation project administration.
- Those interested in environmental sustainability and net-zero economy transitions.
- Candidates with postgraduate studies in financial administration or project management.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a temporary 12-month contract with the possibility of renewal, rather than a permanent position.
- Relocation is not explicitly required, but the role is on-site in San José, so candidates should ensure they are already based there or can manage the move.
- Applicants must ensure their degrees are from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity fits a professional's goal of managing high-impact environmental projects within a specialized UN agency. It provides a chance to lead the transition to a net-zero economy in Costa Rica, combining technical financial monitoring with environmental sustainability goals.
Our take
This is an ideal role for Costa Rican nationals with a strong background in financial administration and international cooperation projects, particularly those looking to transition into the UN system.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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