About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the 2030 Agenda by supporting agrifood systems transformation. The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) provides investment and finance solutions in over 120 countries, partnering with governments, financing institutions, the private sector, and academia. Located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, the Director will plan, organize, and manage the programme and staff of the Division, providing strategic vision, guidance, and quality assurance for the organization’s investment support work, coordinating work programmes, and managing the biennial Programme of Work and Budget.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits package based on UN salaries, allowances, and benefits
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant for children
- Home leave travel
- 30 working days of annual leave per year
- Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- International health insurance and optional life insurance
- Disability protection
- Family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, agriculture sciences, rural infrastructure engineering, environmental sciences, natural resources management, public services management, business administration, public policy or administration, or other closely related fields
- Minimum fifteen years of extensive experience in the planning and management of agricultural and rural development projects and programmes in developing countries
- Familiarity with the policies and procedures of main international financing and development partners such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
- Proven intellectual, managerial, and technical leadership in relevant subject areas
- Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
Required documents
- Online profile containing accurate employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: 27/Jul/2026
- Closure Date: 24/Aug/2026, 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile with employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal
Additional information
- Post Number: 0017418
- CCOG Code: 1L09
- Organizational Unit: CFI
- Duration: Fixed-term for two years with possibility of extension
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
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 have at least fifteen years of experience in managing agricultural and rural development projects in developing countries.
- You possess an advanced degree in economics, agriculture, or a related field.
- You have proven leadership experience and familiarity with international financing partners like the GCF or GEF.
What should you think carefully about?
- As a Director-level role, this position demands extensive experience in strategic planning, budget management, and high-level stakeholder engagement.
- The role is based in Rome, and you must be prepared for the responsibilities associated with managing a large division.
- You must be proficient in English and have intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is an ideal position for an established leader in the development sector who wants to drive strategic vision and investment solutions for agrifood systems globally. It provides a platform to influence large-scale investment programs and work with diverse international partners to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Our take
Senior professionals with extensive experience in agricultural investment and international development leadership should consider this high-impact role.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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