About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), alongside co-implementing agency CAF and national partner MINEC, is implementing the project “Conservation and sustainable development of the Lake Maracaibo basin, as a contribution to the improvement of the Wider Caribbean Region Marine Ecosystem.” This initiative forms part of the GEF-8 Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program. Within this framework, the Gender and Indigenous Peoples Specialist will lead the execution of the Gender Action Plan and the Indigenous Peoples Plan, ensuring transversal integration of gender perspectives and the effective participation of indigenous communities through the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process.
Salary and benefits
- 11-month temporary project personnel contract with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
- Opportunity to drive high-impact environmental and social governance within an international cooperation project.
- Professional collaboration within a multidisciplinary project management unit and engagement with regional GEF-8 networks.
Who can apply?
- University degree in anthropology, sociology, or a related field within economic and social sciences, environmental management, agriculture, or any discipline linked to the nature of the project (preferably with a postgraduate degree).
- At least five (5) years of experience in projects performing gender and socio-environmental analysis, stakeholder consultations with grassroots organizations, NGOs, and government bodies, applying environmental governance strategies, and working with indigenous communities.
- Working knowledge of Spanish.
- National of Venezuela or a resident in the country with a valid work permit.
Required documents
- Complete online profile via the FAO recruitment portal.
- Academic credentials from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database maintained by IAU/UNESCO.
When to apply
- Job posted on October 15, 2026.
- Application deadline is October 29, 2026, at 22:59:00 (UTC).
How to apply
- Access the FAO recruitment portal via the official employment website.
- Complete and submit your online profile and application before the deadline.
- Ensure all qualifications align with International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) standards.
Additional information
- The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Candidates are advised to reside within the project intervention area (Zulia or Mérida state) or have the availability to stay for extended periods in the work area.
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…
- Ideal for social scientists, anthropologists, or environmental managers with robust experience in gender mainstreaming and indigenous rights.
- A strong match for professionals possessing extensive field experience in community consultation, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), and environmental governance in Latin America.
- Well-suited for experts looking to apply international conservation frameworks funded by global entities like the GEF.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is offered as an 11-month temporary contract, which requires careful planning around future career continuity.
- Candidates must either reside in the Zulia or Mérida states or have the flexibility to spend extended periods on-site in the project intervention area.
- Fluency in Spanish is required, with English knowledge considered an asset but not a mandatory minimum requirement.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers a focused opportunity to build significant credentials in international environmental project management, combining community-level social safeguards with large-scale marine ecosystem conservation. It provides meaningful professional exposure for practitioners aiming to deepen their expertise in social inclusion, gender equity, and indigenous rights within United Nations agency operations.
Our take
This position is highly recommended for experienced Venezuelan social development and gender specialists with a strong background in indigenous community engagement who are ready to commit to an 11-month assignment in the Maracaibo basin region.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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