About the opportunity
The FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is establishing a regional roster of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Specialists. Inclusion in the roster allows qualified candidates to be considered for short-term consultancy or Personal Services Agreement (PSA) assignments (up to 3 months) depending on programme needs. Selected specialists will provide technical expertise and policy support to FAO country offices, technical teams, and partners to integrate gender equality and women’s empowerment across agrifood systems and rural development in Europe and Central Asia. Assignments may be home-based or require work at FAO offices and travel within the region.
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to join the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia roster for prospective assignments.
- Paid consultancy / Personal Services Agreement (PSA) contract for durations up to 3 months.
Who can apply?
- Advanced University degree (recognized by IAU/UNESCO) in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, economics, agricultural or rural development, human rights, international relations, public policy, or a related field; candidates with a Bachelor's degree require 2 additional years of relevant experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in gender equality, women’s empowerment, gender mainstreaming, rural development, agriculture, food security, or agrifood systems.
- Working knowledge of English.
- Demonstrated knowledge of gender mainstreaming, gender-responsive/transformative approaches, and gender analysis methodologies.
- Knowledge of languages spoken in Europe and Central Asia or previous experience with FAO or the UN system is an asset.
Required documents
- Completed FAO online candidate profile including employment history and academic qualifications.
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile.
- Academic credentials from IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED) recognized institutions.
When to apply
- Job posted: August 18, 2026.
- Application deadline: September 1, 2026, at 9:59:00 PM.
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website and register or log into your account.
- Complete your online profile, including detailed employment records, educational qualifications, and language skills.
- Attach a motivation letter to your profile.
- Submit your application through the official FAO recruitment portal before the closure date.
Additional information
- Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee an assignment.
- FAO does not charge any application or recruitment fees at any stage.
- Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks and must be certified medically fit for appointment.
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…
- Professionals with an advanced degree and 5+ years of experience in gender mainstreaming and rural development.
- Those with knowledge of languages spoken in Europe and Central Asia.
- Experts in gender-responsive and transformative approaches.
What should you think carefully about?
- Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee an immediate or guaranteed assignment.
- Assignments are short-term (up to 3 months) and may be home-based or require travel within Europe and Central Asia.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is an excellent way to enter the UN system as a consultant. It is a well-suited goal for those looking to diversify their portfolio of short-term international assignments across Europe and Central Asia.
Our take
Experienced gender specialists with a flexible, short-term consultancy mindset should apply. This is not a suitable path for those seeking a steady, full-time staff position.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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