About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing a 3-year project under the Multi-Donor Action ‘Circular Economy in the Food Sector’ (CIRCULAR), jointly implemented with Expertise France and GIZ and funded by the European Union. The project addresses food loss and waste reduction, circularity in agri-food systems, and the transition away from single-use plastics. FAO is seeking a National Grants Management Specialist to ensure technically sound, timely, transparent, and fully documented implementation of the CIRCULAR Beneficiary Grants Programme, covering everything from launch and application management through implementation, verification, completion, and results reporting.
Salary and benefits
- 10-month contract duration with the possibility of extension.
- Professional engagement within an international UN specialized agency working on high-impact environmental and agricultural initiatives.
- Opportunity to collaborate with multi-stakeholder partnerships involving international agencies like Expertise France and GIZ.
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree or university degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, Agriculture, Food Systems, Engineering, Project Management, Finance, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in grants management, investment programmes, private-sector development, MSME support, agricultural/food-sector projects, development-finance programmes, or comparable assignments.
- Working knowledge (level C) of English and Sinhala.
- National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with a valid work permit.
Required documents
- Online profile containing complete employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation
When to apply
- Job posted on October 1, 2026.
- Application deadline is October 15, 2026, at 9:59 PM UTC.
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete your online profile, ensuring it includes complete employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the stated deadline.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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…
- Strong background in grants management, agricultural projects, or private-sector development in Sri Lanka.
- Demonstrated capability in managing multi-stage application, assessment, and implementation processes.
- Familiarity with UN, EU-funded, or international development programmes.
What should you think carefully about?
- The initial contract duration is 10 months, meaning this is a fixed-term non-staff assignment with extension subject to project needs and performance.
- Candidates must hold Sri Lankan nationality or possess a valid work permit with residency in Sri Lanka.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers an excellent opportunity for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in international development, circular economy initiatives, and grant implementation within a prominent United Nations agency.
Our take
Sri Lankan nationals or residents with strong professional backgrounds in grants management or agricultural project support should seriously consider applying before the October 15, 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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