About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representation in Georgia is seeking a National Operations Specialist based in Tbilisi. The Country Office works with international partners such as the European Union, the Swiss Development Agency, and the Austrian Development Agency to transform Georgia’s agrifood systems and advance food security. Working in the Operations Unit under the direct supervision of the International Operations Specialist and the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the incumbent supports end-to-end project cycle management. Core responsibilities include monitoring project budgets and financial transactions, updating the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS), preparing annual work plans and donor reports, and facilitating operational closure and risk compliance.
Salary and benefits
- Initial 3-month contract as National Project Personnel (NPP), with the possibility of extension
- Competitive non-staff remuneration in line with FAO national project salary scales in Georgia
- Direct operational experience within a United Nations specialized agency working on major agrifood and rural development projects
Who can apply?
- National of Georgia or resident of Georgia with a valid work permit
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in business administration, economics, international development, agriculture, project management, public administration, international relations, or a related discipline
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in project management, operations, finance, coordination, or related fields
- Full proficiency (Level C) in both English and Georgian
- Higher education degrees must be obtained from institutions recognized in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED) and align with ISCED mappings
- Core competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing
Required documents
- Completed online candidate profile on the FAO careers portal detailing education, work history, and language proficiencies
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
- Performance assessments and authorizations for background and verification checks (work, character, education, military, and police records), upon request
When to apply
- Vacancy posted: October 13, 2026
- Application closing date: November 3, 2026, at 11:59:00 PM (subject to applicant device time zone settings)
- Candidates are encouraged to submit applications well before the closing deadline
How to apply
- Access the official FAO recruitment portal and register or sign in to your profile
- Fill out your comprehensive online profile, ensuring employment history, academic qualifications, and language proficiencies are complete
- Attach your letter of motivation to your online candidate profile
- Provide consent for recruitment pre-screening and verification checks, then submit your application before the November 3, 2026 deadline
Additional information
- The position is classified as a non-staff National Project Personnel (NPP) assignment based in Tbilisi, Georgia
- Working knowledge of Russian is considered an asset
- Prior experience working with the United Nations system, international organizations, or FAO project cycle procedures and systems is advantageous
- Appointment is contingent upon medical fitness certification, visa or residency status verification, and security clearance
- FAO does not charge any application, interview, or processing fees at any stage of recruitment
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…
- Experienced operations and project finance professionals in Georgia who have managed donor-funded projects through complex lifecycles.
- Candidates with hands-on proficiency in international development reporting, budgeting, and enterprise resource planning software.
- Bilingual Georgian and English professionals seeking immediate operational responsibility inside a multilateral agency.
What should you think carefully about?
- The initial contract duration is limited to three months, making long-term stability dependent on performance, project funding, and contract extension.
- Eligibility is strictly restricted to Georgian citizens or valid work permit holders already resident in Georgia.
- Educational credentials must strictly appear in the UNESCO/IAU World Higher Education Database to be accepted by FAO.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is well suited for mid-career development practitioners, finance officers, and project specialists in Tbilisi looking to establish or deepen their operational credentials within the United Nations system. Even as a short-term three-month opening, it offers high-impact exposure to major multi-donor agrifood initiatives, multi-agency partnerships, and international compliance frameworks, providing valuable springboard experience for broader international development careers.
Our take
A compelling opening for qualified Georgian professionals with strong budget management and project administration backgrounds who are ready for an immediate, fast-paced contract role. It is unsuitable for applicants without existing work authorization in Georgia or those seeking permanent, long-term tenure from day one.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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