About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) works closely with government institutions, UN agencies, development partners, and communities to support national priorities in agriculture, food security, nutrition, and sustainable natural resource management. Due to PNG’s high dependence on smallholder agriculture and exposure to climate shocks, FAO maintains a growing portfolio addressing emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction (DRR), agricultural livelihoods, and resilience-building. The National Programme Specialist position is located within the FAO PNG Country Office in Port Moresby. The incumbent provides core programme and operational support across the portfolio, steering field-level implementation, coordinating multi-hazard emergency responses (such as climate shocks and biosecurity threats), and driving value-chain development and resilience for vulnerable smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to lead vital humanitarian and resilience-building initiatives within a Specialized Agency of the United Nations.
- Gain hands-on experience coordinating multi-hazard emergency responses and working alongside national and international stakeholders.
- Contribute directly to food security, drought response, and sustainable agricultural livelihoods in Papua New Guinea.
Who can apply?
- University degree (bachelor’s degree) in agriculture, agricultural economics, development studies, disaster risk management, emergency management, food security, resilience, environmental sciences, veterinary sciences, public health, or a related field from an institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in emergency response, disaster risk reduction, resilience programming, food security, agricultural development, programme/project management, or a related field.
- Working knowledge of English; working knowledge of Tok Pisin is considered an asset.
- Must be a national of Papua New Guinea or a 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 attached to the online profile.
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: 18 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 02 October 2026 at 9:59 PM (based on personal device time settings)
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete your online profile with accurate details regarding your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Submit your application through the recruitment portal well before the closing date.
Additional information
- This is a non-staff opportunity under the National Project Personnel (NPP) type of requisition, offered for an initial duration of 12 months.
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, visa or residency requirements, and security clearances.
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
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 mid-to-senior development professionals with at least five years of experience in emergency response, disaster risk reduction, or food security programming.
- A strong match for individuals possessing deep familiarity with Papua New Guinea's agricultural, food security, and institutional context.
- Well-suited for candidates experienced in multi-sectoral stakeholder engagement, interagency coordination, and working with UN agencies or government partners.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is offered as a 12-month non-staff NPP contract, representing a fixed-term commitment rather than a permanent staff position.
- Applicants must already hold nationality or valid residency and work authorization for Papua New Guinea.
- The tight application window requires prompt preparation of your online profile and motivation letter before the October deadline.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role serves as a high-impact platform for professionals aiming to consolidate their expertise in humanitarian affairs, agricultural resilience, and emergency coordination within the UN system. It provides direct exposure to large-scale food security operations and government-level partnerships in the Pacific region, making it an excellent career step for specialists dedicated to sustainable rural development.
Our take
National professionals in Papua New Guinea with a strong background in disaster risk reduction, food security, or agricultural development should strongly consider applying. Those without the required five years of professional experience or local work authorization are not suitable for this vacancy.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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