About the opportunity
The Policy Officer (One Health) is located in the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH/CJW), Animal Production and Health Division, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The officer provides support to policy, programme, and resource mobilization for the advancement of One Health approaches across agrifood systems, with an emphasis on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, animal production and health, plant health, environmental health, risk communication, and sustainable agrifood systems transformation. The incumbent supports FAO Members in translating One Health principles into practical policies, governance mechanisms, programmes, and investments, while strengthening country capacity, multisectoral coordination, and strategic partnerships.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits package based on UN salaries and allowances
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant for children
- Home leave travel
- 30 working days of annual leave per year
- Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- International health insurance and optional life insurance
- Disability protection
- Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political sciences, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry, and fisheries), or subjects relevant to One Health and policies
- Seven years of relevant experience in policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, and monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes
- Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English
- Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is highly desirable
Required documents
- Completed online profile on the FAO recruitment portal
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
- Academic qualifications (must be from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database – WHED)
- Employment records and language skills documentation
When to apply
- Applications open: September 3, 2026
- Application deadline: September 24, 2026, at 9:59:00 PM (subject to personal device time settings)
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website (Jobs at FAO) and complete your online profile
- Ensure your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the official FAO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- The appointment is a fixed-term staff position for one year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds
- FAO is a non-smoking environment
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- Only higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) will be considered
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…
- You possess an advanced degree in a field relevant to One Health, such as political science, agricultural economics, or sustainable agriculture.
- You have at least seven years of experience in policy analysis and advice related to food security and rural development.
- You have a proven track record of working in multiple locations or field positions, which is highly valued for this role.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a fixed-term one-year appointment, so you should consider the implications of a short-term contract despite the possibility of extension.
- You must be prepared to work on-site in Rome, Italy, and should verify if your current residency status allows for this relocation.
- The role requires proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of a second official FAO language, which is a strict requirement for eligibility.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is ideal for a seasoned policy professional looking to influence global agrifood systems at the highest level. By working within the FAO headquarters, you will gain significant exposure to international governance mechanisms and multisectoral coordination, making it a strong step for those aiming to deepen their impact on global health and sustainability policy.
Our take
This is an excellent opportunity for experienced policy experts with a background in One Health or agrifood systems who are ready to contribute to global policy transformation from a central UN hub.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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