About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The Office of the Deputy Director-General (DDG) supports strategic coordination and oversight functions, ensuring an enabling environment for FAO’s delivery. The Programme Officer provides strategic and operational support to the Office of the DDG in key organizational priorities, particularly for special initiatives and flagship programmes, fostering collaboration across Divisions/Offices/Centres (DOCs) and external partners.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits package based on UN standards
- 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 public administration, social science, political science, international development, international relations, environmental or agricultural studies, or other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization
- Five years of relevant experience in international cooperation for development, project or programme management, administration, or related areas
- Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Complete online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
When to apply
- Posting Date: 10/Aug/2026
- Closure Date: 31/Aug/2026, 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and sign in or create an account
- Complete your online profile ensuring it is accurate, complete, and includes 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 closure date
Additional information
- Post Number: 2011119
- CCOG Code: 1A02
- Organizational Unit: DDCMD
- Type of Requisition: Professional
- Grade Level: P-3
- Duration: Fixed-term (one year with possibility of extension)
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- FAO applies a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its status, objectives, and mandate
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 at least five years of experience in project management or international development.
- Candidates with an advanced degree in public administration, political science, or international relations.
- Those with a strong background in international cooperation for development.
- Applicants proficient in English and intermediate in another FAO official language.
What should you think carefully about?
- The initial appointment is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension.
- The role is on-site in Rome, Italy.
- Rigorous background and reference checks are required for all selected candidates.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a strategic role for those looking to move into organizational oversight and coordination of flagship programmes at the highest levels of the FAO.
Our take
Ideal for mid-career professionals with strong international cooperation experience who can provide high-level strategic support in Rome.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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