About the opportunity
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is responsible for leading the organization’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture, and rural development. The Senior Field Programme Officer will lead and supervise the Regional Field Programme Team, managing the development and implementation of country and regional programmes. This role involves acting as a Budget Holder, overseeing project cycle management, forecasting, and reporting. The officer will also lead resource mobilization efforts, engage with non-state actors, and provide operational support to decentralized offices to ensure alignment with the FAO Strategic Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive UN salary and benefits package
- 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
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, business administration, management, or related fields
- Ten years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme planning, implementation, and monitoring systems/appraisal
- Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English
- Intermediate knowledge (proficiency – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions
Required documents
- Online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 2026-10-29, 22:59:00 UTC
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal to create and complete an online profile
- Attach a letter of motivation to the profile
- Submit the application through the portal before the deadline
- Ensure all educational qualifications are from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
Additional information
- The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years with the possibility of extension
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- FAO is a non-smoking environment
- Applications are treated with strict confidentiality
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 professionals with a decade of expertise in results-based project management within international development or UN contexts.
- Candidates who have successfully managed field programmes and resource mobilization in diverse geographic locations.
- Individuals with strong leadership skills capable of managing multidisciplinary teams and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a high-level P-5 position requiring significant experience; ensure your profile clearly demonstrates the required 10 years of relevant work.
- The role is based in Budapest, Hungary, and requires international mobility and experience in multiple locations.
- The application process is highly formal; ensure all educational credentials are verified via the WHED database to avoid disqualification.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned development professional to take on a senior leadership position within a major UN agency. It offers the chance to shape regional agricultural and food security strategies while managing significant budgets and partnerships, making it a strong career move for those looking to influence policy and programme delivery at a high level.
Our take
This position is ideal for senior experts in international development with a background in field programme management. If you possess the required language skills and extensive experience in results-based management, you should apply before the October 29, 2026, deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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