About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda through supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. Located within the Legal Office (LEG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, the Development Law Service (LEGN) advises the Organization and its Members on legal and institutional means to promote and regulate national development and international cooperation in the food and agriculture sector. The Senior Legal Officer acts as the Head of the Development Law Service, managing personnel, financial resources, and high-level legal advisory services related to land, water, fisheries, forestry, wildlife, biodiversity, and environmental law.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive compensation 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
- Family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law
- Ten years of legal experience relevant to the functions with specialization in natural resources and development law in an international setting (such as an international organization, governmental institution, or international legal practice)
- 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)
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions
- Knowledge and experience of agricultural and other renewable natural resources legislation
- Knowledge of both civil and common-law systems
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Accurate and complete online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: 24/Jul/2026
- Closure Date: 24/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 making sure it includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal prior to the deadline
Additional information
- The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years with the possibility of extension, located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, under post number 0426563 and grade level P-5.
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- All 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…
- You hold an advanced law degree and have at least ten years of experience in natural resources and development law.
- You have international experience, ideally in more than one location or field position.
- You are proficient in English and possess intermediate knowledge of a second official FAO language.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a high-level P-5 staff position based in Rome, requiring a significant commitment to managing personnel and financial resources.
- You must be comfortable navigating both civil and common-law systems in your advisory work.
- The role involves complex legal advisory services, so ensure your expertise aligns with the specific sectors mentioned, such as water, fisheries, and biodiversity.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is perfect for a senior legal professional aiming to lead a global team and influence international development policy. It offers a stable, long-term career path within the UN system, providing the opportunity to shape legal frameworks that impact food security and environmental sustainability on a global scale.
Our take
Highly experienced legal professionals with a background in international development and natural resources law should prioritize this leadership opportunity.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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