About the opportunity
The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is recruiting a South-South Cooperation Officer based in Santiago, Chile. Reporting to the Senior Programme Officer, the incumbent supports the operational effectiveness and promotion of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) across the region. Key responsibilities include providing technical assistance and policy guidance, coordinating partnerships with governmental and regional entities, contributing to project formulation and implementation, monitoring SSTC initiatives, and drafting analytical reports to support FAO’s strategic objectives in food security and agrifood systems transformation.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive international salary package based on UN Common System scales (P-2 level)
- Dependency allowances and rental subsidy, subject to eligibility
- Education grant for eligible dependent children
- Home leave travel entitlements
- 30 working days of paid annual leave per year
- United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund coverage
- International medical insurance and optional group life insurance
- Disability protection
- Access to flexible working arrangements and family-friendly organizational policies
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agriculture, economics, social sciences, or a closely related discipline from an institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- At least three years of relevant experience in agriculture and rural development, including program or project formulation and implementation, planning, partnerships, policy development, capacity building, resource mobilization, and monitoring and evaluation
- Relevant international experience in agricultural development or cooperation
- Working knowledge (proficient/Level C) of English
- Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Working knowledge (proficient/Level C) of Spanish is considered a strong asset
- Demonstrated ability in analytical report writing, teamwork, and effective communication
Required documents
- Complete online profile on the FAO recruitment portal detailing employment history, education, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online application profile
- Performance assessments and authorizations for background/credential verification (upon request)
When to apply
- Application opening date: September 25, 2026
- Application deadline: October 16, 2026, at 23:59 (GMT / local system time)
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications well before the closing date
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal (Jobs at FAO) and register or log in to your account
- Complete all sections of your online profile, ensuring educational credentials align with UNESCO ISCED mappings and WHED listings
- Upload a motivation letter addressing the core functions and requirements of the position
- Review all personal and professional details, grant required background check consent, and submit the application prior to the deadline
Additional information
- Position appointment type: Fixed-term staff position for two years, with possibility of extension based on performance and fund availability
- Grade level: Professional P-2 (Post Number: 1060139)
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance, security clearance, and verification of residency/visa and accreditation requirements
- FAO is a non-smoking environment and operates a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination
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…
- Early-to-mid career development professionals holding an advanced degree in agriculture or economics with 3+ years of international project experience
- Specialists with proven experience fostering South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) partnerships and agricultural policy initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean
- Bilingual professionals fluent in English with strong working proficiency in Spanish who excel at stakeholder coordination and analytical reporting
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is on-site at the FAO Regional Office in Santiago, Chile, requiring international relocation if you are not currently based locally
- Initial appointment is fixed-term for two years, with extensions dependent on funding availability and documented performance
- Academic degrees must be verifiable in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED) to be accepted by the UN recruitment system
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is well suited for international development professionals seeking to advance within the United Nations system. Serving as a P-2 South-South Cooperation Officer provides invaluable exposure to regional policy dialogue, multilateral project design, and resource mobilization across Latin America and the Caribbean, strengthening your profile for long-term career paths in international agriculture and multilateral governance.
Our take
Strong candidates with a relevant Master's degree, 3+ years of agricultural cooperation experience, and solid English and Spanish proficiency should definitely apply. Those seeking remote arrangements or lacking international development experience in rural and food security sectors may find other positions more suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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