About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and Venezuela’s Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism (MINEC), is co-implementing a 60-month project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF-8) under the Clean and Healthy Oceans Integrated Program (CHO IP). The project aims to conserve and sustainably develop the Lake Maracaibo basin, tackling marine hypoxia and eutrophication in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem. This consultancy role entails technical planning, coordination, and execution of hydrological and hydrodynamic mathematical modeling to evaluate water scenarios, strengthen monitoring networks, calculate nutrient balances (nitrogen and phosphorus), and support early warning systems.
Salary and benefits
- 11-month National Project Personnel (NPP) contract with FAO Venezuela.
- Competitive remuneration based on United Nations national salary scales for Venezuela.
- Professional collaboration within a high-impact multilateral environmental project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF-8).
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of Venezuela or a resident in Venezuela with a valid work permit.
- Hold a university degree in hydraulic engineering or related fields, accompanied by a postgraduate degree in water resources management, mathematical modeling applied to hydrology, or an equivalent specialization.
- At least five years of professional experience in environmental projects, specifically focused on water resources management.
- Working knowledge of Spanish.
- Academic degrees must be obtained from recognized educational institutions listed in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED) and aligned with ISCED standards.
- Demonstrated proficiency in computer software for hydrological and hydrodynamic modeling, as well as office productivity suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Availability for immediate start and exclusive commitment.
- Residence in or availability to spend extended periods within the project intervention area (Lake Maracaibo basin).
- Working knowledge of English (Level B) and prior experience in GEF or internationally funded project formulation/implementation are considered strong assets.
Required documents
- Completed online candidate profile submitted through the FAO recruitment portal.
When to apply
- Applications opened on October 15, 2026.
- Application deadline is October 29, 2026, at 22:59:00 local time (October 30, 2026, at 01:59:00 UTC).
How to apply
- Access the official FAO recruitment portal (Jobs at FAO) via the vacancy page.
- Create or log in to your candidate account and fill out all required personal, educational, and professional profile fields.
- Ensure all university degrees align with institutions verified on www.whed.net.
- Submit your application before the stated closing date and time; incomplete submissions or applications sent through other channels will not be considered.
Additional information
- The position operates under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Venezuela and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and Project Technical Coordinator.
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, or processing).
- FAO premises maintain a strict no-smoking policy.
- Technical support inquiries can be logged directly through FAO Customer Service at https://fao.service-now.com/csp.
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…
- Hydraulic engineers and hydrologists with advanced postgraduate training in mathematical modeling and hands-on experience measuring nutrient balances and watershed dynamics.
- Environmental professionals currently based near the Lake Maracaibo basin or prepared to conduct intensive, prolonged field monitoring missions in the region.
- Candidates experienced in GEF-funded projects or multilateral environmental initiatives seeking technical leadership within the UN system.
What should you think carefully about?
- The appointment is an 11-month National Project Personnel (NPP) temporary assignment rather than a permanent staff position.
- Eligibility is strictly restricted to Venezuelan nationals or documented permanent residents with local work authorization.
- The role requires exclusive full-time dedication and significant in-country fieldwork in the project intervention zone.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This vacancy provides mid-to-senior environmental engineers and hydrologists with an opportunity to deploy advanced numerical modeling on a major multilateral project. Joining this GEF-backed initiative offers high-level institutional visibility alongside FAO, CAF, and national environmental bodies, building significant technical credentials in coastal and watershed conservation.
Our take
Qualified Venezuelan hydraulic engineers and hydrology modelers looking for a high-impact national UN consultancy should prioritize applying before the late-October deadline. International applicants without Venezuelan work status or candidates seeking permanent employment should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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