About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. The Young Professional Officer (Communication And Outreach) position is located in the Office of the Deputy Director-General, Natural Resources and Sustainable Production (DDCN) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The incumbent supports the planning, development, and preparation of communication and outreach activities for DDCN, assisting in the preparation of communication materials, supporting digital communications and event coordination, contributing to monitoring and reporting, and helping maintain communications and knowledge-sharing resources.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits package based on UN salaries and allowances
- 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 communication, journalism, sustainable agriculture, food security, international relations, environmental science, political science, or a closely related field
- One year of relevant experience in communication and outreach activities, including at the international level
- Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (proficiency level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application
- Targeted primarily at talented, qualified professionals who are nationals of non- and under-represented countries, with priority consideration given to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and developing countries in general
Required documents
- Accurate and complete online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: 10/Aug/2026
- Closure Date: 07/Sep/2026, 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years with the possibility of extension, at Grade Level P-1.
- Post Number: 2008738
- CCOG Code: 1A02
- 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 university degree in communication, journalism, sustainable agriculture, food security, international relations, environmental science, political science, or a closely related field.
- You possess at least one year of relevant communication and outreach experience, ideally at the international level.
- You meet the age requirement of being 32 years or younger as of December 31 of the application year, and you are a national of a non-represented or under-represented country, SIDS, LDC, LLDC, or developing nation.
- You have a working knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is located on-site in Rome, Italy, meaning you must be willing and able to relocate if you do not already live there.
- The appointment is a fixed-term contract lasting two years, with the possibility of extension, rather than a permanent role guaranteed from the start.
- You must submit a complete online profile and a letter of motivation through the FAO recruitment portal prior to the September 7, 2026 deadline.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This two-year fixed-term position is an exceptional stepping stone if your career goals include gaining hands-on international experience within the United Nations system, specifically focusing on global agrifood systems and sustainable development communications. It allows junior professionals to build specialized skills in digital communications, event coordination, and outreach at a major global headquarters.
Our take
Professionals under 33 with relevant communication degrees and international exposure who hold nationality in targeted under-represented countries should seriously consider applying. Those who do not meet the strict age threshold, language proficiency requirements, or nationality criteria will find this specific Young Professional Officer opportunity unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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