About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a Young Professional Officer (Economist) to join the Markets and Trade Division (EST) at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. The incumbent will provide technical, statistical, and analytical inputs, databases, and related products and services to support the work of the Food and Agricultural Market Analysis team. Responsibilities include monitoring market developments, conducting quantitative analysis on commodity prices and macroeconomic linkages, maintaining databases, and assisting in the preparation of reports such as the Commodity Market Review. The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years with the possibility of extension, offering an opportunity to start a career as an international civil servant.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive UN 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?
- Candidates must be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, macroeconomics, international trade, development economics, or a related field
- One year of relevant experience in economic research and quantitative analysis, including experience in international markets and trade, econometrics and/or economic modelling, and database management
- Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish)
- Targeted primarily at nationals of non- and under-represented Members, with priority consideration given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and developing countries in general
Required documents
- Online profile containing employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation
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 sign in or create an account
- Complete your online profile ensuring it is accurate, complete, and 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 before the closure date
Additional information
- Post Number: 2008717
- CCOG Code: 1A08
- Organizational Unit: EST
- Type of Requisition: Professional
- Grade Level: P-1
- A Ph.D. in a relevant field is considered a strong asset
- 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…
- Candidates with an advanced degree in economics or agricultural economics.
- Those with a PhD, which is considered a strong asset.
- Applicants from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), LDCs, and other developing countries.
- Professionals with experience in econometrics, economic modelling, and database management.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a fixed-term appointment for two years, though extension is possible.
- Relocation to Rome is required as the position is on-site.
- Applicants must be 32 or younger by the end of the year.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is an ideal entry point for someone looking to launch a career as an international civil servant within the UN system, focusing on agricultural commodity markets and macroeconomic analysis.
Our take
Highly recommended for early-career economists with a PhD or Master's and a strong quantitative background, particularly those from developing nations.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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