The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continues to play a central role in shaping a more food-secure, climate-resilient, and sustainable world. As global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation intensify, FAO’s work has never been more critical.
In this context, the organization has announced an exciting professional opportunity: Programme Officer (P-2), based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, within the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB).
This role is ideal for early-career professionals with strong skills in programme management, financial analysis, and budget monitoring who are eager to contribute to global solutions at the intersection of food security and environmental sustainability.
FAO and the 2030 Agenda
FAO’s mandate is closely aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through its Strategic Framework, FAO supports the transformation of agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, guided by four overarching goals: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Environmental sustainability is not a side objective for FAO—it is integral to how the organization designs, implements, and evaluates its programmes. This makes the Programme Officer role within OCB particularly strategic, as it directly supports FAO’s work on climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource management.
Organizational Setting: Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB)
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) serves as FAO’s hub for addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. OCB ensures that countries and stakeholders can effectively respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation while safeguarding food security and livelihoods.
OCB also plays a coordination role across FAO and serves as the focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements, including:
- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
In addition, the office supports member countries in accessing climate and environmental financing mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It also hosts globally significant initiatives, including the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
The advertised position is located in the OCB Programme Support Hub, which provides cross-cutting technical, scientific, administrative, and financial support for OCB’s diverse portfolio.
Role Overview: Programme Officer (P-2)
The Programme Officer reports directly to the Director of OCB and focuses on programme and budget management, with particular attention to financial monitoring of FAO regular programme funds and trust funds, including GEF and GCF resources.
This is a P-2 professional-level staff position, offered as a fixed-term appointment of two years, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and funding availability. It is well-suited to professionals who already have some international or complex organizational experience and are ready to deepen their expertise within the UN system.
Key Results and Responsibilities
At the core of this role is the responsibility to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate assigned programmes and projects. The Programme Officer supports OCB’s operational effectiveness by ensuring that financial resources are well-managed, compliant with FAO policies, and aligned with strategic objectives.
Key functions include:
- Conducting research and analysis on programme operations and emerging development trends
- Collecting, analyzing, and presenting financial and statistical data from multiple sources
- Supporting policy coordination, evaluation activities, and impact assessments
- Contributing to written outputs such as background papers, analytical notes, and reports
- Supporting training workshops, seminars, and outreach activities
- Participating in field missions to provide substantive and administrative support
- Monitoring budgets, funding allocations, progress reports, and financial statements
Specialized Financial and Programme Support Functions
A significant portion of the role focuses on financial resource management, particularly for GEF-related funds and other trust fund initiatives managed by OCB.
The Programme Officer will:
- Support the review and analysis of GEF fees and programme funds
- Manage and analyze budgets for GEF Integrated Programmes and related funding streams
- Serve as a focal point for financial monitoring and reporting within the OCB Programme Support Hub
- Monitor allotments and expenditures to ensure compliance with FAO rules and regulations
- Review financial aspects of project agreements and certify obligations and disbursements
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- Track resource flows, flag financial risks, and propose corrective actions
- Support the preparation and reconciliation of interim and terminal financial reports
Through close collaboration with Programme Managers, Technical Officers, and FAO corporate units, the Programme Officer helps ensure that resources are used effectively to deliver tangible results for countries and communities.
Required Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, or a related field
- At least three years of relevant professional experience in budget management, financial analysis, or related areas
- Proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
Competencies and Technical Skills
FAO places strong emphasis on professional competencies and ethical standards. Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Results focus and accountability
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to build effective working relationships
- Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
From a technical perspective, the following are considered strong assets:
- Experience with complex data analysis and corporate reporting
- Previous experience in an international organization
- Knowledge of planning and budgetary processes
- Familiarity with IPSAS, ERP systems, and UN or FAO financial policies and procedures
Conditions of Service and Benefits
FAO offers a competitive international compensation and benefits package, aligned with the UN common system. Depending on eligibility, benefits may include:
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant for children
- Home leave travel
- 30 working days of annual leave per year
- Pension entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- International health insurance and optional life insurance
FAO also promotes a positive, inclusive, and family-friendly workplace culture, with flexible working arrangements and strong standards of conduct.
Why This Role Matters
The Programme Officer position within OCB is more than a technical role—it is an opportunity to contribute directly to global efforts addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable agrifood systems. By ensuring that financial resources are well-managed and strategically deployed, this role helps translate ambitious global commitments into real-world impact.
For motivated professionals seeking a meaningful career within the UN system, this position offers exposure, responsibility, and the chance to work at the heart of international policy and programme delivery.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through FAO’s official recruitment portal and submit a complete online profile, including a letter of motivation. Early application is strongly encouraged, as incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
