The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a more food-secure, sustainable, and resilient world. Through its Strategic Framework aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, FAO works tirelessly to transform global agrifood systems so they become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable—delivering better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
In line with this mission, FAO is currently inviting applications for the position of Programme Officer (P-2) based at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. This opportunity is particularly attractive for early- to mid-career professionals who are passionate about climate change, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and international development finance, and who wish to build a long-term career within the United Nations system.
About FAO and Its Commitment to Sustainability
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to defeating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture worldwide. Environmental sustainability is not an add-on to FAO’s work—it is integral to its core mandate and operations. The organization emphasizes integrity, professionalism, diversity, and zero tolerance for misconduct, ensuring that all staff contribute to a respectful, ethical, and inclusive workplace.
FAO also strongly encourages applications from qualified women, nationals of non- and under-represented member countries, and persons with disabilities, reflecting its commitment to diversity and equity across its workforce.
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Organizational Context: Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB)
The Programme Officer position is housed within the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB). This office plays a critical coordination role across FAO, ensuring that member countries and stakeholders are effectively supported in responding to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
OCB acts as FAO’s 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, OCB supports countries in accessing climate and environmental finance, notably through mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The office also hosts globally significant initiatives such as the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme and leads FAO’s work on environmental safeguards, bioeconomy, and climate-related programme priority areas.
The selected Programme Officer will be based in the OCB Programme Support Hub, which is responsible for cross-cutting scientific, technical, administrative, and financial coordination for OCB’s regular programme and trust fund portfolios.
Role Overview: Programme Officer (P-2)
This is a fixed-term professional staff position with an initial duration of two years, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and funding availability. Reporting directly to the Director of OCB, the Programme Officer will provide technical and financial support to ensure the effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of OCB programmes and projects.
The role has a strong focus on programme and budget management, particularly in relation to FAO’s regular programme resources and trust funds, including those associated with GEF and GCF financing.
Key Responsibilities and Functions
As a Programme Officer, you will be entrusted with a diverse and impactful portfolio of responsibilities, including:
- Conducting research and analysis on selected aspects of programmes, operations, and emerging development trends related to climate, biodiversity, and the environment.
- Collecting, analyzing, and presenting statistical, financial, and programme data from multiple sources to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Supporting policy coordination, evaluations, and impact studies relevant to FAO’s environmental and climate initiatives.
- Contributing to written outputs such as analytical notes, background papers, reports, and inputs to publications.
- Supporting outreach activities, training workshops, seminars, and presentations related to programme implementation and financial management.
- Participating in field missions, providing both substantive and administrative support.
- Monitoring programme and project budgets, preparing progress reports, financial statements, and programme budget documents.
In addition, the role includes specific financial management functions, such as:
- Reviewing and analyzing GEF fees and programme funds managed by OCB.
- Serving as a focal point for financial resource management, monitoring, and reporting within the Programme Support Hub.
- Tracking resource flows, identifying financial risks, and preparing analytical reports to support management decisions.
- Liaising with FAO corporate units on budget planning, reporting, and implementation of the Programme of Work and Budget.
- Supporting project budget formulation, operational clearance, and compliance with FAO financial rules and procedures.
Required Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, or a related field.
- At least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in budget management, financial analysis, or related areas.
- Working proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
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Competencies and Desirable Skills
FAO places strong emphasis on both technical expertise and core professional competencies. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:
- Results focus and accountability
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to build effective working relationships
- Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
Additional assets include:
- Experience in international or UN organizations
- Familiarity with complex data analysis, corporate reporting, and financial reconciliations
- Knowledge of planning and budgetary processes
- Experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
- Understanding of UN and FAO financial policies, tools, and project cycles
Conditions of Service and Benefits
FAO offers a competitive international compensation and benefits package, which may include:
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grants for eligible children
- Home leave travel
- 30 working days of annual leave per year
- Participation in the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- International health insurance and optional life insurance
- Disability protection
FAO also promotes a positive and inclusive workplace culture through flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and high standards of conduct.
Why This Role Matters
The Programme Officer (P-2) position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to global efforts addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. It provides hands-on exposure to international financing mechanisms, high-level policy coordination, and the inner workings of a leading UN agency—all while building a solid foundation for long-term career growth within the international system.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the FAO recruitment portal. Applicants are encouraged to complete their profiles accurately and submit their applications well before the deadline of 22 January 2026.
