The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continues to lead global efforts toward building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
A new opportunity has opened for professionals passionate about global development, environmental sustainability, and food security—the Programme Officer (P-2) position based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This is a fixed-term, two-year appointment, with the possibility of extension, offering a chance to work at the intersection of agriculture, climate action, and biodiversity conservation.
About FAO and Its Global Mission
FAO plays a pivotal role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Guided by its Strategic Framework, the organization focuses on transforming agri-food systems to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—leaving no one behind. This holistic mission aims to address the interconnected challenges of hunger, environmental degradation, and climate change.
FAO’s work not only ensures food security but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment, conserve biodiversity, and empower rural communities worldwide.
Organizational Setting: The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB)
The advertised Programme Officer role sits within the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB). This office ensures that member countries and partners can effectively respond to the global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
OCB also serves as FAO’s focal point for major international environmental agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The office supports access to key environmental financing mechanisms, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF)—critical resources for countries working to meet their environmental goals.
Additionally, OCB hosts significant global initiatives such as the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme and the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, further positioning at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
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The Programme Officer will be part of the Programme Support Hub, which coordinates financial, administrative, and scientific aspects of OCB’s activities.
Role Overview: Programme Officer (P-2)
The Programme Officer will report directly to the Director of OCB. The role focuses on supporting financial management, budget monitoring, and the coordination of regular programmes and trust fund portfolios, including GEF and GCF initiatives.
The position demands a professional who can ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency in managing complex financial resources while contributing to the technical and strategic priorities of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the overall effectiveness of FAO’s environmental programmes through several key functions:
- Conduct research and analysis on programme operations, collecting and evaluating data for policy and planning.
- Provide support in evaluating emerging trends in climate and biodiversity programming.
- Contribute to policy coordination and impact evaluation studies.
- Draft analytical papers, background reports, and inputs to official FAO publications.
- Participate in field missions, workshops, and seminars related to environmental and agricultural development.
- Support financial monitoring, including budget preparation, revisions, and expenditure control.
- Ensure compliance with FAO’s rules, policies, and reporting standards for regular and project budgets.
- Serve as a focal point for financial and resource management within OCB.
- Prepare financial statements, monitor contributions, and ensure effective project closure.
- Collaborate closely with FAO corporate units on budget planning and reporting.
- Develop improved administrative processes and contribute to training and capacity-building efforts within FAO.
This position requires a blend of technical expertise, analytical skills, and commitment to FAO’s global mission.
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Advanced university degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or public administration.
- At least three years of relevant professional experience in financial or budget management, preferably in an international organization.
- Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish.
Core Competencies
FAO seeks individuals who demonstrate:
- Results Focus: Commitment to achieving measurable outcomes.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in diverse and multicultural environments.
- Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Building Effective Relationships: Fostering cooperation within and across teams.
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement: Openness to learning and innovation.
Desirable Technical and Functional Skills
- Experience in financial analysis, corporate reporting, and data reconciliation.
- Familiarity with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Knowledge of UN financial procedures and project management cycles.
- Proven ability to analyze complex budgetary and financial information.
- Previous experience in international development organizations is a strong asset.
Why Join FAO?
Working with FAO means becoming part of a diverse and inclusive organization that promotes equality, transparency, and environmental responsibility. FAO values integrity, respect, and commitment to its mandate of improving global food and agricultural systems.
Staff members enjoy a dynamic, multicultural environment with access to international career growth and training opportunities. FAO also prioritizes work-life balance through family-friendly policies and flexible work arrangements.
Compensation and Benefits
FAO offers a competitive compensation package aligned with the UN Common System. Benefits include:
- Pension under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- Education grants and dependency allowances
- Health and life insurance coverage
- 30 days of annual leave
- Home leave and rental subsidy
- Disability protection and relocation assistance
Diversity and Ethical Standards
FAO encourages applications from qualified women, nationals from underrepresented countries, and persons with disabilities. The organization upholds strict policies against harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority. All candidates undergo rigorous background and reference checks to ensure integrity and professionalism.
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How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete their profiles through FAO’s official recruitment portal. Ensure that your profile is detailed, accurate, and includes your academic qualifications, work history, and language skills. A motivational letter must be attached to the online application.
Only applications submitted through FAO’s online portal will be considered. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
👉 Apply directly through the official FAO job portal here:
FAO Programme Officer (P-2) – Apply Now
