Policy Officer (One Health)

Job Description - Policy Officer (One Health) (2601880)Job Description 2601880 Policy Officer (One Health) Job Posting: 03/Sep/2026Closure Date: 24/Sep/2026, 4:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: NSAJob Type: Staff positionType of Requisition: Professional ProjectGrade Level: P-4Primary Location: Italy-RomeDuration: Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extensionPost Number: 2011106CCOG Code: 1L09IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceThe length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.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, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. Organizational Setting The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes and facilitates the sustainable transformation of the livestock sector, integrating scientific and technical expertise, policy advice, capacity development, innovation and field support. NSA hosts technical networks in areas related to animal production, animal health, genetics, feed, animal husbandry, biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic disease prevention and One Health. It provides analysis, policy dialogue, technical assistance and support to Members in strengthening sustainable animal production and health systems.FAO supports Members to build and implement effective collaborative One Health strategies and capacities, simultaneously addressing the health of people, animals, plants and the environment. One Health in agrifood systems transformation is a key Priority Programme Area and part of FAO's Strategic Framework.The One Health and Disease Control Branch under NSA leads and coordinates work on the prevention and control of endemic and emerging transboundary animal diseases and health threats that arise at the animal-human-plant-environment interface, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance. It contributes to FAO's work on One Health policy, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, risk communication, sustainable livestock transformation, country capacity development and intersectoral coordination.The One Health coordination and AMR Cluster coordinates and implements work across FAO divisions to mainstream One Health and AMR in FAO activities, integrating scientific and technical expertise, policy advice, programme development and country support. Externally, the cluster supports FAO's collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Health Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health as the Quadripartite to address health threats at the human-animal-plant-environment interface and to promote health and sustainable development. The position is located in the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH/CJW), Animal Production and Health Division, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Reporting LinesThe Policy Officer (One Health) reports to the Chief, One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW). Technical FocusThe Policy Officer (One Health) provides support to policy, programme and resource mobilization for the advancement of One Health approaches across agrifood systems, with emphasis on antimicrobial resistance, food safety, animal production and health, plant health, environmental health, risk communication and sustainable agrifood systems transformation.The Policy Officer (One Health) also supports Members in translating One Health principles into practical policies, governance mechanisms, programmes and investments. It contributes to strengthening country capacity, multisectoral coordination, implementation of relevant international standards and guidance, programme development and strategic partnerships. Moreover, the incumbent supports FAO's efforts to connect technical expertise, country demand and resource partner priorities into coherent and fundable One Health programmes.Key Results Development and implementation of coherent, integrated and effective policy assistance and governance i) in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework and its delivery mechanisms, and ii) in response to new policy assistance requests. Key Functions Provides technical and policy advice and/or support to FAO Members and relevant stakeholders in the development and implementation of their policies and programmes for improved food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.Advocates strategic partnerships, best practices and policy dialogue in support of enhanced governance for food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture and food systems.Participates in specialized or multidisciplinary teams and high-level policy analysis missions or projects, policy networks and/or international policy setting bodies.Interacts with headquarters, Regional and Country Teams to improve cross-sectorial policies and strategies concerning food and nutrition security and sustainable development.Designs and participates in resource mobilization activities.Plans, organizes and participates in capacity development activities involving the provision of technical advice and assistance, and oversees the development of related materials, on-line tools and information kits. Specific Functions Provides policy and technical support for the development and implementation of One Health strategies, governance frameworks and multisectoral coordination mechanisms in agrifood systems.Supports the integration of One Health approaches across food safety, AMR, animal health, plant health, environmental health and sustainable agrifood systems programmes.Supports Members in addressing AMR through improved governance, prudent antimicrobial use, surveillance, risk communication and evidence-based decision-making.Promotes application of relevant international standards and guidance, including Codex Alimentarius, International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) frameworks.Supports the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of One Health projects and programmes aligned with FAO priorities and country needs.Facilitates collaboration across FAO offices and with international and national partners, including Quadripartite organizations and development partners.Contributes to resource mobilization, programme development and donor engagement for FAO's One Health portfolio.Supports synergies with relevant FAO initiatives, including RENOFARM and InFARM, and perform other related duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political sciences, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry and fisheries), or subjects relevant to the work of One Health and policies.Seven years of relevant experience in policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.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). Competencies Results focusLeading, engaging and empoweringStrong communications skillsPartnering and advocatingKnowledge sharing and continuous improvement Technical/Functional Skills Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.Relevance and extent of experience in policy analysis and advise relating to food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams.Relevant experience in One Health, AMR, food safety, animal health, agrifood systems or related international development programmes.Experience in supporting countries in developing and implementing policies, strategies, governance frameworks and coordination mechanisms related to One Health and AMR.Experience in programme and project development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and country-level capacity development.Experience in resource mobilization, donor engagement and development of funding proposals and partnership frameworks.Familiarity with international standards and frameworks, including Codex Alimentarius, International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), WOAH and the Global Action Plan on AMR.Strong analytical, partnership-building and communication skills, including the ability to translate technical issues into practical policy and programme support. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.______________________________________________________________________________________________________GENERAL INFORMATION • FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.aspOther benefits, subject to eligibility, include:• 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; optional life insurance• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:• elements of family-friendly policies• flexible working arrangements• standards of conduct ______________________________________________________________________________________________________HOW TO APPLY• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills;• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile;• Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application;• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings. • Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications;• Incomplete applications will not be considered;• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered;• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT