Programme Officer

Job Description - Programme Officer (2601711)Job Description 2601711 Programme Officer Job Posting: 10/Aug/2026Closure Date: 31/Aug/2026, 11:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: DDCMDJob Type: Staff positionType of Requisition: ProfessionalGrade Level: P-3Primary Location: Italy-RomeDuration: Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extensionPost Number: 2011119CCOG Code: 1A02IMPORTANT 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 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 settingThe Office of the Deputy Director-General (DDG) supports the strategic coordination and oversight functions of the Divisions/Offices/Centres that come under the direct responsibility of the DDG. The Office of the DDG is responsible for ensuring an enabling and supporting environment for FAO's delivery, with focus on optimizing management systems, administrative service delivery and operational support capacity at all locations. It further ensures the strategic coordination of Decentralized Offices. The position is located in the Office of the Deputy Director-General at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.Reporting LinesThe Programme Officer reports to the Senior Adviser, DDCM.Technical FocusThe Programme Officer provides strategic and operational support to the Office of the DDG in key organizational priorities, particularly for special initiatives and flagship programmes, fostering collaboration across Divisions/Offices/Centres (DOCs) and external partners.Key ResultsDevelop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programme/projects. Key FunctionsParticipates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation. Reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc. Prepares various written outputs, e.g. drafts background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). Specific FunctionsProvides support on strategic and policy matters concerning special initiatives and events under the key responsibilities of the DDG, including chairmanship and championship roles. Coordinates the development, management, implementation and monitoring of various DDG-led initiatives assigned to the Programme Officer, in liaison and cooperation with relevant Divisions/Offices/Centres (DOCs) and external partners. Contributes to leading the FAO MuNe Network initiatives, including the FAO Villages Recognition Initiative, in close collaboration with the Office of Communications (OCC), relevant Divisions/Offices/Centres (DOCs) and external partners. Supports the preparation, coordination and organization of the annual Global Working Conference of FAO Representatives (GWC). Contributes to the strategic coordination of Decentralized Offices, as and when needed. Contributes to activities under the 'Four Betters', specifically Better Life initiatives to advance the achievement of the FAO Strategic Framework.Prepares presentations on assigned topics and provides support to the DDG Reporting Line in communication and advocacy activities.Performs other duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum RequirementsAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in public administration, social science, political science, international development, international relations, environmental or agricultural studies or other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Five years of relevant experience in international cooperation for development, project or programme management, administration or related areas. Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.• Demonstrated ability to support complex initiatives involving internal and external stakeholders, including governments, donors, NGOs, implementing partners, and UN agencies.• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation.• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills.• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency. _________________________________________________________________FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency._________________________________________________________________ GENERAL INFORMATIONExtension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of fundsFAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.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 SERVICEA 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.asp Other 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• 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