Apply Now! Join FAO as a Programme Officer (P-2) – 2026
Apply Now! Join FAO as a Programme Officer (P-2) – 2026
About FAO: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Worldwide
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, has a long-standing mission: to achieve food security for all, ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives, and contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development. Since its founding in 1945, FAO has become a global leader in providing expertise, knowledge, and technical assistance to governments, institutions, and communities worldwide.
FAO works with over 194 member countries, collaborating with local governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and other UN agencies to implement inclusive, innovative, and sustainable solutions for food security, agriculture, and environmental protection.
FAO’s strategic objectives align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, supporting countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From climate-smart agriculture to biodiversity conservation, FAO is at the forefront of addressing food insecurity, environmental degradation, and climate change.
About the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Environment (OCB)
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Environment (OCB) is a specialized FAO unit responsible for coordinating global strategies on climate action, biodiversity protection, and environmental sustainability in agriculture.
OCB plays a critical role in:
- Supporting countries in responding to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
- Acting as the focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Facilitating access to climate and environmental financing, such as the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
- Leading Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiatives and environmental safeguard programs.
- Coordinating FAO’s strategic priorities on bioeconomy, sustainable food systems, and environmental resilience.
Joining OCB means being part of a team that integrates policy, science, and programmatic action to deliver sustainable solutions across countries and communities.
Position Overview: Programme Officer (P-2)
The Programme Officer (P-2) is a professional-level role located within the OCB Programme Support Hub at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The officer will contribute to programmatic and financial management, technical support, and coordination of initiatives addressing climate change, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.
This is a fixed-term two-year appointment, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The position offers a dynamic international environment, opportunities for cross-country collaboration, and exposure to multilateral environmental agreements and funding mechanisms.
Key Objectives:
- Ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of assigned programs and projects.
- Support financial planning, budget monitoring, and reporting for OCB regular program and trust funds.
- Provide technical guidance and analysis to enhance the efficiency, impact, and sustainability of FAO initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Programme Implementation and Monitoring
The Programme Officer will:
- Develop, implement, and monitor programs/projects in line with OCB’s strategic objectives.
- Conduct technical research and analysis to inform programmatic decisions, policy development, and resource allocation.
- Provide support for impact evaluation studies, surveys, and program assessments.
- Collaborate with FAO country offices and partners to ensure projects achieve intended outcomes.
2. Budget Management and Financial Oversight
The officer will be responsible for:
- Monitoring budgets and allotments for programs, projects, and trust funds, ensuring compliance with FAO policies.
- Analyzing GEF and GCF funding and related fees, preparing financial reports, and tracking resource flows.
- Supporting programme budget formulation, operational clearance, and expenditure review.
- Preparing financial statements, progress reports, and monitoring reports for management and donors.
3. Technical Support and Coordination
- Serve as a focal point for OCB financial resources and reporting, liaising with internal FAO units, programme managers, and project teams.
- Support administrative and procedural requirements for project implementation and closure.
- Participate in capacity-building activities, workshops, and training for FAO staff on programme and financial management.
4. Reporting and Documentation
- Draft background papers, analytical notes, reports, and publications.
- Collect, review, and analyze data to generate actionable insights for programmatic and financial decision-making.
- Contribute to the development of guidelines, policies, and standard operating procedures.
5. Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement
- Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences to promote OCB initiatives.
- Engage with government agencies, multilateral organizations, and environmental stakeholders to support FAO programs.
- Ensure effective communication and knowledge sharing within FAO and with external partners.
Competencies and Skills Required
To excel as a Programme Officer (P-2), candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
Core Competencies:
- Results Focus: Achieve high-quality results, monitor progress, and adapt strategies to ensure objectives are met.
- Teamwork: Collaborate effectively across FAO departments, regions, and cultures.
- Communication: Convey ideas clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Building Effective Relationships: Engage and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, donors, and partners.
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement: Contribute to organizational learning and best practices.
Technical/Functional Skills:
- Expertise in financial and resource management, budget monitoring, and reporting.
- Proficiency in data analysis, reconciliation, and corporate reporting.
- Experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and ERP systems.
- Knowledge of UN financial and administrative policies.
- Ability to analyze complex programmatic and financial data to support decision-making.
Minimum Qualifications
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Business, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Environmental Management, or related fields.
- Minimum of three years of relevant experience in budget management, programme coordination, or financial oversight.
- Proficiency in English; intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in international organizations, multilateral programs, or UN agencies is a strong asset.
Benefits and Career Development
FAO offers a competitive compensation package and benefits, ensuring that staff are well-supported professionally and personally. Benefits include:
- Salary in accordance with FAO’s professional scale for P-2 positions.
- Dependency allowances for eligible family members.
- Rental subsidy and education grant for children of international staff.
- Home leave travel for eligible staff to their country of origin.
- 30 days of annual leave, plus summer and winter breaks.
- Pension entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund.
- International health insurance, optional life insurance, and disability protection.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
Additionally, FAO provides a flexible and inclusive workplace culture, promoting diversity, gender equality, and work-life balance.
FAO Culture, Values, and Inclusion
FAO values are the foundation of its organizational culture, guiding interactions with colleagues, governments, and communities:
- Commitment: Dedication to FAO’s mission and the sustainable development of food systems.
- Respect for All: Upholding dignity, equity, and inclusion in every interaction.
- Integrity and Transparency: Demonstrating ethical behavior, accountability, and transparency.
FAO encourages diversity and inclusion in recruitment and retention, actively seeking applications from women, underrepresented nationalities, and persons with disabilities. The organization fosters an environment where different perspectives and experiences are valued, contributing to innovative solutions in agriculture, climate, and environmental programs.
Environmental and Sustainability Focus
FAO’s work aligns with global sustainability goals, ensuring that agriculture, biodiversity, and climate initiatives are:
- Inclusive: Addressing the needs of smallholder farmers, marginalized communities, and vulnerable populations.
- Resilient: Enhancing adaptive capacities to climate change and environmental shocks.
- Sustainable: Promoting long-term environmental protection while improving food security.
By joining OCB as a Programme Officer, you will contribute directly to projects that implement climate-smart agriculture, conservation programs, and sustainable land management practices globally.
How to Apply
To apply for the Programme Officer (P-2) role, candidates should:
- APPLY ON THE FAO WEBSITE HERE.
- Complete your profile with accurate employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation highlighting relevant experience, competencies, and commitment to FAO’s mission.
- Submit the application online before the closure date: 22 January 2026.
Important Notes:
- FAO only considers qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Applicants may be requested to provide reference checks, background verification, and performance assessments.
- FAO is a non-smoking environment and requires compliance with medical, visa, and security requirements.
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Final Call
Working as a Programme Officer (P-2) at FAO is more than just a job – it is an opportunity to drive meaningful change, influence global policy, and make a tangible difference in the lives of millions worldwide. If you are passionate about climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems, and are committed to public service on a global scale, this is the role for you.
Take the next step in your career by joining FAO’s dedicated team of international professionals, contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection. Apply today and become part of a legacy that transforms agriculture, food security, and livelihoods worldwide.
