Programme Specialist

Programme Specialist (2601190)

Job posting date: 02/Jun/2026. Closing date: 16/Jun/2026, 9:59 PM. Location: Italy-Rome. Duration: 11 months.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works to advance sustainable and resilient agrifood systems, supporting the 2030 Agenda. The Office of the Chief Economist hosts high‑profile events such as the World Food Forum and Investment Week; the Programme Specialist plays a key role in planning and delivering these events, working under the guidance of the Senior Technical Officer.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Specialist reports to the Senior Technical Officer and collaborates closely with the Office of the Chief Economist, relevant divisions, and decentralized offices.

Technical Focus

Provide overall technical, coordination and programme support to the Office of the Chief Economist in line with the stream’s activities, including the Hand‑in‑Hand Initiative Investment Forum.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support the organization of high‑level events, including participant registration, agenda preparation, supporting materials, and logistical arrangements.
• Provide operational support to the Chief Economist’s programme portfolios, maintaining workplans, budgets, timelines, and deliverable tracking.
• Contribute to reporting, budget planning and briefing processes by preparing summaries and supporting materials in line with FAO standards.
• Maintain and update programme, event, and content tracking tools to support monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management.
• Support updates and content verification of websites and internal platforms using FAO systems, facilitating internal coordination and knowledge sharing through digital workflows.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications

• University degree or recognised technical degree/certificate in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, or a related field.
• At least one year of relevant experience in a field related to FAO work.
• Working knowledge of English (level C).

FAO Core Competencies – Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in governance, political economy, and policy support related to food security, nutrition, and agricultural development.
• Knowledge of international working and communication practices, and governance and business structures in developing countries.
• Ability to plan and organise work, deliver results, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Selection Criteria

• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Italian is considered an asset.

EEO Statement

• 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.
• FAO requires all staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, in line with FAO values.
• FAO enforces a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct 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, and applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.