Job Posting: 23 April 2026
Closure Date: 8 May 2026, 12:59 AM
Organizational Unit: NFO – Forestry
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Various Locations
Duration: up to 11 months
Post Number: N/A
Important Notice: Please note that the closure date and time displayed above are based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s personal device.
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. As a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, FAO 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
The Forestry Division leads FAO’s work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of forestry, including its contribution to poverty reduction, food security and nutrition. The Division works with member countries, civil society and the private sector on forest policy, conservation, forest management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the collection and dissemination of information on global forest resources, as well as wood and non-wood forest products.
Within the Division, the Forest Products and Bioeconomy Team (NFOPD) leads FAO’s work on:
- forest products statistics and trade
- forest-based bioeconomy and related value chains
- forest-based industries and their contribution to sustainable consumption and production
The Forest Livelihoods Team (NFOS) leads work on enabling conditions for improved forest-based livelihoods, including:
- agroforestry
- forest governance
- forest producer organizations
- forest tenure
- forest finance
- gender
- social protection
The purpose of this call is to create a roster of qualified candidates who can provide programme support to these technical teams.
Reporting Lines
Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader, Forest Products and Bioeconomy (NFOP) of the Forestry Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Technical Focus
Incumbents endorsed on the roster will support the technical teams in the organization of events, reporting processes, and the overall management of programme portfolios.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the technical unit leaders, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks:
PSA.SBS
- Support the organization of key events, including the ACSFI 67th Session, COFO28, and UNFF21, including participant registration, agenda preparation, documentation and logistical arrangements.
- Provide operational support to the NFOP and NFOS programme portfolios by maintaining workplans, timelines and tracking deliverables.
- Contribute to reporting and briefing processes by preparing summaries and supporting inputs in line with FAO standards.
- Maintain and update programme, event and content tracking tools, including Excel-based systems, to support monitoring, reporting and knowledge management.
- Support the updating and verification of website and internal platform content using FAO systems, and facilitate internal coordination and knowledge sharing through meetings and digital workflows.
- Perform other duties as required.
COF.REG
- Coordinate and manage the organization of key events, including UNFF21, ACSFI 67th Session, and COFO28, covering participant registration, agenda and document preparation, speaker coordination and logistics.
- Develop and manage workplans, timelines and monitoring tools to support implementation of the NFOP and NFOS programme portfolios and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
- Liaise with internal teams and external partners to collect inputs, follow up on deliverables and support smooth programme implementation.
- Compile, review and consolidate inputs for periodic reporting, including programme updates, donor reports and briefing notes, ensuring alignment with FAO standards.
- Oversee and manage web and internal platform content using FAO content management systems, and facilitate internal coordination and knowledge sharing through meetings, documentation and digital tools.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International Relations, or another field relevant to the work of the Organization. Alternatively, a first-level degree and two additional years of relevant experience may be considered.
- For PSA Subscribers: University degree, technical degree or certificate from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International Relations, or another field relevant to the work of the Organization.
- At least 1 year of relevant experience in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International Relations, or any field relevant to the Organization.
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English.
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Selection Criteria
- Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, Integrity and Transparency.
Additional Information
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from institutions recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list and the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
How to Apply
- Visit the Jobs at FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile.
- Ensure that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Once your profile is completed, submit your application.
- FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions recognized in the WHED and aligned with ISCED mappings.
- Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization for verification of work history, character, education, military and police records, where relevant.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Only applications received through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline date.
- If support is needed, candidates may create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for assistance.
