Call for Expressions of Interest – Vacancy Announcement No. 2600478
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking an Emergency Coordinator under a consultant contract to support emergency response operations in various locations. The assignment may last for up to 11 months, and applications are open until 5 April 2026 at 12:59 a.m., based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s personal device.
Position at a glance
Job title: Emergency Coordinator
Vacancy number: 2600478
Posting date: 5 March 2026
Closure date: 5 April 2026
Organizational unit: OER
Job type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of requisition: Consultant
Primary location: Various locations
Duration: Up to 11 months
Organizational setting
FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, supporting the transformation of agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) is responsible for coordinating technical, operational and administrative support to FAO country offices in fragile contexts. It works closely with technical divisions, offices, centres, and regional and subregional offices to help rural populations anticipate agricultural threats, respond effectively to food crises, reduce risks and build lasting resilience.
OER also develops and maintains corporate tools and standards that enable Decentralized Offices to support Members in preparing for and responding to food crises, while strengthening the capacities of national and subnational institutions and partners for resilience and risk-informed development. In addition, OER plays a strategic role in informing and advising FAO Members, resource partners and global policy forums on acute food insecurity and food crises.
Its work is structured around three interconnected functional areas:
- Data analytics, evidence and learning;
- Programme development, resourcing and operational support;
- Strategic positioning and advocacy.
Reporting lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative / Designated Responsible Official (DRO), the functional guidance of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER), and the supervision of the Emergency Response Manager, the Emergency Coordinator will support the coordination, implementation and follow-up of FAO’s emergency operations and strategies in the affected country.
Technical focus
The position is focused on supporting the implementation of FAO’s emergency response in line with emergency response priorities related to coordination, assessment and time-critical interventions. The incumbent will also develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programmes and projects.
Key duties and responsibilities
The Emergency Coordinator will be expected to:
- Provide leadership on emergency and rehabilitation interventions as part of the resilience agenda in the country, including preparedness, needs assessment, response, programming, implementation and resource mobilization, in liaison with the food security cluster/sector and relevant FAO personnel;
- Lead and coordinate the work of the Emergency Response Team, establish country and operational objectives, and monitor progress through regular planning meetings and the development, updating and dissemination of action plans;
- Ensure that corrective measures are implemented in a timely manner based on monitoring results;
- Promote FAO’s resilience role and programmes, especially in emergency and rehabilitation, with government counterparts, UN agencies, regional organizations, NGOs and donors;
- Review relevant documents and reports, identify issues to be addressed, propose corrective actions, liaise with relevant parties and track follow-up actions;
- Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, and the preparation of impact evaluations or similar studies;
- Prepare written outputs such as background papers, analyses, report sections, studies and inputs to publications;
- Undertake outreach activities, including training workshops, seminars and presentations on assigned topics and activities;
- Coordinate budget- and funding-related activities, including project preparation and submission, progress reports, financial statements and related programme and budget documents;
- Ensure FAO’s active participation in all humanitarian coordination mechanisms, including clusters and/or sectors, with local government authorities, UN agencies, donors and partners;
- Develop an initial emergency response strategy and lead the programming process from needs assessments through programme development and implementation, including FAO inputs to appeals, strategy documents and project proposals;
- Ensure FAO’s participation in joint needs assessments and the co-leadership of sector-specific assessments, while ensuring that the needs of vulnerable groups are addressed and accountability to affected populations commitments are met;
- Develop an initial emergency operations plan and oversee the implementation of all operational activities, including those managed at country, regional office and headquarters levels;
- Assist in setting up emergency assessment and response teams to address new emergencies and provide surge capacity to country offices;
- Coordinate the development of FAO’s contribution to inter-agency Humanitarian Response Plans (HRPs) and Flash Appeals, as well as project profiles and full project documents for donor funding;
- Coordinate project and budget formulation for emergency response projects and monitor financial execution and project accounting;
- Ensure that technical assistance from the Technical Focal Point Network is available to the Emergency Response Team and FAO implementing partners;
- Support sectoral coordination through the FAO-WFP co-led Food Security Cluster/Sector in the country;
- Ensure the development of advocacy and outreach plans, including key messages, communication materials such as executive and ad hoc briefs, situation reports, and authorization of information for external communication;
- Maintain regular contact with donors and ensure they receive updated information on FAO assessments, response plans and activities;
- Coordinate FAO’s contribution to inter-agency Post Disaster Needs Assessments and Post Conflict Needs Assessments;
- Ensure that all possible steps are taken to protect the safety and well-being of FAO personnel responding to emergencies, in line with FAO and UN system safety and security protocols;
- Manage the demobilization of the Emergency Response Team and support the transition from temporary emergency response structures to country-led programming;
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum requirements
Candidates will be assessed against the following minimum criteria:
- A university degree (Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, political science, social science, agronomy, natural resources management, or another field related to the work of the Organization;
- At least seven years of relevant experience in the public and/or private sector related to programming, planning and technical cooperation in food and agriculture;
- Experience in developing countries, especially in countries vulnerable to disasters or other emergency risks;
- Working knowledge of English or French (Level C).
FAO core competencies
Candidates are expected to demonstrate the following FAO core competencies:
- Results focus;
- Teamwork;
- Communication;
- Building effective relationships;
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Technical and functional skills
The following will be considered strong assets:
- Experience in more than one location or area of work, especially in field positions;
- Relevant international experience in policy formulation, programming and management of field operations;
- Strong experience in identifying and preparing programme strategies and policy positions for humanitarian and transition contexts, both at global and country levels;
- Good knowledge of the international humanitarian architecture, including agencies, NGOs and partners;
- Demonstrated experience in needs assessments, cluster coordination, UN consolidated appeal processes and/or emergency operations for Level 3 emergencies;
- Demonstrated experience in rehabilitation and humanitarian policy development, programme formulation and implementation;
- Experience in response management and surge support coordination.
Selection criteria
A limited knowledge (Level B) of a second FAO language — English, Arabic, French, Chinese, Spanish or Russian — will be considered an asset.
FAO values and commitments
FAO notes that all candidates must adhere to the Organization’s values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, Integrity and Transparency.
The Organization also reiterates its commitment to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
FAO maintains 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 all applications will be treated with strict confidentiality. Environmental sustainability is also an integral part of FAO’s strategic objectives and operations.
Additional information
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview or processing.
Only academic credentials obtained from institutions recognized in the relevant international databases will be considered, including those listed by IAU/UNESCO and the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Appointment will be subject to:
- certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment;
- accreditation, if required;
- residency or visa requirements, where applicable;
- security clearances.
How to apply
Applicants should visit the Jobs at FAO recruitment portal and complete their online profile. FAO strongly recommends that the profile be accurate, complete and include employment history, academic qualifications and language skills.
Candidates are also required to attach a letter of motivation to their online profile before submitting the application.
Important notes for applicants:
- only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered;
- incomplete applications will not be reviewed;
- applications will be screened on the basis of the information provided in the online profile;
- candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorize verification checks regarding past and present employment, character, education, military and police records;
- applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
If assistance is needed, FAO advises candidates to register with its client support service for further help.
FAO is a non-smoking environment.
