The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is recruiting an Assistant FAO Representative for Administration in Mogadishu, Somalia. The senior national position will oversee administrative services, financial management, budgeting, accounting, procurement and personnel administration in support of FAO programmes. Applications close on 28 July 2026.
Behind every livestock vaccination campaign, food-security intervention or emergency response lies a complex administrative system. Budgets must be controlled, payments processed, supplies procured and field activities organised in accordance with institutional and donor requirements.
FAO is seeking an experienced national professional to manage these essential functions within its Representation in Somalia.
The selected candidate will serve as Assistant FAO Representative – Administration, classified as a National Professional Officer at grade N-2. The position is based in Mogadishu and reports directly to the FAO Representative in Somalia. It is offered as a two-year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of extension.
Supporting FAO’s work in Somalia
FAO’s country offices support governments in developing policies, programmes and projects addressing food security, hunger, malnutrition and the sustainable management of natural resources.
In Somalia, the Organization works across agriculture, livestock production, fisheries, forestry, resilience building and emergency response. Its interventions aim to support more efficient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems while addressing the country’s recurrent humanitarian and development challenges.
Although this is not a veterinary or clinical position, it is highly relevant to the implementation of animal-health and livestock programmes. Effective financial and administrative management helps ensure that field activities, technical missions, procurement processes and emergency interventions are delivered on time.
The Assistant FAO Representative will therefore provide the operational foundation required for FAO teams to implement programmes across Somalia.
Main responsibilities
The successful candidate will plan, organise and coordinate the administrative services of the FAO Representation.
The role will include supervising the administrative team and ensuring that office procedures, systems and practices comply with FAO policies and regulations.
Key responsibilities will include:
- coordinating the office’s administrative services;
- supporting the implementation and monitoring of FAO programmes;
- supervising administrative personnel;
- analysing information from FAO corporate systems and databases;
- preparing financial reports and project budget estimates;
- monitoring approved budget allocations;
- supporting project and programme audits;
- reviewing accounts and processing payments;
- liaising with banks and financial institutions;
- overseeing administrative and financial correspondence;
- monitoring government contributions;
- coordinating procurement and customs-clearance procedures; and
- ensuring compliance with FAO security guidelines.
The post combines strategic oversight with detailed operational management. The successful candidate must be able to manage multiple processes while ensuring that funds and resources are used in accordance with established rules.
A key role for programme delivery
Somalia’s agricultural and livestock sectors are frequently affected by drought, animal diseases, displacement, market disruption and other emergencies.
FAO programmes may therefore require the rapid mobilisation of personnel, equipment and financial resources. Delays in procurement, budget approval or payments can affect the implementation of field activities and the delivery of support to vulnerable communities.
The Assistant FAO Representative will help reduce these risks by strengthening planning, financial control and administrative coordination.
The role also requires close attention to accountability. Financial records, project expenditures and supporting documents must be complete, accurate and available for internal controls, donor reporting and audits.
Required qualifications
The vacancy is open exclusively to Somali nationals.
Applicants must hold an advanced university degree, equivalent to a master’s degree, in business administration, public administration or another relevant field.
Candidates must also have at least three years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
- office management;
- administration;
- accounting;
- auditing;
- budgeting; or
- finance.
A working knowledge at proficiency level of English and the local language is required.
FAO will also assess applicants against its core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, communication, relationship building, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Additional skills considered an advantage
Experience working in more than one location or professional area, particularly in field-based positions, is desirable.
Candidates will have an advantage if they can demonstrate experience in supervising administrative teams and managing programme or project operations.
Knowledge of United Nations administrative procedures, FAO corporate systems or other accounting and financial-management applications will also be considered an asset.
The Organization is looking for a professional with strong analytical and judgement skills who can interpret and apply institutional rules in complex operational situations.
Contract and benefits
The position is classified as a staff appointment under the National Professional Officer category at grade N-2.
The successful candidate will receive a locally determined salary and benefits package based on the United Nations common system and the conditions applicable in Somalia.
The appointment is initially for two years, with the possibility of extension. However, extensions do not create an automatic expectation of renewal or conversion to another type of appointment.
Appointment will also be subject to medical clearance, security clearance and any applicable accreditation or residency requirements.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Jobs at FAO recruitment portal.
Applicants should complete their online profile carefully, including their employment history, academic qualifications and language skills. A motivation letter must be attached to the application.
Incomplete applications or applications submitted outside the official portal will not be considered.
The official vacancy is listed under recruitment reference 2601418, while the position number is 2003976. The FAO recruitment portal lists 28 July 2026 as the closing date. Applicants should verify the exact closing time displayed on their device and submit well before the deadline.
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Key information
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Position: Assistant FAO Representative – Administration
Recruitment reference: 2601418
Post number: 2003976
Grade: N-2
Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
Contract: Two-year fixed term, with possible extension
Eligibility: Somali nationals
Experience required: At least three years
Closing date: 28 July 2026
Application method: Online through Jobs at FAO
