Job Posting: 22 April 2026
Closure Date: 7 May 2026, 12:59 AM
Organizational Unit: NFO
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Various Locations
Duration: From one to eleven 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 contributions to poverty reduction, food security and nutrition. The Division works with member countries, civil society and the private sector on issues ranging from forest policy development to forest conservation, forest management, climate change mitigation and adaptation. It also collects, analyses and disseminates information on global forest resources, wood and non-wood forest products, and ecosystem services.
The position sits within the programme coordination unit of the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme in the FAO Forestry Division. The SWM Programme aims to reduce hunting of wildlife to sustainable levels, protect endangered species, conserve biodiversity, reduce the risks of zoonotic diseases and secure ecosystem services, including food, for Indigenous Peoples and rural communities.
The SWM Programme is funded by the European Union, with co-funding from the French Facility for Global Environment and the French Development Agency. It is led by FAO and implemented through a consortium of partners that includes CIFOR-ICRAF, CIRAD, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The initiative is implementing projects in sixteen countries: Botswana, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Guyana, Lao PDR, Madagascar, Mauritania, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The SWM Programme directly contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Within this context, the SWM Programme is seeking consultants and PSA subscribers to support the implementation of project activities.
Reporting Lines
The incumbents will report to the SWM Programme Coordinator, Food Nutrition and Wildlife Team Leader, with direct supervision from the relevant technical officers in the SWM Programme Management Unit (PMU), including at field level where applicable.
Technical Focus
The assignments will support the SWM Programme Coordination Unit in the implementation of programme activities at global and site levels. The main areas include:
- Programme and project development and management
- Institutional and legal frameworks related to sustainable wildlife management
- Sustainable wildlife and natural resources management
- Development of alternative sources of proteins and income for rural communities
- Sustainable consumption of wildmeat
- Social safeguards
- Policy advice and governance
- One Health and zoonotic diseases
- Information and knowledge management
- Outreach and advocacy
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning
Tasks and Responsibilities
The incumbent will:
- Provide advice and support to the SWM Programme Coordination Unit and site teams in his or her area of technical expertise.
- Support the preparation of guidelines, practical tools, innovative approaches and/or policy proposals in his or her area of specialization to promote effective sustainable wildlife and natural resources management.
- Design and/or support data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities across the participating SWM Programme sites.
- Liaise with relevant FAO units, SWM Programme partners and/or other organizations to obtain guidance and comments on specific elements.
- Contribute to the coordination, implementation, delivery and administration of assigned programmes and activities in accordance with FAO and donor rules, procedures and systems.
- As applicable, support the organization of and/or directly participate in missions and other events in support of SWM delivery, including data collection, documentation, logistical coordination, follow-up reporting, training, capacity-building and technical assistance to site teams.
- Contribute to SWM Programme communication and outreach materials.
- Perform any other duties related to his or her area of technical expertise.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in forest resources management, wildlife management, environmental sciences, administrative or financial management, information management, international studies, law, or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
- At least five years of relevant experience for Category B consultants, and at least ten years of relevant experience for Category A consultants, in programme support activities and management, forest resources management, and/or wildlife management.
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English is required.
- Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of French is an asset.
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Extent and relevance of technical work experience in one or more of the main areas of the SWM Programme’s work
- Familiarity with FAO policies and procedures would be an asset
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge management experience, especially related to sustainable wildlife management, may be considered 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 submit the application well before the deadline
If support is needed, candidates may create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for assistance.
