Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

AI summary

FAO is recruiting an Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) for its Representation in Abuja, Nigeria. The role involves managing and coordinating technical and operational support for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development programmes, liaising with government authorities, and contributing to programme proposals and frameworks. This is a locally recruited National Professional Officer position at the NO-C level.

• Locally recruited National Professional Officer (NO-C) position based in Abuja
• Deadline: September 29, 2026
• Requires Nigerian nationality and an advanced university degree
• Minimum five years of relevant programme/project experience
• Working knowledge of English required; Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba desirable

Original source description

Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) | FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Abuja National NO-C, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position level Speaks Hausa, Igbo, English, Yoruba Application deadline: September 29, 2026 (21 days) Apply Summary by Impactpool The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will support the FAO Representation in Abuja, Nigeria, by managing and coordinating technical and operational support for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development programs. The role involves liaising with government authorities and institutions, promoting FAO's mandate, and participating in the development of program proposals and frameworks. The incumbent will also supervise lower-grade staff and ensure adherence to operational procedures. This position requires a strong understanding of local socio-economic conditions and effective communication skills. Candidate Requirements: National of Nigeria Advanced university degree in relevant fields Five years of relevant experience: Working knowledge of English Experience: in programme/project development and management Understanding of technical programme and operational guidelines Experience: in policy analysis related to food and nutrition security Experience: in data collection on food and agriculture Experience: in programme/project proposal preparation Intermediate knowledge of local languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba) desirable CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ • FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality • People with disabilities are protected from any type of discrimination during any stage of employment, including the recruitment phase • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality • The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production , better nutrition , a better environment, and a better life , leaving no one behind. Organizational Setting The primary goal of FAO country offices is to aid governments in creating policies, programmes, and projects that secure food security and diminish hunger and malnutrition. They also support the development of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources. The position is located in the FAO Representation in Abuja, Nigeria. Reporting Lines The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR) but working with independence and initiative and applying knowledge of local socio-economic conditions, language and institutions, the incumbent will perform a range of normative, operational and programming tasks in support of the activities of the FAO Representation in the areas of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development. Technical Focus Programme development and management, coordination and operational support based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment. Key Results Effective and efficient management and coordination of the technical and operational support of the programme and project activities of the FAO Representation. Key Functions • Liaises and assists government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities in the country and with other UN agencies. He/she may represent FAO at interagency meetings as required. • Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including development and maintenance of communication tools such as website, press releases and publications, and supports the implementation of FAO's regulatory framework (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country. • Coordinates the collection, consolidation and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems, and monitors changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector. • Participates in producing technical, economic and policy studies as required and developing country level development frameworks, such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). • Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals; monitors and reviews the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. • Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements: as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided. • Performs other duties as required. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements: • National of Nigeria. • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration and management, international relations or any other field related to the work of the Organization. • Five years of relevant experience: in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning and technical cooperation in food and agriculture and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country. • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. Competencies • Results Focus • Team Work • Communication • Building effective relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills • Extent and relevance of experience: in programme/project development and management. • Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO. • Extent and relevance of experience: in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development OR extent and relevance of experience: in the collection of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries. • Extent and relevance of experience: in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review. • Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one or more of the local languages (Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba) is desirable Assistant FAO Representatives shall be granted fixed-term appointments for such period or periods as the Organization may determine and having an expiration date specified in the letter of appointment or extension. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total length of service shall not exceed five years. Appointments, including extensions, do not carry any expectation of renewal or of conversion to another type of appointment. However, this does not preclude the incumbents from applying to other positions in the Organization. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency . ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ GENERAL INFORMATION • AFAORs shall be granted fixed-term appointments for such period or periods as the Organization may determine and having an expiration date specified in the letter of appointment or extension. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total length of service shall not exceed ten years. Appointments, including extensions, do not carry any expectation of renewal or of conversion to another type of appointment. However, this does not preclude the incumbents from applying to other positions in the Organization • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. • Staff members in this category are recruited locally and paid according to a local salary scale. Salary scales are reviewed periodically on the basis of comprehensive surveys of the best prevailing conditions of employment in the locality. • FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits: package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes: • elements of family-friendly policies • flexible working arrangements • standards of conduct ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ HOW TO APPLY • To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills • Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education: Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ . These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education: (ISCED) mappings . • Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications • Incomplete applications will not be considered • Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application • Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered • Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile • We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date. If you need help, or have queries, please contact: https://fao.service-now.com/csp FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead. Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements: for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager. Summary by Impactpool The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will support the FAO Representation in Abuja, Nigeria, by managing and coordinating technical and operational support for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development programs. The role involves liaising with government authorities and institutions, promoting FAO's mandate, and participating in the development of program proposals and frameworks. The incumbent will also supervise lower-grade staff and ensure adherence to operational procedures. This position requires a strong understanding of local socio-economic conditions and effective communication skills. Candidate Requirements: National of Nigeria Advanced university degree in relevant fields Five years of relevant experience: Working knowledge of English Experience: in programme/project development and management Understanding of technical programme and operational guidelines Experience: in policy analysis related to food and nutrition security Experience: in data collection on food and agriculture Experience: in programme/project proposal preparation Intermediate knowledge of local languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba) desirable Fellowship Master the recruitment process of the impact sector! Become a fellow and gain access to Impactpool's premium material that will boost your career in the impact sector Explore fellowship Show FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that you are interested in them Recruiters from the organization will be able to view your profile, contact you for current & future vacancies and engage you on opportunities that match your skills and interest. Connect with organization Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Abuja National NO-C, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position level Speaks Hausa, Igbo, English, Yoruba Apply