Junior Food Systems Specialists

Job Description - Junior Food Systems Specialists )Job DescriptionJob Posting: 25/Nov/2025Closure Date: 09/Dec/2025, 10:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: OSGJob Type: Non-staff opportunities - ConsultantPrimary Location: Italy-RomeDuration: From 3 to 11 months (with possibility of extension)Post Number: N/AIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceFAO 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 person 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 valuesFAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, 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 discriminationAll selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.Organizational SettingThe UN Food Systems Summit (hereinafter UNFSS), held during the 2021 UN General Assembly, set the stage for global food systems transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Under the leadership of the Secretary-General, the FSS made it clear that transformative action in food systems is fundamental to achieving the SDGs. As a follow up to the Summit, the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) has committed the UN system to establish a UN Food Systems Coordination Hub (hereafter the Hub) to support countries implementing food system transformation pathways towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. The Hub is hosted by FAO in Rome on behalf of the UN System.The Hub has a coordinating and connector role drawing on the capacities of the UN system and leveraging on the advice and expertise from a wider ecosystem of support, serving countries, by incentivizing existing institutions to deliver on their mandates in a systemic way. Based on this background, the Biennial Work Plan of the Hub is structured along an evolving version of the six key functions adopted for the Work Plan recomposed into five coordination clusters:Landing the Vision - Overarching ClusterPolicy and Governance ClusterScience and Knowledge ClusterStrategic Partnerships and Collaboration ClusterFinance and Investment ClusterIn line with its mandate, the Hub coordinates country-level initiatives to support the implementation of National Pathways. In close collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator Offices and UN Country Teams, the Hub facilitates through a range of flagship programmes technical support to advance the implementation of National Food Systems Transformation Pathways, and strengthen the capacity of National Convenors. The Joint SDG Fund Food Systems Window focuses on the delivery of National Pathway priorities through integrated UN programing, catalyzing innovative solutions, and unlocking larger scale financing and private sector investments, and strengthening the enabling environment (policies, institutions and capacities).Another initiative is the project "Accelerating Food Systems Transformation through a Scalable Success Model" (SSM), financed by the European Union, which strengthens the capacity of national institutions and structures that are driving national food systems transformation processes, contributing to the operationalization and implementation of food systems transformation agendas, as outlined in national pathways or corresponding national strategies and policies.The purpose of this call is to provide the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub with a list of qualified candidates for a number of profiles with different technical specializations as indicated below. The contract can be home based with required travel for field missions.Reporting LinesThe Food Systems Specialists will report to the Senior Programme Policy Officer, Programme Officer, Policy Officer (Food Systems Transformation Strategy), Technical Officer (Science for Food Systems) of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub.Technical FocusThe assignments will support the Hub in delivering its overall workplan with specific focus on updating, operationalizing, integrating, implementing and localizing the National Pathways for food systems transformation, while ensuring effective programme reporting and operations management in coordination with other Hub team members and FAO respective divisions.Tasks and responsibilitiesProject Implementation Support, Reporting and DocumentationDraft meeting agendas and send invitations to UNCTs.Join scheduled meetings, take detailed notes, and circulate minutes.Update and maintain a contact list of country focal points in the project database.Enter country project updates and report submission dates into the database.Flag missing reports or delays and notify relevant team members.Collect and organize country‑level deliverables for review.Prepare summaries of country progress for internal use, create draft templates for project reports under guidance.Format and proofread country reports before submission.Compile data from multiple countries into a consolidated spreadsheet.Assist in preparing donor reports by gathering country updates and checking accuracy.Upload finalized reports and supporting documents to the Hub’s internal archive.Knowledge Management, Events SupportSave knowledge products in the correct folders and ensure proper naming conventions.Support with update the Hub’s internal database with new publications and outputs.Collect new country case studies for inclusion in the publication on National Food Systems Pathways.Prepare short summaries of knowledge products for easy reference.Draft participant lists for multi-stakeholder dialogues and webinars.Prepare logistical checklists for events (venue, invitations, materials).Assist in creating PowerPoint presentations and briefing notes for events.Take notes during webinars and upload recordings to the internal system.Research, Analysis and Capacity BuildingGather basic data on science and innovation initiatives in food systems.Summarize key findings from reports or articles for internal use.Maintain a list of knowledge gaps identified during research activities.Prepare attendance sheets and materials for Young Leadership Programme sessions.Support coordination by sending reminders and follow‑up emails to participants.Collect feedback from participants and compile into a summary report.Draft concept notes, terminal project reports and other documentation related to the projects.Track deadlines for deliverables and send reminders to team members.Prepare and update budget tracking spreadsheets.Support with preparation and monitor contractual arrangements with partners, ensuring compliance with FAO procedures and timely delivery of outputs.Support with budget monitoring, data management, and transaction processing, including the review and preparation of Field Budget Authorizations (FBAs).Assist in reconciling and adjusting accounting entries as needed.Support with activities related to project budget and funding management (preparation and submissions, financial statements, progress reports, etc.).Organize project files and maintain a clear archiving system.Advocacy, Communication and General SupportDraft short success stories for the Hub website under guidance.Collect photos and quotes from country teams for communication materials.Prepare donor briefing notes by compiling workshop outputs.Support bilateral donor engagement by scheduling meetings and preparing talking points.Respond to routine email inquiries from partners and country teams.Keep an updated calendar of project activities and deadlines.Perform any other administrative or coordination tasks as requested.CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGAdvanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in economics, sustainable development, environmental science, international relations, social studies, agriculture or any other closely directly related field. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experienceAt least one year of relevant experience in at least one of the following areas: programme management, programme development, reporting, policy support, partnerships, finance, in the area of sustainable development policy and planningWorking knowledge (level C) of English and at least limited knowledge of another official language of the Organization (Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian)FAO Core CompetenciesKnowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional SkillsKnowledge or some experience working on integrated food systems programming at country, regional or global levelKnowledge or some experience working on resource mobilization strategies, tactics and donor relationsKnowledge or some experience in developing strategic relationships and advocacy positions in various contexts including in fragility settings and middle-income country contextsKnowledge on science-policy research and practice, and innovative finance mechanismsSome field experience in Africa, LAC or Southeast Asia/Pacific IslandsKnowledge about FAO's project cycle management and FAO systems such as FPMIS, IMIS and etcAt least limited knowledge of another official language of the Organization (Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian)Familiarity with the work of FAO or other multilateral organizationsKnowledge of the content of UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and SDG AgendaGood writing skills as can be proved by relevant publications recordPlease note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and TransparencyADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO listPlease 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 will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearancesHOW TO APPLYTo 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 skillsCandidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profileOnce your profile is completed, please apply and submit your applicationPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited or 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 . These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappingsCandidates 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 qualificationsIncomplete applications will not be consideredPersonal 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 applicationOnly applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be consideredYour application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profileWe encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline dateIf you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: