Young Professional Officer

Job Description
2602214 Job Posting 28/Oct/2026 Closure Date 18/Nov/2026, 10:59:00 PM Organizational Unit : Legal Office, LEG

Job Type
Staff position Type of Requisition : Professional Primary Location Italy-Rome Duration : Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension Post Number : 2008750 CCOG Code : 1G02 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based ondate and time settings ofyour 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 Commitment
* 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
* FAO, 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 discrimination
* All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
* All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
* FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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 Legal Office (LEG) provides authoritative legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues to the Director‑General, units in Headquarters and in the field, the Governing and Statutory Bodies and Members of the Organization. The position is located in the General Legal Affairs Service (LEGA). LEGA provides legal advice to all units of the Organization, and its Governing and Statutory Bodies, on constitutional questions, the interpretation of its Basic Texts, international treaties, internal legal rules and policies, as well as on legal aspects of relations with the Host and other Governments, other international organizations, private sector and other entities, and specific legal aspects of personnel matters. It represents FAO in judicial proceedings and in settlements of disputes. The position is located in the Legal Office (LEG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Reporting Lines The Young Professional Officer (Legal) reports to the designated (Senior) Legal Officer under the overall guidance of the Legal Counsel. Technical Focus Public international law, law of international organizations/constitutional law, international administrative law and contract law. Key Results Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services. Key Functions
* Analyses, from a legal perspective, relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents.
* Maintains records and updates databases and web pages.
* Provides technical support to various projects.
* Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.
* Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners. Specific Functions
* Assists in the Preparation of legal advice on matters related to FAO's operations and status, including on questions related to privileges and immunities of the Organization and that of its personnel, as well as on the conclusion of host country agreements and operational arrangements.
* Assists in the preparation of legal advice on a variety of issues arising from complex contractual arrangements, including for the receipt of voluntary contributions, as well as modalities for collaboration with a variety of partners including the private sector, and the development of innovative modalities to promote FAO's operations and meet unique needs/circumstances supporting delivery of FAO's mandate as appropriate.
* Assists in providing advice on the legal aspects of human resources related matters, including on appeals filed within the internal justice system and the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization, disciplinary processes, policy review and clearance, and other req