Fellows Programme for FAO Regional/Subregional

Fellows Programme for FAO Regional/Subregional

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

October 1, 2026January 1, 2027Multiple Duty Stations
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 member countries and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to end hunger and improve nutrition and food security, and it believes that everyone can contribute to this goal.

Job Overview:
The Fellows Programme is designed to attract fellows, typically PhD students, researchers, and professors who possess advanced technical knowledge and experience relevant to the fields of the FAO. The programme aims to provide these individuals with opportunities to fulfill their specialized learning objectives while contributing their expertise to FAO's mission. Assignments will align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO's Strategic Framework, supporting the 2030 Agenda through the transformation of agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The fellow will report to an assigned supervisor and will be assigned to various fields of work based on their profile and the organization's needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The fellow will perform functions as specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office. Responsibilities may include conducting research, contributing to projects, and providing technical expertise in areas relevant to FAO's work. The fellow is expected to engage in collaborative efforts with FAO staff and other stakeholders, participate in meetings and discussions, and contribute to the development of reports and publications as needed. The fellow's work will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the objectives outlined in their TOR and their contributions to the organization's goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a graduate or post-graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) or be enrolled in a PhD programme at a recognized educational institution at the time of application. FAO only considers higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of relevant working or research experience in one of the fields of the Organization. A working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required, and knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset. Candidates must also be nationals of FAO Member countries and demonstrate the ability to adapt to an international multicultural environment with strong communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a graduate or post-graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) or be enrolled in a PhD programme at a recognized educational institution. The educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), which is maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO. This ensures that the educational background meets international standards and is recognized globally.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant working or research experience in one of the fields of the Organization is required. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to FAO's mission and objectives. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging in research or practical work that aligns with FAO's focus areas, showcasing their expertise and commitment to the field.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish). Proficiency in a second FAO language is advantageous and will enhance the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate within the organization and with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and candidates from Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are encouraged to apply. Selected candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment prior to joining FAO. Candidates with family members employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement are not eligible for the Fellows Programme. FAO does not provide remuneration to fellows; they must be fully sponsored by an external entity, and the name of the sponsoring institution(s) should be included in the application. Applications must be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
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