FAO Regular Volunteer Programme

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 over 195 member countries and operates in more than 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, malnutrition, and food insecurity, and it actively engages volunteers to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda through the transformation of agri-food systems.

Job Overview:
The FAO volunteer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Regular Volunteer Programme offers individuals the opportunity to contribute their volunteer actions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO's Strategic Framework. Volunteers will be assigned to fields relevant to FAO's mission and will report to an assigned supervisor. The role is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the areas of food security and sustainable agriculture. Volunteers will engage in various tasks that align with FAO's objectives, which include improving production, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. This position is ideal for those looking to gain experience in international development and contribute to meaningful change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Volunteers will perform functions as specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office. Responsibilities may include assisting in research, data collection, and analysis related to food security and agricultural practices. Volunteers may also support outreach efforts, participate in workshops, and help in the implementation of projects aimed at improving food systems. The specific duties will vary based on the needs of the organization and the skills of the volunteer, but all tasks will contribute to FAO's mission of ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education and possess a working knowledge of at least one FAO language, which includes Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of FAO member countries, be aged 18 or older, and demonstrate the ability to adapt to an international multicultural environment. Good communication skills are essential, and candidates should be committed to FAO's core values of integrity, respect, and commitment.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. Candidates with higher educational qualifications may be viewed favorably, especially if their studies are relevant to the fields of agriculture, food security, or international development.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, relevant working or research experience in fields related to FAO's mission will be considered beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn and contribute to FAO's objectives, and any experience in volunteer work or community service will be advantageous.

Languages:
A working knowledge of at least one FAO language is mandatory, with a second FAO language being a plus. The languages include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme does not provide any remuneration to volunteers. Candidates are encouraged to apply without any recruitment fees at any stage of the process. The organization promotes diversity and encourages qualified female applicants, nationals from under-represented countries, and candidates from Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 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 are not eligible for this programme. Applications must be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal, and incomplete applications will not be considered.