FAO Regular Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations 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 in initiatives that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda, focusing on transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO believes that everyone can contribute to ending hunger, and through its volunteer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Regular Volunteer Programme, it mobilizes volunteers to support its strategic framework and objectives.

Job Overview:
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme offers individuals the opportunity to contribute their skills and efforts towards the organization's mission of achieving food security and ending hunger. Volunteers will be assigned to tasks relevant to FAO's mission and will report to an assigned supervisor. The role is designed to provide valuable experience in an international and multicultural environment, where volunteers will engage in activities that align with FAO's strategic goals. The expectations for this position include adaptability to diverse cultural settings, effective communication, and a commitment to the values and objectives of FAO. Volunteers will play a crucial role in supporting initiatives aimed at improving nutrition, enhancing food production, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Volunteers will perform various functions as specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office. These responsibilities may include assisting in research, data collection, and analysis related to food security and agricultural practices, supporting outreach and awareness campaigns, participating in community engagement activities, and contributing to the development of reports and presentations. Volunteers are expected to collaborate with FAO staff and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of projects and initiatives. The role may also involve attending meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to FAO's work.

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 and should be at least 18 years old. The ability to adapt to an international multicultural environment and demonstrate good communication skills is essential. Candidates should also exhibit a commitment to FAO's core values, including integrity, respect, and transparency.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. Candidates are encouraged to have relevant academic qualifications that align with the fields of work within FAO, particularly in areas related to agriculture, food security, nutrition, and sustainable development. Additional certifications or training in these areas may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
While specific professional experience is not mandatory, relevant working or research experience in fields related to FAO's mission is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn and contribute to FAO's objectives, and any prior volunteer or internship experience in similar organizations or projects will be beneficial. The role is suitable for individuals looking to gain practical experience in an international setting and contribute to meaningful work in the field of food security and agriculture.

Languages:
A working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered advantageous and may improve a candidate's competitiveness in the selection process. Effective communication skills in the chosen language are essential for collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme does not provide any remuneration to volunteers, and candidates should be aware that FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The organization encourages qualified female applicants, nationals from non- and under-represented member 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 under any contractual arrangement are not eligible for the programme. Applications must be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal, and candidates are advised to complete their profiles accurately and attach necessary documents, including a letter of motivation and academic qualifications.