FAO Regular Volunteer Programme

FAO Regular Volunteer Programme

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

February 17, 2025August 26, 2025WorldwideMultiple Locations
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) About
To meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified key priorities on which it is best placed to intervene. A comprehensive review of the Organization’s comparative advantages was undertaken which enabled strategic objectives to be set, representing the main areas of work on which FAO will concentrate its efforts in striving to achieve its vision and global goals. An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.
Job Description

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Position Title: FAO volunteer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Regular Volunteer Programme
Location: Multiple locations
Country: Multiple locations
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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, particularly through the transformation of agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme is a key component of this mission, mobilizing volunteers to contribute to these goals and support the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme offers individuals the opportunity to engage in volunteer actions that align with 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 contributing to global efforts in food security and sustainable agriculture. Volunteers will perform tasks as specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office, which may include research, project support, and community engagement activities. The programme aims to leverage the skills and expertise of volunteers to enhance FAO's initiatives and impact in various regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties and responsibilities of the volunteer will be outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by the hiring office. Generally, volunteers may be expected to assist in research activities, support project implementation, engage with local communities, contribute to data collection and analysis, and participate in workshops or training sessions. Volunteers will also be encouraged to share their knowledge and skills with FAO staff and other volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes learning and development. Additionally, volunteers should be prepared to adapt to various tasks as needed to support FAO's mission effectively.

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. Candidates should be nationals of FAO member countries and must be at least 18 years old. Furthermore, candidates should demonstrate the ability to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills. Adherence to FAO's core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing, is essential.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. Candidates are encouraged to have additional qualifications or training relevant to the fields of work within FAO, which may enhance their contributions as volunteers.

Experience:
While specific professional experience is not mandatory, relevant working or research experience in fields related to FAO's mission is highly desirable. This could include experience in agriculture, food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, or community development. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a volunteer capacity.

Languages:
A working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme does not provide any remuneration to volunteers. FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. The organization encourages qualified female applicants, nationals of 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 volunteer programme. Applications must be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal, and candidates are advised to complete their profiles accurately and attach a letter of motivation and copies of academic qualifications.
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