FAO is recruiting a Programme Officer (P-2) within the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC): Apply!

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – Programme Officer (P-2), IPPC

Position Overview

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is recruiting a Programme Officer (P-2) within the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

The position is based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, and is offered as a fixed-term appointment of one year, with the possibility of extension. The application deadline is 4 March 2026.

This professional-level role supports global efforts to harmonize phytosanitary measures and advance the implementation of the IPPC Strategic Framework in alignment with FAO’s broader mandate to transform agrifood systems.

Organizational Context

FAO contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The position is located within the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), specifically in the IPPC Secretariat.

The IPPC is an international agreement with 185 contracting parties dedicated to preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. Through international standards adopted by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), the IPPC enhances global food security, protects biodiversity, and facilitates safe trade.

Technical Focus

The Programme Officer will contribute to:

• Harmonization of phytosanitary measures at the global level
• Governance and coordination of the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC)
• Implementation of international standards, guidelines, and recommendations
• Alignment of phytosanitary measures with FAO strategic objectives

Key Responsibilities

Programme and Policy Support

• Conduct research and analysis on programme activities and emerging issues
• Support policy coordination, evaluation functions, and impact assessments
• Collect, analyze, and interpret statistical and qualitative data
• Prepare draft background papers, analytical notes, and report sections

Committee and Secretariat Coordination

• Provide technical and logistical support for IC meetings (held twice annually)
• Coordinate activities of IC subgroups and teams
• Support priority-setting and technical inputs for CPM, Strategic Planning Group, CPM Bureau, and IPPC Secretariat initiatives

Outreach and Capacity Development

• Organize and contribute to workshops, seminars, and training activities
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings
• Develop training tools and information materials
• Support communication and promotion activities aligned with FAO’s Strategic Framework

Budget and Administrative Monitoring

• Monitor programme and project funding activities
• Prepare related documentation, including work programmes and budget reports
• Support resource mobilization efforts

Minimum Requirements

Candidates will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in plant sciences, biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, international relations, or related fields
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in programme or project management, administration, or related areas
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English
• Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)

Core Competencies

FAO seeks candidates who demonstrate:

• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Effective communication
• Relationship-building skills
• Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical and Functional Skills

Desirable qualifications include:

• Experience in multiple duty stations or field-based roles
• Experience in programme formulation, planning, and implementation
• Knowledge of administrative, financial, and budgetary processes
• Familiarity with FAO policies and procedures
• Experience organizing meetings, workshops, and technical events
• Experience drafting and editing technical or scientific documents

Conditions of Service

FAO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package under the UN common system. Eligible benefits may include:

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave
• Pension participation under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance and optional life insurance
• Disability protection

Extension of appointment is subject to performance and availability of funds.

Diversity and Ethical Standards

FAO is committed to workforce diversity across gender, nationality, background, and culture. Qualified female applicants, nationals of underrepresented member countries, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

All staff members are required to uphold FAO’s values of commitment, respect, integrity, and transparency. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal. Applicants are required to:

• Complete an accurate and comprehensive online profile
• Attach a letter of motivation
• Ensure qualifications are from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
• Submit applications before the deadline

Only applications submitted through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Early submission is strongly encouraged.

Conclusion

The Programme Officer (P-2) role within the IPPC Secretariat presents an opportunity for early-career professionals to contribute to global plant health governance, trade facilitation, and food security. By supporting the harmonization of phytosanitary measures and implementation of international standards, the selected candidate will play a meaningful role in advancing sustainable agrifood systems worldwide.

Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
Duty Station: Rome, Italy
Organization: FAO – IPPC Secretariat

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is hiring. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.