Organizational Setting The FAO Human Resources Division serves as an enabler for the delivery of objectives set out in the Organization’s Strategic Framework. As a strategic partner, it engages with stakeholders to foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation and continuous development, whilst empowering all employees to contribute their best towards achieving a world free of hunger and malnutrition. The HR Division’s mission is to attract, develop and retain a diverse and highly skilled workforce by providing equitable opportunities and a supportive environment that enables employees to excel as well as foster collaboration and excellence to advance FAO’s mandate.

The position is located in the within the Talent Outreach Team of the Talent Acquisition Branch of the Human Resources Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The Talent Acquisition Branch supports HR transformation and organizational effectiveness by enabling strategic, transparent and merit-based recruitment across the Organization. Through targeted outreach, evidence-based selection, proactive recruitment planning and expert advisory support, the Branch contributes to attract, assess and select high-calibre, diverse and qualified talent aligned with FAO’s mandate, values and evolving operational needs.

Reporting Lines The Young Professional Officer (Talent Outreach and Young Talent Programmes) reports to the Deputy Director, HR Division.

Technical Focus

Support the coordination of talent outreach and of the young talent programmes such as the Young Professional Programme (YPP), the Junior Professional Officers (JPO) Programme and the FAO Global Internship, Volunteers and Fellows Programme (IVF), including United Nations Volunteers (UNV).

Support the management of HR Partnerships in coordination with the Resource Mobilization Division (PSR) and Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) as appropriate.

Key Results

Research, technical analysis and programme/project related services to support the delivery of assigned HR programmes/projects, products and services.

Key Functions

- Analyses relevant technical social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents.

- Maintains records and updates databases and web pages.

- Provides technical support to various projects.

- Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars etc.

- Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

- Supports talent outreach, sourcing activities, and related initiatives by proactively planning recruitment needs, monitoring implementation, and providing strategic advice on selection processes and key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring full compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

- Contributes to the design and implementation of outreach strategies aimed at attracting young talent and enhancing workforce diversity at FAO, in alignment with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and Human Resources Talent Outreach Action Plan.





- Contributes to shaping and delivering innovative young talent acquisition strategies, leveraging creativity, best practices, and emerging approaches to build a diverse, inclusive, agile, and high-performing workforce.

- Serves as the focal point and provides advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on the day-to-day administration and operation of young talent programmes.

- Supports end-to-end recruitment processes for programme participants and supports retention efforts, particularly for JPOs and YPPs, to enhance programme effectiveness and continuity.

- Assists in identifying and supporting strategic partnership opportunities to expand young talent programmes, strengthening collaboration with academic institutions, research bodies, private sector entities, and non-governmental organizations, in line with corporate partnership frameworks.

- Contributes to the continuous evaluation and enhancement of programme delivery, identifying opportunities to strengthen impact, including through targeted learning and development initiatives for young talent.

- Prepares high-quality communications, briefing notes, analytical reports, and data-driven insights, including the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative surveys.

- Supports the resolution of operational issues arising during programme implementation by coordinating with relevant internal services, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and ensuring appropriate follow-up to facilitate smooth delivery.

- Maintains effective communication with stakeholders throughout the programme lifecycle, helping to manage expectations, address recurring questions, and identify opportunities to improve guidance, tools, templates, and standard operating procedures.

- Performs other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources management, business administration, organizational development, industrial psychology or a related field.

- One year of relevant experience in human resources management, such as talent acquisition, talent management, outreach and sourcing.

- Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

- Results Focus

- Teamwork

- Communication

- Building Effective Relationships

- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

- Relevant work experience in more than one location or area of work, including field positions, is desirable





- Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the development and implementation of outreach strategies or contributing to the management of young talent programmes preferably in human resources.

- Familiarity with automated human resources management systems and platforms.

- Demonstrated ability to draft detailed documents and clear concise reports tailored to different audiences.

- Demonstrated ability and relevant experience in analyzing data and information qualitatively and quantitatively.

- An HR professional certification is considered a strong asset

Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative targeted for talented, qualified professionals who are mainly nationals of non- and under- represented countries. Priority consideration will be given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and developing countries in general, to start a career as an international civil servant with FAO.

Job Posting

28/Sep/2026

Closure Date

18/Oct/2026, 4:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit

CSH

Job Type

Staff position

Grade Level

P-1

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

Duration

Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number

TBC

CCOG Code

1A06

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture

- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply

- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values

- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination

- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks

- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

- FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production , better nutrition , a better environment, and a better life , leaving no one behind.

📌 Young Professional Officer (Talent Outreach and Young Talent Programmes) (Roma)
🏢 Fao
📍 Roma