Job Description

2602214

Job Posting

28/Oct/2026

Closure Date

18/Nov/2026, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: Legal Office, LEG

Job Type

Staff position

Type of Requisition: Professional

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

Duration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number: 2008750

CCOG Code: 1G02

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

FAO Commitment

- 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.

Organizational Setting

The Legal Office (LEG) provides authoritative legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues to the Director‑General, units in Headquarters and in the field, the Governing and Statutory Bodies and Members of the Organization. The position is located in the General Legal Affairs Service (LEGA). LEGA provides legal advice to all units of the Organization, and its Governing and Statutory Bodies, on constitutional questions, the interpretation of its Basic Texts, international treaties, internal legal rules and policies, as well as on legal aspects of relations with the Host and other Governments, other international organizations, private sector and other entities, and specific legal aspects of personnel matters. It represents FAO in judicial proceedings and in settlements of disputes.

The position is located in the Legal Office (LEG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Young Professional Officer (Legal) reports to the designated (Senior)



Legal Officer under the overall guidance of the Legal Counsel.

Technical Focus

Public international law, law of international organizations/constitutional law, international administrative law and contract law.

Key Results

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

Key Functions

- Analyses, from a legal perspective, 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

- Assists in the Preparation of legal advice on matters related to FAO's operations and status, including on questions related to privileges and immunities of the Organization and that of its personnel, as well as on the conclusion of host country agreements and operational arrangements.
- Assists in the preparation of legal advice on a variety of issues arising from complex contractual arrangements, including for the receipt of voluntary contributions, as well as modalities for collaboration with a variety of partners including the private sector, and the development of innovative modalities to promote FAO's operations and meet unique needs/circumstances supporting delivery of FAO's mandate as appropriate.
- Assists in providing advice on the legal aspects of human resources related matters, including on appeals filed within the internal justice system and the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization, disciplinary processes, policy review and clearance, and other requests as required.
- Assists in the preparation of legal advice on matters linked to FAO Governing and Statutory Bodies, prepares relevant documentation and consults with counterparts in other United Nations Specialized Agencies and other relevant entities as appropriate.
- Provides legal support in the delivery of legal activities, services and products pertaining to the Organization’s mandate in support of the FAO Strategic Objectives, Regional Initiatives, and related Delivery Mechanisms, including alignment with the Organization’s Policy on Gender Equality.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING





- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law.
- One year of relevant experience in public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law and contract law.
- 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).

Technical/Functional Skills

- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
- Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an advantage.
- Extent and relevance of experience in providing legal advice on issues of public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law and contracts, preferably in an international setting.
- Extent of knowledge of the United Nations system, and the work of a legal office of an intergovernmental organization.
- Admission to practice law in a national jurisdiction is an advantage.
- Ability to carry out legal research and analysis.
- Extent and relevance of experience in drafting, reviewing and advising on legal texts and issues.

NB. 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.

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

FAO Workplace Policies

- elements of family-friendly policies
- flexible working arrangements
- standards of conduct

GENERAL INFORMATION

- Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
- FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp

Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant for children
- Home leave travel
- 30 working days of annual leave per year
- Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- International health insurance; optional life insurance
- Disability protection

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📌 Young Professional Officer (Legal) (Roma)
🏢 Fao
📍 Roma