About the Organization
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) stands as a cornerstone of international development, committed to the fundamental belief that food security is a human right. Established with the mandate to eradicate hunger, FAO works tirelessly to ensure that all people, regardless of their location or status, have consistent access to high-quality, nutritious food. By integrating scientific expertise with policy-level intervention, the organization transforms global agrifood systems to become more efficient, resilient, and inclusive for future generations.
Operating across 130 countries, FAO’s mission is centered on the “Four Betters”: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life. This strategic framework serves as a roadmap for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The organization doesn’t just provide aid; it builds the capacity of nations to manage their natural resources sustainably, protecting biodiversity while enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations who are often most vulnerable to climate change and economic instability.
In the African context, the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and the Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE) play a critical role in addressing the continent’s unique agricultural challenges. From managing transboundary animal diseases to coordinating regional responses to food crises, these offices serve as the bridge between global knowledge and local action. Working at FAO means being part of a legacy that has shaped international food policy for decades, contributing to a world where “leaving no one behind” is a tangible goal rather than just a slogan.
Professional growth at FAO is supported by a vibrant, multicultural environment that encourages multidisciplinary collaboration. Employees are given the platform to lead high-stakes initiatives, engage with heads of state and regional bodies like the African Union, and participate in continuous learning programs. The organization fosters a culture of innovation where technology and traditional knowledge are blended to create sustainable solutions for the global food system, offering a career path defined by meaningful global impact and leadership excellence.
FAO is deeply committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the members it serves. We believe that inclusive teams drive better results and foster a more creative and equitable workplace. We strictly adhere to a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination, harassment, and abuse of authority. By prioritizing equity, we ensure that every staff member can contribute their unique perspective toward our shared goal of a sustainable world.
In alignment with our values of diversity and inclusion, FAO explicitly encourages qualified women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from under-represented or non-represented member nations to apply. We are dedicated to increasing female representation at all levels of the organization and offer family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements to support a diverse and thriving workforce.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The roles currently open within the Eastern Africa subregion are of paramount importance to the stability and growth of the region’s agrifood systems. These positions are not merely administrative or technical assignments; they are strategic leadership functions that influence the lives of millions. By coordinating pandemic preparedness or leading subregional strategy, the successful candidates will be at the heart of FAO’s response to food insecurity, climate change, and transboundary health threats.
For the Subregional Coordinator, the impact is felt through high-level diplomatic engagement and the alignment of national priorities with international standards. This role ensures that Eastern Africa has a powerful voice in global forums and that FAO’s technical expertise is funneled directly into the most critical regional initiatives. The strategic weight of this position lies in its ability to mobilize resources and forge partnerships that sustain long-term agricultural development.
For the Project Coordinator, the “day-in-the-life” involves a dynamic blend of technical oversight and partner coordination. By managing the HARMONIZE project, the incumbent directly contributes to the prevention of future pandemics through a “One Health” lens. This role bridges the gap between animal health and human safety, creating a safer environment for communities across Africa and establishing standardized health networks that will serve the continent for years to come.
Career development in these roles is unparalleled, offering exposure to the United Nations’ Management and Accountability System and the chance to lead complex, multi-country projects. Professionals in these positions gain deep insights into the workings of international financial institutions and global funding mechanisms. The experience of managing multidisciplinary teams in a high-stakes environment prepares individuals for the highest levels of international civil service and strategic management.
Ultimately, the impact of these roles is measured in the resilience of the communities FAO serves. Whether it is through securing funding for a new climate adaptation project or successfully coordinating a regional response to a livestock disease outbreak, these professionals are the architects of a more secure food future. Joining this team means taking on a responsibility that transcends borders and contributes to a lasting legacy of food security and health across Eastern Africa.
Job Positions and Requirements
Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa
Educational Qualification: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of agriculture, fishery, forestry, or international relations from an institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Work Experience: Minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant professional experience in development issues and management, including resource mobilization and familiarity with international financial institutions (IFIs).
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (covering Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda)
Salary: Competitive UN D-1 Grade Level (Per Scale)
No. Required: 1
Project Coordinator (AU-CDC HARMONIZE)
Educational Qualification: Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Veterinary medicine, animal science, One Health, Epidemiology, or biomedical sciences. (A Bachelor’s degree may be accepted with two additional years of experience).
Work Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in the management of multisectoral, multi-country projects using the One Health approach.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Consultant Level)
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
FAO provides stable and growth-oriented employment opportunities designed to attract and retain the world’s leading experts. The Subregional Coordinator position is a staff appointment offered on a fixed-term basis for two years, with a strong possibility of extension subject to performance. This provides a clear professional trajectory within the UN system, complete with the security and benefits associated with international civil service. The Project Coordinator role is offered as a consultancy for 11 months, providing a focused and high-impact opportunity to lead a critical regional initiative.
The compensation packages are designed to be globally competitive and reflective of the high level of expertise required. Beyond the base salary, FAO offers a comprehensive suite of benefits including dependency allowances, rental subsidies, and education grants for children. Staff members are also entitled to home leave travel, 30 working days of annual leave per year, and participation in the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund. These benefits ensure that our team can focus on their mission while their personal and family well-being is fully supported.
Our commitment to a positive workplace culture means that compensation goes beyond financial rewards. We provide international health insurance and disability protection to ensure long-term security. Furthermore, FAO’s investment in its employees includes access to global networks, professional training, and the opportunity to work in a high-tech, environmentally conscious office environment that prioritizes sustainability and professional excellence.
How to Apply
The application process at FAO is designed to be accessible and straightforward, focusing on the professional merits and qualifications of the candidates. During the initial application phase, we strictly follow a “No Scans” policy. Interested applicants are not required to provide scanned versions of their educational certificates, identification documents, or other physical attachments. Your online profile and motivation letter serve as the primary documents for our preliminary review.
Verification of your professional and academic background is a critical step, but it is reserved for the later stages of the recruitment process. Only those candidates who progress to the interview stage will be asked to provide original documents for physical verification. This includes academic degrees, which must be from institutions recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED), and performance assessments from previous employers.
Please be aware that due to the high volume of applications we receive, only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within a reasonable timeframe after the deadline, you should assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We thank all applicants for their interest in contributing to the mission of FAO.
Once the application deadline passes, our recruitment committee will conduct a rigorous screening based on the information provided in your online profile. This process is thorough and ensures that all candidates are assessed fairly against the minimum requirements and core competencies. Following this, selected candidates will be invited for assessment tests or interviews as part of the final selection phase.
Interested candidates should submit their application via the official FAO recruitment portal as the primary channel. Please ensure your online profile is complete and accurate before submission.
Application Deadline
May 22, 2026 (For Subregional Coordinator) / May 16, 2026 (For Project Coordinator)
Official Application Link / Contact
Subregional Coordinator: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2600900
Project Coordinator: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2600905