FAO Jobs 2026: Junior Programme Support Specialist Opportunity at FAO

FAO Jobs 2026: Junior Programme Support Specialist is an opportunity for early-career professionals to gain international development experience with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The role supports programme planning, coordination, monitoring and reporting activities within FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

The FAO Jobs 2026: Junior Programme Support Specialist opportunity offers qualified candidates a chance to contribute to global food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development initiatives through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

FAO works to transform agrifood systems and support countries in achieving better production, improved nutrition, environmental sustainability and stronger livelihoods. Through its Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, FAO implements programmes and projects focused on food security, agricultural development and regional cooperation.

The Junior Programme Support Specialist position is located within FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and provides support to programme coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities.

The role is suitable for candidates interested in:

United Nations careers.
International development opportunities.
Programme management careers.
Agriculture and food security programmes.
Monitoring and reporting roles.

The selected consultant will work closely with programme officers and technical teams to support the delivery of FAO regional initiatives.

This is a non-staff consultancy opportunity under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) arrangement with a duration of up to 11 months.

Tasks

The Junior Programme Support Specialist will assist with programme coordination and operational activities.

Key responsibilities include:

Supporting regional programme planning processes.
Assisting with preparation and review of regional work programmes.
Supporting implementation of FAO Strategic Framework activities.
Preparing programme reports and background documents.
Assisting with budget management activities.
Using FAO systems for programme monitoring and reporting.
Supporting corporate reporting exercises.
Providing administrative and logistical assistance for meetings, workshops and events.
Preparing meeting notes and documentation when required.

The role will also involve supporting teams with:

Programme implementation tracking.
Project coordination activities.
Monitoring progress against planned outputs.
Preparing information for decision-making.
Organising technical meetings and programme activities.

The position requires someone who can work effectively with different teams and support multiple programme priorities.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Applicants for the FAO Junior Programme Support Specialist Job 2026 must meet the following education requirements:

An advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO.

Relevant fields include:

Social sciences.
Economics.
Agricultural sciences.
Environmental sciences.
Development studies.
Other disciplines related to FAO’s work.

A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be considered equivalent.

Applicants should have academic knowledge related to programme support, international development, agriculture, environmental issues or related areas.

Experience

Candidates must have:

At least one year of relevant professional experience.

Experience should relate to:

Programme coordination.
Monitoring and reporting.
Supporting multidisciplinary activities.
International organisations.
Technical projects or programmes.

Applicants with experience in the following areas will be highly competitive:

Programme planning.
Project proposal development.
Programme implementation support.
Monitoring systems.
Reporting processes.
United Nations or FAO programme procedures.

Experience working in different locations or field environments is considered an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

FAO is looking for candidates who demonstrate strong professional abilities, including:

Programme Management Skills

Understanding of programme planning processes.
Ability to support project coordination.
Knowledge of monitoring and reporting procedures.
Ability to prepare professional reports and documents.

Communication Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work with multicultural teams.
Ability to share information effectively.

FAO Core Competencies

Candidates will be assessed based on:

Results Focus.
Teamwork.
Communication.
Building Effective Relationships.
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.

Additional Information

Position Details

Organisation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Position: Junior Programme Support Specialist
Job Type: Consultant / Personal Services Agreement (PSA)
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Duration: Up to 11 months
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026

Language Requirements

Applicants must have:

Working knowledge of English.

Knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must apply through the FAO recruitment portal and complete an online profile.

Applicants should provide:

Updated employment history.
Academic qualifications.
Language skills.
Letter of motivation.

Candidates are encouraged to ensure their application profile is complete before submission, as applications are evaluated based on the information provided.

Why Apply for FAO Jobs 2026?

The FAO Junior Programme Support Specialist opportunity provides valuable exposure to international development operations and United Nations programme management.

Successful candidates can gain experience in:

International programme coordination.
Food security initiatives.
Agricultural development projects.
UN operational systems.
Regional cooperation programmes.

This role can be particularly valuable for early-career professionals seeking to build careers in international organisations, development agencies and global sustainability initiatives.

FAO encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, background or culture. The organisation also promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce.

Applicants should note that FAO does not charge any fees during recruitment, interviews or appointment processes.

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