Job Posting: 29/Apr/2026
Closure Date: 20/May/2026, 4:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: PSUI - Indigenous Peoples Unit
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Italy-Rome
Duration: Up to 11 months, with a 3-month probation period, on a WAE basis
Post Number: N/A
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- 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 person 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’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 Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) is FAO’s hub to ensure rights-based and sustainable development for all, leaving no one behind. We build transformative partnerships and proactively engage with key stakeholders, including family farmers, Indigenous Peoples, parliamentarians, academia, research institutions, UN organizations and civil society. We drive a people-centered approach through technical support, capacity development, policy advice and inclusive dialogue.
Within the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), the Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI) provides technical support to Indigenous Peoples and ensures the implementation of the FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples at FAO corporate level by liaising with regional and country focal points as well as with other technical divisions in FAO. PSUI works with Indigenous Peoples towards achieving FAO's mandate of freeing the world from hunger and malnutrition, under the overarching frameworks of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.
The Indigenous Peoples Unit has three main objectives: 1. Implement the FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples; 2. Provide technical advice to other FAO technical divisions in integrating Indigenous Peoples’ issues into their work; 3. Advocate, Influence key policy processes and open spaces of dialogue between decision makers and Indigenous Peoples within FAO’s mandate. In this context, FAO), through the Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI) within the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), is committed to ensuring the full implementation of the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention 169. FPIC is a fundamental right of Indigenous Peoples, supporting their participation in decisions that affect their rights, resources, and territories. It is integral to ensure inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable outcomes in all FAO activities.
The incumbent will work with Indigenous Peoples within the seven pillars of work and two focus areas, providing technical insights into the work of FAO across technical divisions.
The seven pillars of work are: 1 - Indigenous Peoples’ food systems; 2 - Free, Prior and Informed consent; 3 - Advocacy and capacity development; 4 - Indicators for food security; 5 - Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge and climate change; 6 - Governance of natural resources – collective rights and VGGT; 7 - Coordination. The two areas of work are: 1 - Indigenous Women; 2 - Indigenous Youth.
Reporting Lines
The specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the PSUI Unit, the Coordinator of the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems, the Technical Officer of FPIC and the Indigenous Youth coordinator, as appropriate, in close collaboration with the members of the Indigenous Peoples Unit, other Units within PSU, and in coordination with other FAO technical units. If/when activities are carried out at country level, the specialist will be required to work in close collaboration with the FAO Representation in the relevant country of assignment, as well as the relevant FAO regional office.
Technical Focus
Work with Indigenous Peoples within the seven pillars of work and two focus areas, providing technical insights into the work of FAO across technical divisions.
Establishment of strategic partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations; Advocate, influence key policy processes and open spaces of dialogue between decision makers and Indigenous Peoples within FAO´s mandate
Tasks and responsibilities
In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:
- Contribute to the drafting, production and issuance of published PSUI briefs, web stories, and newsletter editions.
- Prepare stories, press notes, and other communication materials in relation to PSUI work.
- Undertake basic layout work for side event flyers, save the dates and other basic layout work in relation to PSUI.
- Update the PSUI website in terms of text and content, also implementing any web design changes.
- Coordinate with graphic designer for graphics and layout related to any publications produced by PSUI.
- Support in the creation and implementation of the 2026-2027 PSUI Advocacy Plan centred on the 2027 CFS discussions on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems.
- Support in creating a visual identity for PSUI advocacy products.
- Contribute to the development of outreach materials for resource mobilization.
- Writing and dissemination of advocacy material for the UN Global Indigenous Youth Forum (UNGIYF), for the in-person meetings of the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems and for the activities connected to the Global Programme on Indigenous Peoples’ Biocentric Restoration.
- Manage the PSUI social media presence creating content for its X profile and for other social media managed by OCC.
- Create content for internal communication purposes (intranet, FAO screens, mailing lists).
- Coordinate the production of videos related to PSUI work and their publication on FAO YouTube and its webpages.
- Lead and coordinate the drafting and circulation of the PSUI Annual Report of activities.
- Support to managing the content of the HOPE room in the FAO Museum.
- Monitor outreach performance, including web analytics and social media engagement, and prepare periodic reports.
- Support the organization of events, webinars and engagement activities with partners and stakeholders.
- Gather content from the field, including from FAO projects, and contribute to the preparation of news items, short articles and multimedia content.
- Support the analysis and make recommendations for relevant projects and programmes submitted to PSUI by the FAO Programme and Project Review Committee.
FAO Standards and guidelines:
- Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
- All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
- Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communication, development studies, environmental science, social sciences, anthropology, development studies, human rights, or any field related to FAO's mandate. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs: University or technical degree/certificate in communication, development studies, environmental science, social sciences, anthropology, development studies, human rights, or any field related to FAO's mandate.
- At least one year of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to outreach and programming in food and agriculture.
- Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish Arabic, Chinese or Russian
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work
- Work experience in the field with Indigenous Peoples
- Excellent analytical and conceptual skills
- Indigenous Peoples and cross-cultural competency
- Experience of research with Indigenous Peoples
- Strong command of digital communications tools and platforms, including content management systems, social media management tools, email marketing platforms, and campaign analytics tools.
- Experience in data and Indigenous Peoples
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a multicultural, multilingual environment.
- Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships
- Experience with Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, Indigenous Women, Indigenous Youth, seeds, geospatial work, project implementation, programme design and policy work would be an asset.
- Strong attention to detail, critical thinker, strong work ethic, and positive attitude while routinely exercising sound judgment.
- Experience in FPIC with Indigenous Peoples would be a requirement for specific consultants on FPIC matters.
- Ability to work and write in at least two UN official languages would be a strong asset.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
- For more information, visit the FAO employment website
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
- To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
- Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
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Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
- Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
- Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
- We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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