Programme Support Specialist

Job Posting: 18/Jun/2026 Closure Date: 02/Jul/2026, 4:59:00 PM Organizational Unit: CSI - Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division 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 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. Organizational Setting

The Information Technology Division (CSI) is responsible for all IT activities within the Organization. CSI performs on behalf of the Organization the following critical roles: defining FAO IT policies and providing strategic advice on IT architecture and standards, governance, policy and operational matters while monitoring organizational compliance; defining the mechanisms for managing FAO's information and data; protecting FAO's information assets and ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability; ensuring provision of IT services that are core for the Organization's global operations and supporting the information and business processes; coordinating organization-wide IT activities in order to reduce duplication and fragmentation and to increase integration of information data, systems and platforms, mobilizing IT resources from across the Organization.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the Information Technology Officer (IT Strategic Sourcing, Planning \& Control group), the incumbent will act as Programme Support Specialist.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide programme support and, where needed, coordination to the operations of the IT Strategic Sourcing, Planning \& Control group of the IT Division.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide timely and efficient operations, budget and administration support to the implementation of programme and projects activities, coordinating the activities in this area
• Develop financial statements functional to management meetings allowing strategic decisions, , suggesting possible improvements where needed
• Coordinate the Annual internal financial planning exercise, in close collaboration with the related ITSSPC Officer
• Assist related ITSSPC officer in the preparation of periodic and ad hoc financial reports
• Coordinate the development and update of reports covering all IT Planning and Control group areas and important reviews of the internal financial system, both using also Powerbi tool
• Implement effective internal control mechanisms to ensure adequate performance of a client-oriented financial management system
• Support in handling procurement activities and processes in line with divisional and organizational needs
• Monitor projects plans, delivery and resource schedules
• Coordinate internal financial activities, accounting adjustments and back-charges as necessary, review payment requests and invoices from suppliers
• Provide reports on the administrative activities performed
• Actively contribute to service definitions and internal process and procedures improvements
• Liaise with relevant collaborating departments on matters related to contracts, payments and financial activities
• Contribute to other programme support, financial related and sourcing processes
• Perform any other duties as required.

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 Management, Law, Social science, International relations or closely related discipline; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.

For PSAs:

University degree or relevant professional experience in Management, Law, Social science, International relations or closely related discipline.

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in programme support, administrative and/or ICT Contracts area
• Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience and knowledge in programme support, administration and financial support area
• Experience and knowledge in ICT area is an asset
• Experience in an international/ multicultural organization is desirable
• Knowledge of FAO Administrative and Financial Rules is desirable
• Knowledge of FAO associated tools (e.g. GRMS, iMIS) is desirable
• Knowledge of Ms Excel and Powerbi is a strong asset
• Relevant experience in similar support related position
• Knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages is an 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.

• 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

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT