Job Description - Junior Professional Officer (Land Tenure) ) Job Posting 14 May 2026 Closure Date 26 June 2026 9:59 PM Organizational Unit ESP Job Type Staff position – Type of Requisition: APO (Associate Professional Programme) Primary Location Italy – Rome Duration Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extension Post Number TBD IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on the date and time settings of your 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 to Workforce Diversity FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-represented member nations, 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 our values. FAO has a zero‑tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, 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. The incumbent may be re‑assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization. Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) coordinates FAO’s work on land tenure, social protection, gender equality, decent rural employment, rural institutions, people’s empowerment and the right to food (RTF). Through the Land Tenure Team, FAO promotes inclusive, equitable and secure access to land and natural resources to achieve inclusive rural and agri‑food systems transformation. FAO’s work on land tenure and its governance advocates for the realization of the tenure rights of the poor and marginalized at scale. The position is located in Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Reporting Lines The Junior Professional Officer (Land Tenure) will report to the Senior Land Tenure Officer, ESP. Technical Focus The Junior Professional Officer (Land Tenure) will support FAO’s work in support of national and local inclusive land reform processes; in particular: Building capacities of specific stakeholders (women, Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, small farmers and landholders under customary tenure) based on the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT). Knowledge management for mainstreaming VGGT and positioning land tenure for environmental, poverty eradication and rural development initiatives. Key Results Capacity building and knowledge management in support of programme projects, products and services strengthening national and local inclusive land reform processes. Key Functions Collect and analyse relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology‑related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services. Undertake analysis, provide technical input for plans and reports, and edit/revise technical/scientific documents. Participate in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems. Update databases and web pages. Participate in multi‑disciplinary project/work teams. Collaborate in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars. Participate in the organization, conduct and follow‑up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners. Specific Functions Support the implementation of the Land Tenure Team (LTT)’s work plan, in particular with regards to knowledge management and capacity building, guided by the principles of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT), focusing on thematic priority areas including securing tenure rights for women, Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, small farmers and landholders under customary tenure and the thematic priority on Promoting VGGT‑based policies. Contribute to the development of high‑quality training materials and modules, ensuring alignment with project objectives and best practices based on VGGT. Provide technical support in designing content, structure, and implementation of effective trainings at global, regional, or national levels, mainly in support of women, Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, small farmers and landholders under customary tenure. Support capitalization, documentation of good practices, lessons learnt and writing of success stories (and other communication products, as needed). Liaise with FAO country offices and partners for dissemination of articles, training packages, innovative communication products. Candidate Assessment Criteria Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, natural resources economics, rural sociology, business or public administration, a discipline relevant to land tenure and land administration, or a closely related field. Three years of relevant experience in rural development, including knowledge management, capacity building, data. 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). Fluency in Korean and English. Certificate of English language proficiency. Applicants should score a minimum of (i) TOEFL iBT 100 or (ii) TEPS 430 or (iii) IELTS 7 or (iv) TOEIC 900. Not older than 32 years of age as of 31 December 2026 (born on or after 1 January 1994). The maximum age limit for applicants who have completed military service will be extended accordingly: one year will be extended for those who served for less than one year; two years will be extended for those who served for more than one year and less than two years; three years will be extended for those who served for two years or more. Male applicants shall have completed the Korean military service or be exempted from it. Those who will be discharged from military service during the year of application may also apply. Applicants can apply for a maximum of two JPO positions sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea during the year of application. Technical/Functional Skills Previous experience in land tenure is desired. Extent and relevance of experience of at least 2 years in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management. Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Results Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Values and Conduct FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency. FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes elements of family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and standards of conduct. #J-18808-Ljbffr