Job Description - Project Management Specialist ) Job Description CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : Project Management Specialist Job Posting 07/May/2026 Closure Date 28/May/2026, 9:59:00 PM Organizational Unit : OSL Job Type Non-staff opportunities Type of Requisition : Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement) Primary Location Italy-Rome 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 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 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 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 Office of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) (OSL) coordinates activities to address and meet the special needs of these vulnerable populations and countries by strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and policy planning processes, facilitating experience sharing and cooperation in the design of high-impact programmes. Reporting Lines Selected applicants will report to the OSL Senior Programme Officer, working in close coordination with the component leads and under the overall guidance of the Director, OSL. Technical Focus Implementation of the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Trust Fund Project for SIDS “Enhancing technical and innovative capacity to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems in SIDS”. Tasks and Responsibilities Ensure compliance with the planning, monitoring and evaluation requirements established in this project, based on the effective participation, initiatives and commitments of the participants. Lead the execution processes of the project outputs under the established objectives framework. Develop coordination processes with the component leads, project taskforce, FAO Subregional offices, government/partner entities of the project. Prepare Annual Operational Plans, with their respective budgets, and relevant analytical reports. Prepare technical notes on the actions taken, the lessons learned and the results achieved within the framework of the project to develop visibility actions. Guarantee the formulation, execution and evaluation of the workplan for the three components of the project, as needed. Supervise the organization and preparation of virtual meetings, training events, basic studies and participatory workshops related to the different components of the project. Support the verification and evaluation of the progress of budget execution according to efficiency indicators. Support the preparation of annual reports and a final consultancy report, indicating the objectives, scope, activities carried out, limitations found, lessons learned, conclusions and recommendations, including the corresponding working documents. Identify, assess and liaise with relevant Chinese institutions, research centres and technical experts to support targeted interventions across project components; facilitate initial engagement, support component leads in establishing technical collaborations, and contribute to building sustainable partnerships under the FAO-China South-South Cooperation framework. In collaboration with component leads, guide and support Chinese experts with project activities, ensuring alignment with component needs and facilitating effective knowledge transfer and collaboration, including coordination of study tours of beneficiaries to China. Where relevant, participate in events to promote coordination and the exchange of experiences on the topics of the project. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural sciences, business administration, rural development, economics, food and nutrition security, project management or other related fields. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. For PSA: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural sciences, business administration, rural development, economics, food and nutrition security, project management or other related fields. Minimum experience of 5 years in the area of food and nutritional security or regional development in SIDS, as well as in the management and advocacy for institutionalization processes with public and/or private sector institutions, of which 4 years should be in projects financed with international cooperation resources, leading work with multidisciplinary teams, participatory processes and articulation with multiple actors. Working knowledge (level C) of English or another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). FAO Core Competencies Technical/Functional Skills Experience in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of projects and programs for food security, family farming and/or rural development through South-South cooperation is desirable. Experience in institutionalization and advocacy processes for food security and nutrition management through highly recognized methodological strategies and processes. General knowledge in technical and administrative aspects for project management. Ability to apply participatory methodologies and tools. Knowledge of Chinese is an asset. Selection Criteria Ability to plan proactively, guide and follow up on the work of others and work under pressure on multiple tasks simultaneously and within tight deadlines. 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 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. Applicants are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile. Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application. 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 which 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr