FAO is hiring a Young Professional Officer in Agricultural Biotechnologies in Rome. The P-1 position is open until October 14, 2026.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is recruiting a Young Professional Officer (Agricultural Biotechnologies) for its Office of Innovation in Rome, Italy. The position supports programmes involving agricultural biotechnology, agrifood systems transformation and food security.
Applications close on October 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| Position | Young Professional Officer – Agricultural Biotechnologies |
| Job Number | 2602004 |
| Grade | P-1 |
| Job Type | Staff position |
| Location | Rome, Italy |
| Contract | Fixed-term, 2 years |
| Possible Extension | Yes |
| Posted | September 23, 2026 |
| Deadline | October 14, 2026 |
| Required Languages | English + another FAO official language |
The vacancy is located within FAO’s Office of Innovation (OIN) at FAO headquarters in Rome. The successful candidate reports to the Senior Agricultural Officer and works with relevant innovation teams.
What the Role Involves
The position focuses on supporting the development and implementation of programmes and activities related to agricultural biotechnologies for agrifood systems transformation and food security.
Key responsibilities include:
- Analyzing technical, social, economic, environmental and technology information.
- Maintaining databases and web pages.
- Providing technical support to projects.
- Supporting training materials, workshops and seminars.
- Participating in meetings, consultations and conferences.
- Reviewing information on agricultural biotechnology initiatives globally.
- Assessing gaps, opportunities and possibilities for scaling biotechnology solutions.
- Supporting project implementation, monitoring and reporting.
- Contributing to concept notes and project documents.
- Preparing policy briefs and technical knowledge products.
- Supporting partnerships with governments, research organizations, universities, NGOs and other stakeholders.
- Drafting articles, statements, briefing notes, talking points and key messages.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree or equivalent, in biotechnology or a related field. The vacancy specifically gives examples including agricultural biotechnology, genetics, breeding and genomics, with an applied focus on food security and international development.
At least one year of relevant experience in agrifood biotechnology programmes and projects related to agrifood systems and food security is required.
Applicants also need:
- Proficiency in English.
- Intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish.
- Strong teamwork and communication abilities.
- Results-focused working style.
- Ability to build effective relationships and share knowledge.
Technical Skills
The vacancy identifies several technical areas that can strengthen an application, including:
- Agricultural biotechnology.
- Agrifood systems.
- Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture.
- Food and nutrition.
- Innovation and technology.
- Veterinary sciences.
- Biodiversity conservation.
- Natural resources management.
- Biotechnology policy and regulatory frameworks.
- Biosafety and intellectual property systems.
- R, Stata and Python.
- Bioinformatics and big-data analysis.
- Data visualization.
- Scientific writing and peer-reviewed publications.
- Science communication and stakeholder engagement.
Young Professionals Programme Requirement
Candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of December 31 of the year of application.
FAO states that its Young Professionals Programme is targeted mainly at qualified professionals who are nationals of non- and under-represented countries. Priority consideration is given to candidates from Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and developing countries generally.
Salary and Benefits
The vacancy states that FAO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, but it does not provide a specific salary figure in the job posting.
Depending on eligibility, benefits may include:
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant
- Home leave travel
- 30 working days of annual leave
- Pension fund entitlement
- International health insurance
- Optional life insurance
- Disability protection
- Family-friendly policies
- Flexible working arrangements
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This vacancy combines agricultural biotechnology, food security, international development, scientific research and data analysis. Candidates should pay particular attention to the specific academic degree, relevant experience, language requirements and age requirement before applying.
Experience with R, Stata or Python, scientific publications, biotechnology policy, stakeholder engagement and agrifood systems is specifically identified in the vacancy as relevant technical experience.
How to Apply
Applicants must create or complete their profile through the official FAO recruitment portal. The application should include employment records, academic qualifications and language skills, together with a motivation letter.
Only applications submitted through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
October 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
FAO recommends submitting applications well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAO Young Professional Officer position?
It is a P-1 staff position focused on agricultural biotechnologies and their application to agrifood systems transformation and food security.
Where is the position based?
The position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
How long is the contract?
The position is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension.
What degree is required?
Applicants need a Master’s degree or equivalent in biotechnology or a related field, with an applied focus on food security and international development.
How much experience is required?
At least one year of relevant experience in agrifood biotechnology programmes and projects is required.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. Candidates should be 32 years old or younger as of December 31 of the year of application.
What programming skills are relevant?
The vacancy specifically mentions R, Stata and Python, along with bioinformatics, big-data analysis and data visualization.
When is the application deadline?
The closing date is October 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
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