UN Job Alert: FAO Seeks Rural Transformation Consultant – Home-Based Role

Remote Opportunity: Apply by 24 May for the FAO Rural Transformation Specialist Role (Home-Based Consultancy)

Interested in shaping rural development across the Near East and North Africa region? Apply now for the FAO Rural Transformation Specialist (Home-Based) position—Deadline: 24 May 2025.

Background & Job Description

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is inviting qualified individuals to apply for a consultancy opportunity as a Rural Transformation Specialist. This remote role is housed under the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE), which is based in Cairo but serves countries throughout the region.

This consultancy aims to support the Rural Transformation and Inclusive Value Chains (RP1) program, one of FAO’s core initiatives that targets inclusive economic growth, youth employment, and gender equality within rural agricultural systems. The program is a strategic component of FAO’s broader mission to eliminate hunger, ensure food security, and improve nutrition while fostering sustainable agriculture.

The successful applicant will play a key role in enhancing the effectiveness of field projects and regional activities through the development of inclusive value chains, rural employment initiatives, and small-scale agricultural services. The position is home-based, offering flexibility while contributing to high-impact developmental programs.

This is a non-staff consultancy position (Consultant/PSA), with a contract duration of up to 11 months.

Tasks

The Rural Transformation Specialist will work under the general supervision of the Senior Programme Officer/Lead of RP1 and collaborate with both regional and HQ technical teams, including the Rural Transformation and Gender Equality (ESP) division.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the design and implementation of rural transformation activities at both the country and regional levels.

• Developing project proposals, concept notes, and work plans aligned with FAO’s priorities.

• Conducting and contributing to research, technical analysis, and the production of knowledge materials like policy briefs, fact sheets, and reports.

• Coordinating and participating in workshops, regional consultations, and meetings, including drafting background materials and follow-up reports.

• Liaising with country focal points to provide technical assistance for related national programs.

• Compiling and documenting case studies and success stories, highlighting best practices and innovative rural development models.

• Contributing to knowledge-sharing and outreach efforts that strengthen the visibility and impact of FAO’s rural transformation agenda.

• UN Job Alert: FAO Seeks Rural Transformation Consultant – Home-Based Role

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Applicants must hold a university degree in one of the following fields:

• Social sciences

• Agricultural sciences

• Rural development

• Economics

• Or other closely related disciplines

Experience

Minimum years of relevant experience vary depending on the consultancy category:

• 1 year for PSA Category C

• 2 years for Consultant Category C

• 5 years for Consultant Category B

• 10 years for Consultant Category A

Relevant work experience should be in the following areas:

• Rural institutions and services

• Employment and entrepreneurship

• Small-scale agriculture

• Rural youth inclusion, gender equality, and innovation (as cross-cutting themes)

Language Skills

• Fluency in English (working level C) is required.

• Knowledge of Arabic or French is considered a strong asset.

Core Competencies

All candidates will be assessed against FAO’s core competencies:

• Results-oriented approach

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to build effective relationships

• Capacity for knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Desired Technical Skills

• Demonstrated multinational or multi-sectoral experience, ideally within international development or rural transformation contexts.

• Strong ability in data analysis, research, and writing technical publications.

• Experience in coordinating regional development programs, especially with intergovernmental and UN bodies.

• Knowledge of agricultural value chains and inclusive economic development frameworks.

• Familiarity with UN systems or previous experience working with FAO is highly desirable.

Additional Information

• Duty Station: Home-based (Remote)

• Contract Type: Consultant / PSA (Non-staff)

• Duration: Up to 11 months

• Application Deadline: 24 May 2025, 11:59 PM (local time of applicant’s device)

Please note:

• FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

• Only academic degrees recognized by institutions listed in the UNESCO/IAU WHED database will be considered.

• All selected candidates are subject to reference checks, medical certification, and background verifications.

• FAO promotes gender equality, diversity, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Qualified female applicants and nationals of underrepresented Member States are especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

To apply for the position:

1. Visit the official FAO recruitment portal at Jobs at FAO.

2. Create or update your online profile, ensuring that all academic qualifications, employment history, and language skills are accurately listed.

3. Attach a motivational letter to your profile.

4. Submit your application through the system before the deadline.

Please ensure your application is complete, as incomplete profiles will not be considered. Only applications received via the official portal will be accepted.

For application assistance, visit FAO Support Portal.

FAO is a non-smoking environment and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including sexual harassment, abuse, and discrimination. All applications will be handled with strict confidentiality.

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