FAO Job Vacancy 2026: Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa – Addis Ababa
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, ET
Role description
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting qualified senior-level professionals to apply for the position of Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The successful candidate will lead FAO's subregional programmes, coordinate strategic initiatives on food security and sustainable agrifood systems, manage office resources, and strengthen partnerships with governments, international organizations, donors, and development partners.
Ethiopian job market
This is a senior-level, international leadership opportunity for experienced professionals with a strong background in agriculture, development management, resource mobilization, and international partnerships.
Job Overview
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Position: Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa Job Reference: 2602140 Post Number: 1077112 Job Grade: D-1 Job Category: UN Jobs / International Development Jobs Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Job Type: Staff Position Contract Duration: Two-year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of extension Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) Experience: At least 12 years of relevant professional experience Language Requirements: Proficient English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language Application Opens: October 15, 2026 Application Deadline: November 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM (as displayed in the vacancy notice; applicants should confirm the applicable time zone on the official portal)
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized UN agency working to achieve food security and improve nutrition, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. FAO supports the transformation of agrifood systems to make them more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
The Subregional Office for Eastern Africa is based in Addis Ababa and covers Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda. The Subregional Coordinator also serves as FAO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Ethiopian job market
Job Summary
The Subregional Coordinator will lead FAO's strategic planning, programme development, implementation, and oversight across Eastern Africa. The role involves addressing regional priorities in food security, nutrition, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, natural resource management, climate change, and rural development.
Reporting to the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, the Coordinator will lead multidisciplinary technical teams, provide functional guidance to FAO Representatives in the subregion, mobilize resources, manage human and financial resources, and strengthen collaboration with governments, UN entities, regional institutions, donors, and other partners.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Strategic Planning and Programme Development
Lead analysis and dialogue on subregional development priorities and develop strategies aligned with FAO's Strategic Framework. Ensure FAO's priorities are reflected in regional policies and relevant UN planning and programming frameworks. Support the preparation of Country Programming Frameworks and related programmes and projects across the subregion. Lead resource mobilization efforts and make effective use of expertise across FAO's decentralized offices.
2. Programme Implementation and Monitoring
Support countries in addressing food insecurity, malnutrition, hunger, and inequality. Coordinate the implementation of FAO programmes and projects in collaboration with technical divisions and units. Ensure programme delivery follows approved work plans, budgets, corporate policies, and procedures. Monitor implementation and prepare regular reports on subregional programmes.
3. Knowledge Management and Policy Dialogue
Lead or support policy dialogue on issues within FAO's mandate. Facilitate access to FAO knowledge resources and technical expertise. Promote knowledge sharing among governments, institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders.
4. Human and Financial Resource Management
Lead and manage the Subregional Office to ensure effective use of human and financial resources. Oversee staff security and safety arrangements in accordance with applicable UN and FAO policies. Promote environmental sustainability and implementation of FAO's corporate environmental policies.
5. Partnerships and Representation
Build and maintain partnerships with governments, donors, civil society organizations, academia, NGOs, UN agencies, and international institutions. Represent FAO in relevant subregional forums and engage with the African Union and UNECA. Promote FAO's policy priorities and strengthen public awareness through strategic communication. Support coordinated UN communication and collaboration across the subregion.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education
Applicants must have an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one of the following fields:
Agriculture Fishery Forestry International Relations
Higher educational qualifications must meet FAO's accreditation and recognition requirements.
Professional Experience
At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in development issues and management. Experience in resource mobilization, particularly involving international financial institutions, global funding mechanisms for agriculture and the environment, and private-sector or blended-finance approaches. Extensive managerial and professional experience in areas related to FAO's mandate. Experience in development or humanitarian work, preferably including professional experience in Africa.
Leadership and Partnership Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
Strong strategic and intellectual leadership. Proven managerial and organizational capabilities. Experience working with intergovernmental and international organizations, national governments, donors, technical partners, private-sector entities, civil society organizations, and community groups. Effective partnership development, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver results in an international environment.
Language Requirements
English: Working knowledge at Proficient level (C). One additional FAO language: Limited knowledge at Intermediate level (B) in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish.
Leadership Competencies
FAO will assess candidates on the following competencies:
Results focus Leading, engaging, and empowering others Communication Partnering and advocating Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement Strategic thinking
Salary and Benefits
FAO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Depending on eligibility, benefits may include:
Dependency allowances Rental subsidy Education grant for children Home leave travel 30 working days of annual leave per year Pension entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund International health insurance and optional life insurance Disability protection
Appointments are subject to applicable medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, security clearances, and other FAO employment conditions.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
FAO is committed to workforce diversity, inclusion, integrity, and professional conduct. Qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and underrepresented Member Nations, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
FAO does not appoint individuals as FAO Representatives in their own country or countries of nationality. All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.
Ethiopian job market
This is a senior-level, international leadership opportunity for experienced professionals with a strong background in agriculture, development management, resource mobilization, and international partnerships.
Job Overview
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Position: Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa Job Reference: 2602140 Post Number: 1077112 Job Grade: D-1 Job Category: UN Jobs / International Development Jobs Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Job Type: Staff Position Contract Duration: Two-year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of extension Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) Experience: At least 12 years of relevant professional experience Language Requirements: Proficient English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language Application Opens: October 15, 2026 Application Deadline: November 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM (as displayed in the vacancy notice; applicants should confirm the applicable time zone on the official portal)
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized UN agency working to achieve food security and improve nutrition, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. FAO supports the transformation of agrifood systems to make them more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
The Subregional Office for Eastern Africa is based in Addis Ababa and covers Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda. The Subregional Coordinator also serves as FAO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Ethiopian job market
Job Summary
The Subregional Coordinator will lead FAO's strategic planning, programme development, implementation, and oversight across Eastern Africa. The role involves addressing regional priorities in food security, nutrition, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, natural resource management, climate change, and rural development.
Reporting to the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, the Coordinator will lead multidisciplinary technical teams, provide functional guidance to FAO Representatives in the subregion, mobilize resources, manage human and financial resources, and strengthen collaboration with governments, UN entities, regional institutions, donors, and other partners.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Strategic Planning and Programme Development
Lead analysis and dialogue on subregional development priorities and develop strategies aligned with FAO's Strategic Framework. Ensure FAO's priorities are reflected in regional policies and relevant UN planning and programming frameworks. Support the preparation of Country Programming Frameworks and related programmes and projects across the subregion. Lead resource mobilization efforts and make effective use of expertise across FAO's decentralized offices.
2. Programme Implementation and Monitoring
Support countries in addressing food insecurity, malnutrition, hunger, and inequality. Coordinate the implementation of FAO programmes and projects in collaboration with technical divisions and units. Ensure programme delivery follows approved work plans, budgets, corporate policies, and procedures. Monitor implementation and prepare regular reports on subregional programmes.
3. Knowledge Management and Policy Dialogue
Lead or support policy dialogue on issues within FAO's mandate. Facilitate access to FAO knowledge resources and technical expertise. Promote knowledge sharing among governments, institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders.
4. Human and Financial Resource Management
Lead and manage the Subregional Office to ensure effective use of human and financial resources. Oversee staff security and safety arrangements in accordance with applicable UN and FAO policies. Promote environmental sustainability and implementation of FAO's corporate environmental policies.
5. Partnerships and Representation
Build and maintain partnerships with governments, donors, civil society organizations, academia, NGOs, UN agencies, and international institutions. Represent FAO in relevant subregional forums and engage with the African Union and UNECA. Promote FAO's policy priorities and strengthen public awareness through strategic communication. Support coordinated UN communication and collaboration across the subregion.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education
Applicants must have an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one of the following fields:
Agriculture Fishery Forestry International Relations
Higher educational qualifications must meet FAO's accreditation and recognition requirements.
Professional Experience
At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in development issues and management. Experience in resource mobilization, particularly involving international financial institutions, global funding mechanisms for agriculture and the environment, and private-sector or blended-finance approaches. Extensive managerial and professional experience in areas related to FAO's mandate. Experience in development or humanitarian work, preferably including professional experience in Africa.
Leadership and Partnership Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
Strong strategic and intellectual leadership. Proven managerial and organizational capabilities. Experience working with intergovernmental and international organizations, national governments, donors, technical partners, private-sector entities, civil society organizations, and community groups. Effective partnership development, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver results in an international environment.
Language Requirements
English: Working knowledge at Proficient level (C). One additional FAO language: Limited knowledge at Intermediate level (B) in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish.
Leadership Competencies
FAO will assess candidates on the following competencies:
Results focus Leading, engaging, and empowering others Communication Partnering and advocating Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement Strategic thinking
Salary and Benefits
FAO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Depending on eligibility, benefits may include:
Dependency allowances Rental subsidy Education grant for children Home leave travel 30 working days of annual leave per year Pension entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund International health insurance and optional life insurance Disability protection
Appointments are subject to applicable medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, security clearances, and other FAO employment conditions.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
FAO is committed to workforce diversity, inclusion, integrity, and professional conduct. Qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and underrepresented Member Nations, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
FAO does not appoint individuals as FAO Representatives in their own country or countries of nationality. All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.