FAO Job Vacancy 2026: Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa – Addis Ababa

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.

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).

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.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal.

Official Vacancy and Application Link:
https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl

Job Reference: 2602140

Applicants should:

1. Complete their online profile with accurate employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills.
2. Attach a motivation letter to their online profile.
3. Review their information and submit the application through the FAO recruitment portal.
4. Apply well before the deadline.

Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline: November 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

For application assistance, candidates can contact FAO's client support team through: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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